New England Patriots 4 Downs Preview: Week 15 @ Cincinnati Bengals

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 08: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

2nd Down: Set the tone early

New England quickly had the momentum on their side last week when they scored an opening drive touchdown against the Chiefs. Ultimately it wasn’t enough though, as Kansas City then rattled off several unanswered scoring drives to seize momentum. The Patriots mounted a spirited comeback against Kansas City but fell just short at the end of the game.

The fast start and quick touchdown to open the game against the Chiefs was decidedly a step in the right direction. It can be soul-crushing for the Bengals if the Patriots come out Sunday afternoon guns blazing and start putting points on the board. They need to set the tone early, find a formula that works, and keep going with that.

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