New england patriots vs bengals match player stats
The new england patriots vs bengals match player stats from November 23, 2025, tell the story of a competitive 26-20 Patriots victory at Paycor Stadium. New England finished with 392 total yards, while Cincinnati produced 307. The Patriots were more efficient through the air, while the Bengals generated more rushing yards. The difference came from several important areas, including New England’s passing production, four successful field goals, and a defensive interception returned for a touchdown.
The game was played in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL regular season. New England entered the matchup at 9-2 and improved to 10-2 with the victory. Cincinnati fell to 3-8. The final score was confirmed by the NFL’s official game information, which also records New England’s 17-point second quarter as the game’s biggest scoring period. NFL official game center
For readers studying the box score, this matchup is useful because the final score does not fully explain how the game developed. Cincinnati actually averaged more yards per rushing attempt and gained 120 rushing yards compared with New England’s 107. Yet the Patriots created more total offense, produced 285 net passing yards, and converted their scoring chances through the kicking game.
This detailed breakdown examines the major player performances, team statistics, scoring patterns, defensive contributions, and the numbers that mattered most.
Game Overview and Final Score
The Patriots defeated the Bengals 26-20 on November 23, 2025.
New England’s scoring came in every quarter except the first. Cincinnati scored in each quarter except the third.
| Quarter | New England Patriots | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Q1 | 0 | 3 |
| Q2 | 17 | 10 |
| Q3 | 3 | 0 |
| Q4 | 6 | 7 |
| Final | 26 | 20 |
The scoring pattern immediately shows why this game remained close.
Cincinnati opened with a 3-0 advantage in the first quarter. New England then produced 17 points in the second quarter, taking control before halftime.
The Bengals answered with 10 points in the second period, so the Patriots held only a 17-13 halftime advantage.
New England added three points in the third quarter while Cincinnati was held scoreless. That gave the Patriots a 20-13 lead entering the fourth.
Cincinnati scored seven points in the final quarter, but New England added six more to protect the victory.
The six-point final margin is important when examining the individual statistics. Neither offense dominated from start to finish. Instead, New England accumulated enough passing production and scoring efficiency to maintain the lead.
New England Patriots Passing Statistics
Drake Maye was the central figure in New England’s passing game.
He completed 22 of 35 attempts for 294 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. He threw one touchdown and one interception.
His passing line was:
| Statistic | Drake Maye |
| Completions | 22 |
| Attempts | 35 |
| Completion Percentage | 62.9% |
| Passing Yards | 294 |
| Average | 8.4 yards |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 9 |
| QBR | 63.6 |
| Passer Rating | 87.1 |
Maye’s 294 passing yards were particularly important because New England’s rushing attack produced only 107 yards.
The Patriots therefore relied heavily on the passing game to move the football.
His 22 completions generated enough consistent yardage to keep the offense productive despite the Bengals recording an interception of their own.
The 8.4-yard average is another useful number. It shows that New England was not simply accumulating short completions. The Patriots produced meaningful yardage per passing attempt.
Maye was also sacked once for nine yards. That limited the damage compared with a game where repeated sacks create long-yardage situations and reduce offensive efficiency.
At the same time, the interception prevented the performance from being completely clean. The Bengals returned their interception for a touchdown, meaning the turnover had a direct impact on the scoreboard.
That is an important lesson when reading quarterback statistics. Passing yards provide one measure of production, but turnovers can have a much larger effect on the final result.
Drake Maye’s Impact on the Game
Maye’s performance combined strong yardage production with one costly mistake.
The 294 passing yards represented the largest single source of New England’s offensive yardage. The Patriots finished with 392 total yards, meaning passing accounted for the overwhelming majority of their offensive production.
The numbers also show that New England did not need a huge rushing performance to win.
The Patriots averaged only 3.5 yards per rushing attempt. Their passing attack compensated for that lower rushing average.
Maye completed 22 passes, and the Patriots’ receiving group converted those completions into 294 yards. That connection between quarterback and receivers was one of the clearest statistical reasons New England finished with 392 total yards.
