The Jerrod Mayo era kicked off in the best possible way on Sunday, with the New England Patriots stunning the Cincinnati Bengals 16-10.
The Patriots defense hit Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow three times, holding the team to 224 total yards and forcing two fumbles.
Cincinnati only had the ball for a total of 25 minutes on offense.
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New England Patriots head coach Jerrod Mayo leaves the field after a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Custer)
New England's Jaylin Hawkins and Marcus Jones each recovered a Cincinnati fumble.
“Winning is a big thing as a coach, but it's not just for me, it's for the players,” Mayo said. Team website“I can't say enough great things about the players.”
Mayo presented the game ball to Patriots team owner Robert Kraft after taking over as head coach from the legendary Bill Belichick and earning his first career win.
“I'm so proud of our new players, our new coaching staff. Everybody was making excuses that it couldn't happen,” Kraft said, “but they made it happen and I was 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, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
At the start of the season, Jacoby Brissett was named the Patriots' starting quarterback. He completed 15 of 24 passes for 121 yards and was sacked just once.
The Patriots' lone touchdown came from running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who scored early in the second quarter to cap off a 14-play, 80-yard drive in which he ran for 120 yards.
Burrow completed 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards but failed to cross the goal line. Ja'Marr Chase, who is seeking a new contract, had six catches for 62 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs away from New England Patriots linebacker Jawaan Bentley (8) during the second half of a game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Custer)
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New Bengals running back Zack Moss ran for 44 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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