The Jerod Mayo era started on a high note Sunday as the New England Patriots stunned the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-10.
The Patriots' defense targeted Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow three times, limited the team to 224 total yards and forced two fumbles.
Cincinnati was limited to just 25 minutes of total possession on offense.
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New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo walks off the field after a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
New England's Jaylinn Hawkins and Marcus Jones each recovered a Cincinnati fumble.
“Winning as a coach is a big deal, but not because of what it means to me, but because of what it means to the players,” Mayo said via the team's website. “I don't have words to describe the players.”
Patriots owner Robert Kraft handed Mayo the game ball. Mayo replaced legendary Bill Belichick as head coach and earned his first career win.
“I'm very proud of the new players and the new coaches. People had every excuse to say it couldn't happen,” Kraft said. “But you all made it happen and now I'm spoiled.”
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New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) scores on a 3-yard touchdown run during the first half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Jacoby Brissett was named the Patriots' starting quarterback at the start of the season. He threw for 121 yards on 15-of-24 passing. He was sacked only once.
The Patriots' only touchdown came from Rhamondre Stevenson. The running back scored early in the second quarter to cap a 14-play, 80-yard drive. Stevenson ran for 120 yards.
Burrow completed 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards but failed to get the ball across the goal line. Ja'Marr Chase, who is seeking a new contract, had six receptions for 62 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs away from New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (8) during the second half of a game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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New Bengals running back Zack Moss rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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