As the biggest underdog in the NFL’s opening-week slate, the Patriots win over the Bengals in a 16-10 victory at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 8. After this game, many emotions that came from the Patriots were easily visible from the television broadcast and social media posts that surfaced after the game. This game was very special for the team, especially Jacoby Brissett because it was his first game as a starter QB.

After hours of hiding his emotion on the field, he mentioned he “cried 3 times” when he came to the stadium. And then mentioned, “Mayo came up to me… before the game and he like started laughing and he’s like, ‘Man, you’re about to win us this game. You’re about to b— out.” He further said that no coach has ever said this to him before.

Well, Jacoby Brissett completed 15 of 24 passes for 121 yards, with a QBR of 51.3. He helped his team by running for three first downs, but New England will need to improve their passing game to keep winning, especially by using more play-action plays based on their strong running game.

After Brissett, the game was lead-back by Rhamondre Stevenson. He ran for a game-high 120 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 attempts. Stevenson had four runs of over 10 yards and sealed the game with 26 rushing yards on the Patriots’ last drive. Stevenson’s wonderful rushing style could be seen when he went around to either find open gaps to get through the line of scrimmage or elude defenders in the backfield.

They are skilled athletes and proudly show it on the field. But the credit for the win also goes to HC Mayo and his planning. And it should be appreciated as it is his first year as a head coach.  

Just like Jacoby Brissett it’s Mayo’s 1st win as Patriots coach

Mayo and the Patriots have a great history. He was a first-round draft pick in 2008 and was selected by the Patriots out of Tennessee. According to the Patriots’ website, he played for 103 games with recorded 905 tackles. After spending his entire NFL career with the team, he unexpectedly announced his retirement in 2016. Mayo later re-joined the Patriots as an inside linebackers coach in 2019. And on January 17, 2024, he was announced head coach of the Patriots.

Ever since Jacoby Brissett re-joined the Patriots in 2024, HC Mayo has had faith in him. He also appreciated the QB after the game saying. “It was great. He made plays with his legs. He made plays with his arm and he just played a — he’s a tough guy. I’m telling you, he took some hits in the game.” He told the QB to do everything to support the team in grabbing a victory.

The duo has made this game a wonderful start not only to the season but also in their first leading positions. And we hope to see more performances like this.