Can the Bengals Find Answers for the Patriots?

Oct 5, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals strong safety George Iloka (43) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals defense continue to struggle to find any answer for the Patriots offense. The Bengals offense almost had an answer for the first drive but a missed field goal deflated any chance the Bengals have had to get on the board. They got a late field goal in the second quarter but two field goals by the Patriots have put the Bengals behind 20-3 after one half.

The Bengals defense gave up 2 huge first quarter touchdowns that has put this Bengals offense in a position it had not been in since week 1. They find themselves playing from behind and with little answer to the Patriots play calling. The only thing the holding the Patriots back from being up more is, the penalties. Rob Gronkowski received a personal foul for extra curricular activities and then chop block by the Patriots line. The Bengals defense didn’t to get to Tom Brady until the second quarter.

The offense looked good in their first series but they have yet to do anything since. AJ Green has been smothered by Darrelle Revis. The Patriots have been killing themselves by penalties with 8 penalties for 84 yards and 3 personal fouls, 2 for unnecessary roughness after the play. The Bengals offense did eventually get on the board with a Mike Nugent field goal, but since a perfect pass dropped by Jermaine Gresham led to only three points, it should be little celebration. AJ Green coughed up the football on their own 25 yard line and proved that he has been of no use to the Bengals offense in this game so far. The Bengals mistakes have been their Achilles heel so far in this game and they can not afford any more.

The Bengals will have to look for answers in the second half if they have any chance to get back in this game and win. They should be no stranger to though to being down going into the second half, on Halloween last year. The Bengals trailed as much as 14 points against the Dolphins before tying the game and taking it into overtime. Can the Bengals figure out how to stop the Patriots in the second half?