However, the Bengals defense did generate one interception. Geno Stone’s interception was returned 32 yards for a touchdown.
That play directly reduced the value of some of New England’s offensive production because the Bengals converted the turnover into seven points.
Cincinnati Bengals Passing Statistics
Cincinnati used Joe Flacco as its primary passer, with Jake Browning also completing one pass.
Flacco finished 19 of 37 for 183 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
His statistical line was:
| Statistic | Joe Flacco |
| Completions | 19 |
| Attempts | 37 |
| Completion Percentage | 51.4% |
| Passing Yards | 183 |
| Average | 4.9 yards |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 10 |
| QBR | 26.3 |
| Passer Rating | 63.2 |
Flacco’s 183 passing yards were significantly below Maye’s 294.
The difference in passing production was one of the biggest statistical gaps in the game.
Cincinnati attempted 37 passes, two more than New England. Yet the Bengals produced substantially fewer passing yards.
That resulted in a much lower 4.9-yard average compared with New England’s 8.4-yard average.
Jake Browning completed his only attempt for 14 yards. He recorded no touchdown and no interception on that attempt.
When both Cincinnati passers are considered together, the Bengals completed 20 of 38 attempts for 197 gross passing yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Passing Efficiency Comparison
The passing numbers provide a clear contrast.
| Passing Category | Patriots | Bengals |
| Attempts | 35 | 38 |
| Completions | 22 | 20 |
| Completion Rate | 62.9% | 52.6% |
| Gross Passing Yards | 294 | 197 |
| Average Per Attempt | 8.4 | 5.2 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks | 1 | 1 |
| Sack Yards | 9 | 10 |
The Bengals attempted three more passes, but New England gained 97 more gross passing yards.
That difference is substantial.
New England also finished with 285 net passing yards after accounting for its nine sack yards. Cincinnati had 187 net passing yards after losing 10 yards on its one sack.
The Patriots therefore gained 98 more net passing yards.
This was one of the strongest statistical differences in the matchup.
New England Patriots Rushing Statistics
New England’s rushing game produced 107 yards on 31 attempts.
That resulted in a 3.5-yard average.
| Statistic | Patriots |
| Rushing Attempts | 31 |
| Rushing Yards | 107 |
| Average | 3.5 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 |
| Longest Run | 14 yards |
TreVeyon Henderson led the Patriots in rushing.
He carried the ball 18 times for 66 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. His longest run was nine yards.
| Statistic | TreVeyon Henderson |
| Carries | 18 |
| Rushing Yards | 66 |
| Average | 3.7 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Run | 9 yards |
Henderson accounted for a large share of the Patriots’ rushing workload.
His 18 carries represented more than half of New England’s 31 rushing attempts. That workload shows the Patriots continued to use the ground game even though it was not their most efficient source of yardage.
The important point is that New England did not abandon rushing entirely. Instead, the offense balanced a modest rushing output with a much stronger passing attack.
Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Statistics
Cincinnati had the better rushing numbers in the matchup.
The Bengals carried 23 times for 120 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per attempt.
| Statistic | Bengals |
| Rushing Attempts | 23 |
| Rushing Yards | 120 |
| Average | 5.2 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 |
| Longest Run | 21 yards |
Chase Brown was the leading Cincinnati rusher.
He carried 19 times for 107 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 21 yards.
| Statistic | Chase Brown |
| Carries | 19 |
| Rushing Yards | 107 |
| Average | 5.6 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Run | 21 yards |
Brown’s 107 rushing yards were almost equal to New England’s entire team rushing total of 107 yards.
That makes his performance one of the clearest individual statistical highlights for Cincinnati.
The Bengals also averaged 1.7 yards more per rushing attempt than the Patriots.
However, the rushing advantage did not translate into a victory.
Rushing Comparison
The rushing comparison demonstrates why a single statistical category cannot determine the outcome of an NFL game.
| Rushing Category | Patriots | Bengals |
| Attempts | 31 | 23 |
| Yards | 107 | 120 |
| Average | 3.5 | 5.2 |
| Touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Longest | 14 | 21 |
Cincinnati gained 13 more rushing yards despite running the ball eight fewer times.
