Patriots Review Monday: Soft Schedule Continues...

by Zak Drapeau 11/24/2025 Sportz Nation

Game Overview

By a score of 26-20 the New England Patriots have extended their winning streak to now 9 in a row, amassing a 10-2 record and a flawless 6-0 record in road games thus far. In a game that came a lot closer than most would have thought it would, the Patriots again found a way to win as their defense stepped up.

For most of the season, the Pats' defense was a stifling, run-stopping unit with playmakers in the secondary, this game showcased their ability to "bend not break." While the Bengals have been woeful this season without Joe Burrow, their mark of 20 points is actually their lowest in any home game this season.

A great deal of their offensive troubles has to do with Ja'Marr Chase missing the game due to suspension and Tee Higgins being concussed at the end of the 2nd Quarter but I digress.

Throughout their 9-game streak, the Patriots have needed some luck to win and this game was no different. However, you have to be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of any luck given and the Pats have certainly done this.

With a 17-13 game in the Pats' favor coming out of halftime, the game would be a field goal fest for the second half in typical 2025-Patriots fashion.

We'll speak more on Borregales in the next section but let's just say the Pats do not win this one with his accuracy.

Photo Credit by Carolyn Kaster/ Associated Press

In another big win for the Patriots, Drake Maye had a decent game through the air and while it may not have been on par with the rest of his performances this season, it got the job done. Truth be told, they should have won this game by more and that could be blamed on Drake Maye's average game. At the end of the day a win is a win and I'm sure Maye and Vrabel will take it but it is worth noting that in the 23-year old's MVP-caliber season, this may have been his worst performance on the year, (which is saying a lot because it was still a decent game statistically.)

3 Stars

Hunter Henry

It seems like whenever Maye has any bits of struggles this season, he can count on his safety net Hunter Henry. With 7 catches for 115 yards and a Touchdown on the day, Henry was BY FAR the best player on offense. It all started with his first catch that went for a 28-yard Touchdown early in the 2nd Quarter. After that Henry was a first down machine, constantly making problems in the middle of the field.

The only sour note for Henry would be the Pick-6 from Maye in the 2nd Quarter that was either a wrong route from Henry or an errant throw by Maye. What looked like it was probably the former, it's only speculative.

Andy Borregales

I spoke earlier on how the Pats do not win this game without Borregales' leg and I mean it. In a game where the Patriots got into the Red Zone 3 times and only scored 1 Touchdown, it was Borregales that would make sure they came away with points.

4-for-4 for Field Goals on the game, Borregales seemed to get more and more clutch as the game went on. Hitting from 41, 45, 19 and then 52-yards late in the 4th, the rookie had ice in his veins. Borregales has also made 18 of his last 19 attempts on the season.

Photo by Leigh Bacho/ Getty Images

Marcus Jones

Without the Pick-6 by Marcus Jones in the 2nd Quarter, the Patriots don't win this game. Now even though that was maybe the worst throw of Joe Flacco's career, Jones had to be there and lurk the Running Back wheel route to make the play. Jones would also grab 2 other pass deflections in the game as he continues his claim for one of the best Slot CBs in the game.

Looking Ahead

The Patriots will be making their first MNF appearance in almost 3 years this week when the Giants come to town. There first Primetime game of the season went extremely to their liking when they walked into Buffalo and walked out with the biggest win of their leaders' young careers.

In the midst of a 9-game streak, knowing they have a history of winning primetime games, having this game at home and facing a sorry team like the Giants who just gave up their best chance at winning last week vs Detroit... I'd say there's a 99.9% chance the Patriots win this one.

The only thing Pats' fans should be worried about is the Giants' very good pass rush facing the Pats O-line. After the Bengals game, both Will Campbell and Jared Wilson are dealing with leg and ankle injuries respectively. Vrabel was on the Rich Hill show early Monday morning and said, "We lost some guys yesterday that won't be available for Monday," without mentioning any real specifics.

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Make sure to stay tuned as we continue coverage of the 2025 New England Patriots and NFL Seasons.

-Z.D.