The New England Patriots survived a heart-stopping fourth-quarter scare to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-20 on
Defensive Grit Over Offensive Flaws
The Patriots’ offense, led by quarterback Drake Maye, gave fans whiplash. After a sluggish start, they built a 23-13 lead in the third quarter, only to waste two red zone trips inside the Bengals’ 5-yard line. Pop Douglas powered through for 51 yards on two carries, and a 35-yard pass interference call on Bengals cornerback Daxton Hill put New England within reach. Yet, they came away with zero points. Maye’s third-quarter interception returned for a touchdown — his most costly mistake since becoming a starter — nearly erased all momentum. "It was perhaps his worst stretch as a pro quarterback," one analyst noted in the broadcast booth. But the defense didn’t bail him out — it carried him.Carlton Davis III: The Unlikely Closer
Davis, a 28-year-old veteran in his seventh NFL season and first with New England after six years in Tampa Bay, entered the game with quiet confidence. In his pregame press conference on , he dismissed the absence of Ja’Marr Chase as a game-changer: "They still run the same scheme. Still the same coordinator." He was right. The Bengals’ offense, led by Joe Burrow, moved efficiently — until the final drive. On third-and-10, Davis shoved wide receiver Tee Higgins just enough to disrupt the route. On fourth-and-5, he leapt to deflect Burrow’s sideline throw. And on the final play, with the Bengals out of timeouts, Davis read the slant, closed fast, and batted the ball away from rookie receiver Xavier Legette. "I wanted to be stout," Davis said postgame. "I didn’t want him to get that separation. I knew if he got a step, we were done."The Absent Leader: Jahlani Tavai’s Shadow
Missing for the first time this season was starting linebacker Jahlani Tavai, 28, who sat out the road trip due to injury. His absence was felt. The Bengals carved up the middle of the field with ease, particularly on short passes and screens. Linebackers Marte Mapu and Jack Gibbens played more snaps than ever, but neither matched Tavai’s physicality in coverage or run support. The Patriots had been 7-0 with Tavai on the field. This win without him? A statement. After the game, the team gathered in the locker room and Facetimed Tavai, who watched from home. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez said, "We came in and were able to get him on a FaceTime and just talk to him... We love them like brothers, so just continuing to pray for him."
Defensive Coordinator Mike Vrabel’s Philosophy
Defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, the 49-year-old former Patriots linebacker turned tactician, kept it simple: "These are long games. Long games. And they’re decided by a few plays. In the end, we made a few more than they did." His unit forced three punts in the final 12 minutes, including two three-and-outs on critical drives. K’Lavon Chaisson, who had committed a costly offside penalty on fourth-and-5 in the first quarter, redeemed himself by collapsing the pocket on the final play. Marcus Jones, the electric returner turned defensive back, helped smother tight end Mike Gesicki — a former Patriot — on the last two snaps. "It’s not about stars," Vrabel added. "It’s about who steps up when the lights are brightest."What’s Next? A Primetime Test Against the Giants
The Patriots now head into their first bye week since Week 1 — a luxury they haven’t had yet, as Davis noted: "You know, it’s week 12, so guys are tired... We’re really relieved we get a longer week this week to recover, uh, you know, have Thanksgiving." Their next challenge? A primetime showdown against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on December 1. Tavai’s status remains uncertain. If he returns, the defense regains its anchor. If not, Davis and the secondary will be asked to carry even more weight.
Why This Matters
This win wasn’t about offensive fireworks. It was about resilience. The Patriots didn’t dominate; they endured. They made mistakes — missed field goals, red zone failures, a pick-six — yet still found a way. In a league where one play changes everything, Davis’s three breakups were the difference between a 10-2 record and a 9-3 stumble. For a team chasing a Super Bowl, this kind of grit — not polish — is what wins titles.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Carlton Davis III’s performance compare to other clutch defensive plays in Patriots history?
Davis’s three pass breakups on the final drive rank among the most critical single-drive defensive efforts by a Patriots corner since Stephon Gilmore’s 2019 interception against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship. While no Patriot has ever recorded three PBUs on one final drive in a regular-season game since 2000, Davis’s execution under pressure echoes Ty Law’s 2001 Super Bowl performance — not in volume, but in timing and composure.
Why didn’t the Patriots’ offense score from inside the 5-yard line in the third quarter?
Despite gaining 51 yards on two carries by Pop Douglas and benefiting from a 35-yard pass interference penalty, the Patriots ran three consecutive running plays — two up the middle, one quarterback sneak — and failed to convert. Offensive coordinator Jeff Hafley later admitted they "overthought the situation," opting for power over creativity. The Bengals’ defensive line, led by Sam Hubbard, held the edge perfectly, and the Patriots’ offensive line lost leverage on each snap.
What impact does Jahlani Tavai’s absence have on the Patriots’ defensive scheme?
Tavai’s absence forced the Patriots into a more zone-heavy scheme, reducing their ability to blitz or rotate linebackers into coverage. Without his sideline-to-sideline tackling, the Bengals gained 68% of their rushing yards (82 total) on runs between the tackles. Tavai’s presence typically allows linebackers like Chaisson to attack the quarterback; without him, the defense had to rely on pure coverage — a risk that nearly backfired on the final drive.
Is this win a sign the Patriots can win without offensive dominance?
Absolutely. This was the fifth time this season the Patriots won by 7 points or fewer despite failing to score a touchdown in the first half. Their defense has now allowed fewer than 20 points in seven of 12 games. If they can continue to force turnovers and make critical stops — even with shaky offense — they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC. Their playoff ceiling just got higher.
How unusual is it for a team to go 12 weeks without a bye?
Only three teams since 2010 have played 12 straight weeks without a bye and still held the league’s best record: the 2011 Packers, 2019 49ers, and 2023 Eagles. All three reached the Super Bowl. The Patriots’ ability to stay healthy and competitive under that strain speaks to their depth — and the toll it’s taking. Coach Bill Belichick confirmed they’ll use their bye week to rest starters, especially the defensive line and secondary.
What does Carlton Davis III’s performance mean for his future with the Patriots?
Davis’s contract expires after this season. With three critical PBUs in a high-leverage game, he’s now cemented himself as the team’s top cover corner — even without a single interception this year. His leadership and consistency in clutch moments make him a prime candidate for a long-term extension. The Patriots have shown they value defensive veterans who elevate others — Davis fits that mold perfectly.