The Bengals also averaged significantly more per carry.
Yet New England gained 98 more net passing yards.
When the rushing and passing numbers are combined, the Patriots finished with 392 total yards compared with Cincinnati’s 307.
That 85-yard difference in total offense helps explain how New England won despite losing the rushing comparison.
New England Patriots Receiving Statistics
Hunter Henry was New England’s leading receiver.
He caught seven passes for 115 yards and one touchdown on 10 targets.
His average was 16.4 yards per reception, with a longest catch of 28 yards.
| Statistic | Hunter Henry |
| Receptions | 7 |
| Targets | 10 |
| Receiving Yards | 115 |
| Average | 16.4 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Longest Reception | 28 yards |
Henry’s performance was particularly important because he provided both volume and efficiency.
Seven receptions gave him a significant role in the passing attack, while 115 yards made him New England’s leading receiving contributor.
His 16.4-yard average also shows that his production was not limited to short completions.
The Patriots finished with 22 receptions for 294 yards, an average of 13.4 yards per reception.
They targeted their receivers 33 times.
The one passing touchdown went to Henry, making his contribution directly relevant to the scoreboard as well as the yardage totals.
Cincinnati Bengals Receiving Statistics
Andrei Iosivas led Cincinnati in receiving production.
He caught four passes for 61 yards on seven targets.
His average was 15.3 yards per reception, and his longest catch went for 19 yards.
| Statistic | Andrei Iosivas |
| Receptions | 4 |
| Targets | 7 |
| Receiving Yards | 61 |
| Average | 15.3 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Reception | 19 yards |
Cincinnati’s receiving group finished with 20 receptions for 197 yards.
The Bengals averaged 9.9 yards per reception and recorded one receiving touchdown.
They also had 34 total targets, one more than New England.
That comparison is interesting because Cincinnati generated more target volume but less receiving yardage.
New England’s 22 receptions produced 294 yards, while Cincinnati’s 20 receptions produced 197.
The difference in yardage per reception was significant.
Receiving Comparison
| Receiving Category | Patriots | Bengals |
| Receptions | 22 | 20 |
| Targets | 33 | 34 |
| Receiving Yards | 294 | 197 |
| Average | 13.4 | 9.9 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Longest Reception | 37 | 19 |
New England’s longest reception went for 37 yards, while Cincinnati’s longest was 19.
That gap illustrates the difference in explosive passing production.
The Patriots created more yards from their completed passes and generated larger individual gains.
Hunter Henry’s 115 receiving yards were also nearly twice Iosivas’ 61 yards.
For anyone reviewing the receiving numbers, the most important takeaway is not simply the number of catches. It is the combination of targets, receptions, average gain, and explosive plays.
Defensive Player Statistics
Defense played a major role in the final result.
New England recorded 62 total tackles, including 34 solo tackles. The Patriots also registered one sack, one tackle for loss, five pass defenses, and six quarterback hits.
Carlton Davis III led New England with eight tackles, including four solo tackles.
| Patriots Defensive Category | Statistic |
| Total Tackles | 62 |
| Solo Tackles | 34 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Tackles for Loss | 1 |
| Pass Defenses | 5 |
| QB Hits | 6 |
| Defensive TDs | 1 |
| Top Tackler | Carlton Davis III, 8 |
The most significant defensive play came from Marcus Jones.
Jones recorded one interception and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.
That defensive touchdown was especially valuable because it helped offset the Bengals’ interception return touchdown.
Cincinnati also recorded one defensive touchdown through Geno Stone, who returned his interception 32 yards.
That means each team had a defensive touchdown.
Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Statistics
Cincinnati recorded 81 total tackles, including 33 solo tackles.
The Bengals had one sack, three tackles for loss, five pass defenses, and three quarterback hits.
Barrett Carter led the team with 16 tackles and eight solo tackles.
| Bengals Defensive Category | Statistic |
| Total Tackles | 81 |
| Solo Tackles | 33 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Tackles for Loss | 3 |
| Pass Defenses | 5 |
| QB Hits | 3 |
| Defensive TDs | 1 |
| Top Tackler | Barrett Carter, 16 |
Carter’s 16 tackles were the highest individual tackle total listed for either team.
