New England Patriots: Five Takeaways From 43-17 Win Over Cincinnati Bengals

Oct 5, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sideline during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. New England Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 43-17. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots bounced back in a big way last night, as they went from being blown out by 27 points last week, to beating down the NFL’s last unbeaten team by 26 points.

Not bad.

Tom Brady answered his critics by putting together a game that resembled the 2011-12 Patriots offense. They moved the ball with ease, and they did whatever they wanted against one of the best defenses in the league. The Pats rallied behind Brady in this one, and I think they really wanted to get their quarterback’s back, after he took a bunch of criticism over the last week.

Of course, we can’t forget about the defense, who played a terrific game as well. They finally played some aggressive man coverage schemes, and the results were awesome.

Here are my five biggest takeaways from last night’s win.