“How did the great Joe Burrow lose against those Patriots in Week 1?” This question by a fan captured the NFL’s collective wonder. Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals fell to the New England Patriots 10-16 in Week 1— one of the biggest season-opening upsets. After all, last season, the Patriots won just four games and made their debut under new coach Jerod Mayo.

The same Patriots team now crumbled against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets today on Thursday Night Football. It’s a plot twist worthy of M. Night Shyamalan.

Burrow, often hailed as the NFL’s golden boy, looked more like a deer in headlights against New England, which surprised many. The Patriots’ defense, led by the iron men Ja’Whaun Bentley, Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, and rookie Christian Gonzalez, held Burrow to a paltry 164 passing yards.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo couldn’t contain his pride post-game. “They came out on fire. We challenged those guys. Everyone was talking about Cincinnati’s offense and how explosive they are. And they answered the call… It was a total unit.” Mayo’s words paint a picture of a defense that didn’t just show up – they came to win.

The Patriots’ defensive masterclass wasn’t just about raw talent. It was a chess match, and Burrow found himself in checkmate. New defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington’s strategy was as cool as the other side of the pillow. He sent just four rushers on 77% of drop backs and played 60% zone coverage. It was like watching a cat toy with a mouse before the final pounce.

Fast forward to Thursday Night Football, and it’s a whole new ball game. The Jets, led by the ageless wonder Aaron Rodgers, carved up the Patriots’ defense like a Thanksgiving turkey. Rodgers, showing more zip than an energy drink commercial, completed 15 of 20 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone.

The contrast couldn’t be starker between both the games. Burrow, 27, got outplayed by Jacoby Brissett, 31. On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers, 40, made the Patriots’ defense look like a high school JV squad.

The Jets’ dominance wasn’t just about Rodgers, though. Their defense really stepped up. It’s a far cry from the days when Bill Belichick’s Patriots owned the Jets, going 37-11 against them since 2000.

The third quarter saw the Jets extend their lead and truly cement their dominance. In a play that showcased both Rodgers’ precision and the Jets’ offensive firepower, the 40-year-old quarterback connected with Garrett Wilson on an impressive 2-yard touchdown. Rodgers threaded the needle, putting the ball just high enough for Wilson to jump, make the grab, and get his feet down before going out of bounds.

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez tried to undercut the route for a pick-six, but Rodgers’ placement was impeccable. This score pushed the Jets’ lead to 21-3, leaving the Patriots in a deep hole they couldn’t climb out of. The latter lost 3-24. This defeat strengthened football fans’s notion about the Patriots not being the same anymore.

Football fans make fun of Joe Burrow for a tough loss against the Patriots!

This tale of two games serves as a stark reminder of the NFL’s unpredictability. One week you’re Joe Cool, the next you’re Joe Who? As for the Jets and Patriots, their rivalry has entered a new chapter. And if Thursday night was any indication, it’s the Jets who are now writing the story.

In the end, these early-season twists remind us why we love the NFL. It’s a league where the impossible becomes possible, where underdogs can become top dogs overnight, and where even the mightiest can fall. And fans forget none of it!

Fans couldn’t believe their eyes when the Patriots defeated the Bengals. “This Patriots defense shut down Joe Burrow,” wrote an X user.

The Patriots winning against the Bengals— Super Bowl contenders— didn’t sit well with many fans. People are used to watching Burrow dominate. After all, he and Tom Brady are the only QBs to have defeated Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.

In fact, this loss was one of the biggest Week 1 upsets since 2018— the Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints as a 10-point underdog.

• “How did Bengals offense struggle vs this Patriots defense again? Sheeeesh.”
• “Patriots held Joe Burrow to 10 in week 1.”

Bengals coach Zac Taylor was also frustrated by the mistakes his team made like missing tackles and two turnovers.

On the other hand, some fans cautioned others. “Week 1 don’t get too hyped,” reminded one X user. Well, we can only wait and see what these teams do next.

These sentiments capture the disbelief and frustration of both Patriots and Bengals fans. What do you think?