New England Patriots: Four Players To Watch Against Cincinnati Bengals

Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) before their game against the Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chandler Jones

Jones has been great in the passing game thus far, but he got utterly destroyed in the run game against the Chiefs. Kansas City repeatedly loaded up on his side, and gained 10 or 15 yards every time. Jones struggled to set the edge, which was the chief reason (no pun intended) why Kansas City did so well.

If Jones fails to set the edge against Cincinnati, Giovani Bernard is going to tear them to pieces. Bernard has exploded onto the scene this year, and it is obvious that he excels when given the edge. If Bernard gets going early, this game will be over in a hurry.

The Bengals’ passing game isn’t extremely dangerous, but they feed off of the explosive play, which means Andy Dalton likes to hold onto the ball, so he can target A.J. Green deep. Jones has definitely improved his pass rushing skills over the offseason, so look for him to get a few sacks on Dalton if the Bengals decide to dial up a few deep bombs.