Not much was expected of the 2024 Patriots, while the Bengals were supposed to be contenders. But it didn’t look that way in week one.

New England went to Cincinnati and put together an impressive defensive performance in head coach Jerod Mayo’s debut, beating the favorite Bengals 16-10.

Keion White was outstanding for the Patriots, with 2.5 sacks and a defensive effort that saw Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow struggle all game. Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who skipped practice during training camp and the preseason in a failed attempt to get a new contract, looked good, but Burrow couldn’t find him downfield often enough.

Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett didn’t do much, but the Patriots didn’t ask him to do much. He simply had to manage the game and avoid turnovers. He did that well enough for the Patriots to win a game that ended with Mayo getting a Gatorade bath from his players, in honor of a surprise upset in Week 1.