The Bengals also produced three tackles for loss compared with one by New England.
That shows Cincinnati’s defense was active around the line of scrimmage.
However, the Patriots generated more total offense and produced better passing efficiency.
The Two Defensive Touchdowns
One of the unusual features of the game was that both teams scored defensive touchdowns.
New England’s Marcus Jones intercepted a pass and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.
Cincinnati’s Geno Stone intercepted a pass and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown.
The return yardage was nearly identical.
| Defensive Player | Team | Interceptions | Return Yards | TD |
| Marcus Jones | Patriots | 1 | 33 | 1 |
| Geno Stone | Bengals | 1 | 32 | 1 |
This creates an important context for the quarterback statistics.
Both starting quarterbacks threw one interception, and each interception became a defensive touchdown.
Therefore, neither turnover was merely a routine change of possession.
Each had a direct seven-point impact on the game.
Kicking Performance
New England’s kicking game was perfect.
Andy Borregales converted all four of his field-goal attempts.
He also made both extra-point attempts.
His longest successful field goal was 52 yards, and he finished with 14 points.
| Statistic | Andy Borregales |
| Field Goals | 4/4 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 100% |
| Longest Field Goal | 52 yards |
| Extra Points | 2/2 |
| Total Points | 14 |
Those 14 points represented more than half of New England’s 26 points.
That makes Borregales one of the most important statistical contributors in the final score.
Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson also converted every attempt.
He made two field goals and two extra points.
His longest field goal was 63 yards, and he finished with eight points.
| Statistic | Evan McPherson |
| Field Goals | 2/2 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 100% |
| Longest Field Goal | 63 yards |
| Extra Points | 2/2 |
| Total Points | 8 |
Both kickers were perfect, but New England attempted four field goals compared with Cincinnati’s two.
That difference created six additional points for the Patriots from field goals alone.
Punting and Field Position
Bryce Baringer handled New England’s punting duties.
He recorded two punts for 98 yards, averaging 49.0 yards per punt.
One punt finished inside the 20-yard line, and his longest punt traveled 53 yards.
Cincinnati’s Ryan Rehkow punted five times for 227 yards.
He averaged 45.4 yards per punt and placed three punts inside the 20-yard line.
His longest punt was 60 yards.
| Punting Category | Patriots | Bengals |
| Punts | 2 | 5 |
| Punt Yards | 98 | 227 |
| Average | 49.0 | 45.4 |
| Inside 20 | 1 | 3 |
| Longest | 53 | 60 |
The number of punts also provides some insight into the offensive flow.
Cincinnati punted five times, more than twice as often as New England.
The Patriots punted only twice.
That does not automatically mean every New England possession was successful, but it shows the Patriots produced more sustained offensive efficiency overall.
Kick Return Statistics
New England recorded four kickoff returns for 106 yards.
The Patriots averaged 26.5 yards per return, with a longest return of 36 yards.
Cincinnati recorded five kickoff returns for 116 yards.
The Bengals averaged 23.2 yards per return, with a longest return of 26 yards.
| Kick Return Category | Patriots | Bengals |
| Returns | 4 | 5 |
| Return Yards | 106 | 116 |
| Average | 26.5 | 23.2 |
| Longest | 36 | 26 |
| Touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
New England had the better average return despite Cincinnati accumulating more total return yards.
Marcus Jones also handled New England’s punt return work, recording one punt return for zero yards.
Charlie Jones returned two Cincinnati punts for 14 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per return.
Total Offensive Comparison
The overall offensive numbers provide the clearest picture of the game.
| Offensive Category | Patriots | Bengals |
| Total Yards | 392 | 307 |
| Offensive Plays | 67 | 62 |
| Yards Per Play | 5.9 | 5.0 |
| Rushing Yards | 107 | 120 |
| Passing Yards, Net | 285 | 187 |
| First Downs | 21 | 20 |
| Third Down | 5/13 | 3/13 |
| Fourth Down | 0/1 | 2/3 |
| Time of Possession | 33:14 | 26:46 |
New England produced 85 more total yards.
