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Patriots vs. Bengals: Andy Borregales field goal extends lead to 26-20 late in fourth quarter

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Patriots vs. Bengals: Andy Borregales field goal extends lead to 26-20 late in fourth quarter

12 hours ago7 min read

The New England Patriots, riding a formidable nine-game winning streak that echoed their dominant 2015 campaign, ventured into Paycor Stadium to face a Cincinnati Bengals squad mired in a disappointing season, setting the stage for a classic AFC clash defined by resilience and critical errors. With quarterback Drake Maye welcoming back key weapons in Rhamondre Stevenson and Kayshon Boutte to challenge a historically porous Bengals defense, the Patriots' offensive reinforcements seemed poised for a statement performance, while Cincinnati's hopes were immediately hamstrung by the absence of superstar Ja'Marr Chase and the continued unavailability of franchise cornerstone Joe Burrow, leaving veteran Joe Flacco to helm an undermanned attack.The contest's narrative unfolded in distinct chapters: a sluggish start saw New England's offense sputter, culminating in a disastrous second-quarter interception by Maye that Geno Stone returned for a touchdown, marking the first time the Patriots had trailed by double digits since Week 3—a moment that could have shattered a lesser team's composure. Yet, demonstrating the championship mettle that has become their trademark, New England responded with breathtaking swiftness; Maye, showcasing the pocket presence and downfield vision that makes him a Rookie of the Year frontrunner, engineered a meticulous drive capped by a 28-yard laser to a wide-open Hunter Henry, immediately followed by Marcus Jones’s instinctive pick-six off a Flacco pass, a stunning 14-point swing that transformed a 10-point deficit into a 14-10 lead in a blink, a sequence reminiscent of the legendary Ty Law-led defenses of the early 2000s.The chess match continued through a tense second half, with Bengals kicker Evan McPherson drilling a monumental 63-yard field goal to close the first half, while the Patriots’ own special teams weapon, Andy Borregales, remained clutch, connecting from 41 and 45 yards to maintain a precarious lead. Cincinnati’s offense, despite Flacco’s veteran savvy and a spectacular 27-yard pass interference penalty drawn by Tee Higgins, could not consistently solve a Patriots secondary that tightened in the red zone, with Christian Gonzalez’s touchdown surrender to Mitch Tinsley standing as a rare blemish.The final frame became a masterclass in situational football from Coach Belichick’s squad; with a seven-point lead and 4:33 remaining, Maye expertly managed the clock, keying a methodical drive that featured a critical third-and-10 conversion to Stefon Diggs over the middle before ultimately setting up Borregales for the decisive 52-yard field goal that extended the lead to 26-20. This victory, their tenth straight, not only solidifies New England's position as the AFC's top seed but also signals a terrifying evolution for the league: a team that can win not just with defensive dominance, but with a rookie quarterback who can weather mistakes and deliver in high-leverage moments, making them a multifaceted nightmare for any postseason opponent.

#featured

#New England Patriots

#Cincinnati Bengals

#NFL game recap

#Drake Maye

#Andy Borregales

#Hunter Henry

#Marcus Jones

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