Cincinnati Bengals Preview: Week 5 at New England

Oct 6, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (42) runs the ball with New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) in pursuit in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 13-6. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

We should almost all remember last year’s rainy Sunday game against the New England Patriots at home. The Cincinnati Bengals defense shut down Tom Brady and allowed only 248 total yards, the offense did its part to put points on the board in part to a successful run game, and the Bengals came away 13-6 winners.

This time, the game is on the Patriots turf at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. It is a place Brady has had plenty of success, in fact like the Bengals, the Patriots were perfect at home in 2013. The Bengals are also 2-8 on the road against the Patriots and are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.

Luckily for most of this Cincinnati Bengals roster, they have only known success against the Patriots from last season and it comes after the Bye Week. The downside to all of this is the Bengals record on the road has been less than desirable going 3-5 last season. Foxboro is not an easy place to play but playing in October weather may play to the Bengals advantage.

Cincinnati Bengals Strengths: They have strengthened their pass defense and have proven that they can get to Brady early and often. They have also had success on the ground and Hue Jackson’s offense may push the ground game even further. I look for this to be a good balanced offensive game from Cincinnati.

New England Patriots Strengths: Tom Brady is getting older, but like Payton Manning, he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He sets the tone, if he has a good game the Patriots win and maybe easily, if he struggles against this defense, then it will be a long day for the Patriots.