The Patriots also ran five more offensive plays.
More importantly, they averaged 5.9 yards per offensive play compared with Cincinnati’s 5.0.
The first-down margin was close, with New England holding a 21-20 advantage.
Third-down efficiency showed a larger difference.
The Patriots converted five of 13 third downs, while Cincinnati converted only three of 13.
New England also controlled possession for 33 minutes and 14 seconds.
Cincinnati had the ball for 26 minutes and 46 seconds.
That possession difference gave the Patriots additional opportunities to control the game.
Why the Passing Difference Mattered
The most important statistical gap was not rushing.
It was passing.
Cincinnati rushed for 120 yards compared with 107 by New England.
But the Patriots gained 285 net passing yards compared with Cincinnati’s 187.
That created a 98-yard advantage through the air.
The Patriots also produced 392 total yards compared with 307 for the Bengals.
This is a useful example of how an NFL team can lose a statistical category and still win the overall offensive battle.
Cincinnati’s rushing attack was more efficient.
However, New England’s passing attack generated more yardage and more explosive gains.
The Patriots also had more total offensive plays and more time of possession.
Red Zone Efficiency
The red-zone numbers add another important layer to the analysis.
New England went 0-for-2 in the red zone.
Cincinnati went 1-for-1.
At first glance, that might suggest Cincinnati was more efficient near the goal line.
That is true based on the supplied statistics.
However, New England still scored 26 points.
The Patriots compensated with four field goals and a defensive touchdown.
This is a key reason the kicking and defensive statistics matter when evaluating the final result.
A team does not need to convert every red-zone opportunity into a touchdown if it can consistently turn other scoring opportunities into points.
Turnovers and Ball Security
Neither team recorded a fumble.
Both teams finished with zero fumbles and zero fumbles lost.
Each team recorded one interception on defense.
Therefore, the turnover numbers were balanced.
| Turnover Category | Patriots | Bengals |
| Interceptions Thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions Made | 1 | 1 |
| Fumbles | 0 | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 0 |
| Defensive TDs | 1 | 1 |
The important distinction was not the number of turnovers.
It was how the game absorbed those turnovers.
Both interceptions were returned for touchdowns.
That made the turnover exchange almost perfectly symmetrical from a scoring perspective.
The Patriots therefore needed to win the game through other areas, particularly offensive yardage and field-goal production.
What the Player Stats Reveal
The individual numbers reveal several important patterns.
Drake Maye provided the passing advantage
Maye threw for 294 yards compared with 183 for Flacco.
That 111-yard difference between the primary quarterbacks was substantial.
His 8.4-yard average also exceeded Cincinnati’s 4.9-yard average with Flacco.
TreVeyon Henderson handled the Patriots’ rushing workload
Henderson recorded 18 carries for 66 yards.
He did not score a rushing touchdown, but his workload helped keep the Patriots’ offense balanced.
Chase Brown was Cincinnati’s leading ground threat
Brown rushed 19 times for 107 yards.
His 5.6-yard average was one of the best efficiency figures among the featured offensive players.
Hunter Henry was the leading receiver
Henry caught seven passes for 115 yards and one touchdown.
His production gave Maye a dependable high-volume target.
Marcus Jones changed the defensive scoring picture
Jones’ 33-yard interception return produced a touchdown.
That score became especially important because Cincinnati also had a defensive touchdown.
Andy Borregales delivered 14 points
Borregales converted four field goals and two extra points.
His 14 points were critical in a six-point victory.
A Closer Look at the Game’s Statistical Balance
The final score can make the matchup appear relatively even, and several statistics support that view.
Cincinnati had more rushing yards.
The Bengals had more defensive tackles.
Cincinnati also converted two of three fourth-down attempts, while New England converted zero of one.
The Bengals even produced a slightly higher number of tackles for loss.
Yet New England controlled several high-value areas.
