Turnovers played a big role in the New England Patriots stunning 16-10 upset of the Cincinnati Bengals.
While the Bengals lost just two turnovers all last year via fumble, the Patriots forced them to cough up the ball twice in the victory – with both times leading to points.
Kyle Dugger basically saved a touchdown with 5:09 to play in the second quarter with the Patriots holding a 7-0 lead. Tight end Tanner Hudson caught a pass from Joe Burrow and was about to hit the goal line when Dugger caught him from behind, and punched the ball loose. Marcus Jones recovered.
Dugger said it was man-coverage, and he was initially picked on the play, and had a tough time getting through the screen. But he ultimately prevailed.
“It was one-last shot to get the ball out at the goal line,” Dugger said. “I just basically gave everything I could to get the ball out and try to strip the ball out, and I was able to have an assist thankfully.”
Dugger said plays like that are what coach Jerod Mayo stresses, punching out the ball, even on routine plays.
“So that’s definitely on the top of your mind when you’re pursuing the ball and things like that,” Dugger said. “You see it, and with the coaches emphasizing that, it allows you to see it when you get the opportunity … so it’s always on our mind.”
While Burrow had a few big plays, he was definitely limited by the Patriots aggressive defense. Burrow lost the ball once with the ball being punched out, but he was ruled down by contact.
“He had a couple big plays. But we said, ‘Look, if we win the turnover battle, we don’t give big plays, we’ll be OK,’’’ Mayo said. “Let these guys drive, and that’s what we did.”
Then in the third quarter, the special teams unit chipped in. After a Patriots punt, Joe Cardona forced returner Charlie Jones to lose the ball with Jaylinn Hawkins recovering.
Both of those turnovers led to Patriot field goals by Joey Slye, who was a perfect 3-for-3 on the afternoon. The Patriots, meanwhile, did not turn the ball over during the win. Rhamondre Stevenson lost the ball once, but recovered his own fumble.
So it was 2-0 in the Patriots favor in the turnover war, and that helped lead to victory.
