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

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Head coach Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals shake hands following the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 15: James White #28 of the New England Patriots runs on his way to scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2nd Down: Set the tone early

New England started this game against the Bengals the same way they did last week against the Kansas City: with an opening drive touchdown. However, last week didn’t bode well for the Patriots when they allowed the Chiefs to come all the way back with the momentum and take the win.

Early on in Cincinnati, it seemed like this game was heading that way as well. But the offense finally figured their stuff out as the game progressed. That opening drive took three minutes plus off the clock, as it took eight plays and 75 yards to score.

It was good for the offense to start the game with points on the board after being criticized all season for the inconsistency they have demonstrated so far in 2019.

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