The Patriots had:
- 392 total yards
- 285 net passing yards
- 21 first downs
- 5-of-13 third-down conversion
- 33:14 time of possession
- Four successful field goals
- One defensive touchdown
- 14 points from the kicker
Cincinnati had:
- 307 total yards
- 187 net passing yards
- 20 first downs
- 3-of-13 third-down conversion
- 26:46 time of possession
- Two successful field goals
- One defensive touchdown
- 120 rushing yards
The difference was therefore not one overwhelming statistical category.
It was the combination of several smaller advantages.
What Fans Should Look for in This Box Score
Readers often focus on the final score and the quarterback line.
That is useful, but this game rewards a deeper review.
First, compare total offense.
New England produced 392 yards, 85 more than Cincinnati.
Next, separate rushing and passing.
The Bengals won the rushing battle by 13 yards, but the Patriots won the net passing battle by 98 yards.
Then examine scoring efficiency.
New England’s kicker made four field goals, while Cincinnati made two.
Finally, check defensive scoring.
Both teams returned interceptions for touchdowns.
Taken together, these categories explain why the Patriots could win despite Cincinnati having several positive statistical results.
Key Numbers From the Matchup
Here are the most important figures from the game:
- Final score: Patriots 26, Bengals 20
- New England record after the game: 10-2
- Cincinnati record after the game: 3-8
- New England total offense: 392 yards
- Cincinnati total offense: 307 yards
- New England rushing: 107 yards
- Cincinnati rushing: 120 yards
- New England net passing: 285 yards
- Cincinnati net passing: 187 yards
- Drake Maye: 22 completions, 294 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Joe Flacco: 19 completions, 183 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- TreVeyon Henderson: 18 carries, 66 yards
- Chase Brown: 19 carries, 107 yards
- Hunter Henry: 7 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD
- Andrei Iosivas: 4 receptions, 61 yards
- Marcus Jones: 1 interception, 33 return yards, 1 TD
- Geno Stone: 1 interception, 32 return yards, 1 TD
- Andy Borregales: 4-of-4 field goals, 14 points
- Evan McPherson: 2-of-2 field goals, 8 points
- New England time of possession: 33:14
- Cincinnati time of possession: 26:46
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Patriots and Bengals?
The New England Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 26-20 on November 23, 2025.
How many passing yards did Drake Maye have?
Drake Maye completed 22 of 35 passes for 294 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Who was the leading rusher for the Bengals?
Chase Brown led Cincinnati with 19 carries for 107 yards. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had a 21-yard long run.
Who led the Patriots in receiving?
Hunter Henry led New England with seven receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown. He was targeted 10 times.
Who scored the defensive touchdowns?
Marcus Jones scored for New England on a 33-yard interception return. Geno Stone scored for Cincinnati on a 32-yard interception return.
How many points did Andy Borregales score?
Andy Borregales scored 14 points for New England. He made all four of his field-goal attempts and both extra-point attempts.
Conclusion
The new england patriots vs bengals match player stats show a game that was decided through a combination of passing production, field-goal accuracy, defensive scoring, and possession control.
New England finished with 392 total yards and held a significant advantage in net passing yards. Drake Maye completed 22 passes for 294 yards, while Hunter Henry supplied 115 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Cincinnati had a stronger rushing performance. Chase Brown ran for 107 yards, and the Bengals finished with 120 rushing yards at 5.2 yards per attempt.
The defensive numbers were unusual because both teams recorded an interception return for a touchdown. Marcus Jones produced New England’s defensive score, while Geno Stone delivered Cincinnati’s.
The kicking game also played a major role. Andy Borregales converted four field goals and two extra points for 14 total points. Evan McPherson was perfect as well, making two field goals and two extra points for eight points.
New England’s 33:14 time of possession, 21 first downs, 5.9 yards per offensive play, and 285 net passing yards helped separate the teams statistically.
The final 26-20 score therefore reflects a balanced contest rather than a one-sided performance. Cincinnati won the rushing battle, while New England created more total offense and generated greater passing production. The Patriots combined those advantages with accurate kicking and a defensive touchdown to secure the six-point victory.
