Patriots Vs. Bengals First Half Thoughts

As the Patriots head into halftime of their Week 6 match up with the Cincinnati Bengals with a 10-7 lead, here are some first half thoughts. 

A Hot Finish- After a slow start to the game, the Patriots offense got cooking on it's final drive of the half. While they totaled just 100 total offensive yards and three points through their first three drives, the Pats capitalized on a costly third down penalty by the Bengals to go 75 yards down the field and add a touchdown. It was the first sight of the Patriots offense everyone expected to see coming into the game and the type of output they'll need throughout the second half to pull away.

Protect The Pocket- The Patriots offense had been slowed through most of the half, mainly because of a strong four-man rush from the Cincinnati defense. While Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has done a good job of moving around in the pocket, he has been pushed off of his spot a number of time already which has thrown off his timing on pass plays. Also, because Cincy has been getting the pressure to Brady with just four men, the Bengals have been able to consistently drop seven in coverage and cover up some holes that the Pats are usually able to poke in opposing defenses. Through the first two quarters, Brady was hit five times and sacked another two times. The Pats o-line must step up in the second half and provide more support for Brady to allow the offense to continue to produce like they did on their final drive.

The James White Show- So far, one Patriots weapon playing well is third down back James White. White has compiled 52 yards from the line of scrimmage so far, including six catches for 38 yards. He was big on the Pats scoring drive at the end of the half, as well, as he hauled in three receptions for 27 yards, including the 15-yard touchdown catch.

Thin In The Middle- With backup linebacker Jonathan Freeny being placed on injured reserve yesterday and both starter Jamie Collins and backup Shea McClellin inactive today due to injuries, the Patriots entered the game thin at the linebacker position. In the absence of those players, rookie linebacker Elandon Roberts entered the day with an expanded role. The Houston product played well early on but was banged up during a goal-line stand in the second quarter. Roberts' ability to play the rest of the way could be crucial to the team's success, as his absence creates a hole in the New England defense. With him off the field, Barkevious Mingo will be forced to see an expanded role against a Bengals offense that likes to pass the ball into the flats and "dink and dunk" it's way down the field.