The Patriots visit the Cincinnati Bengals this week. Cincinnati is on a historic path of ineptitude defensively. They are statistically one of the worst defenses of all-time so offensively, the Patriots should be able to do whatever they want.

Defensively, not having to face Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase is huge. They are arguably the best tandem in the NFL. Despite both being out, this offense can still pose some problems. The running game in particular has been a bright spot for the Bengals.

Here some ways the Patriots could attack the Bengals this week.

Offense

More 11, 12 and 10 personnel: The Bengals secondary is by far the worst in the NFL so throwing the football will be a big part of the plan. I would expect more 10, 11 and 12 personnel this week as their running game Patriots attack this vulnerable secondary.

Throw straight drop back: The Bengals struggle to defend the vertical passing game. The Patriots have to push the ball down field, especially along the sideline. Cincinnati actually defends the intermediate passing game relatively well. It is outside and deep where they are vulnerable.

Heavy emphasis on outside zone, toss and pin & pull: Get the ball outside. The outside running game will be key today. Outside zone, toss and pin and pull are running plays that should be there. Built in RPO’s off of them should also be there against a defense that has struggled to set an edge all season long.

Diagrams 1-3: Variations of toss and pin and pull.

Run from under center: Get under center more in this game and run the football inside the tackles. Cincinnati has done a good job this season of defending gun runs and limiting quarterback scrambles. Setting a physical tone with the under center ground game is key.

Diagram 4: Ride, an inside zone running play.

Running back screens: The Bengals are going to blitz more than they usually do. If they do, expect a heavy emphasis on screens, specifically running back screens. The big Patriots could potentially make some big plays today in the screen game.

Diagram 5: H-Screen to the left

Defense

Play a lot of 2 man: Not having to match up with Chase is big but the Patriots should still be aggressive and play a lot of Cover 5 AKA 2-Man. Cover down underneath with safety help over the top.

Bracket Higgins in the red zone: I would bracket Higgins in the red zone against certain formations. Yes, Christian Gonzalez will match up on him but I would lean safety help over to read and double if necessary.

Press the LOS with mug looks: Mug looks are a big part of the defensive plan this week. It is not so much to confuse Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco, but rather to confuse the offensive line and free up guys in one on one situations. T-E stunts will also be a big part of the plan this week. Constant movement up front will be key.

Diagram 6: A WILL/MIKE mug look

Bring double daggers: Edge pressure is always key so a heavy dose of double daggers and edge pressure will be a big part of the plan. Bringing pressure off the slot will also be important. Using edge pressure to get Flacco off his spot is paramount.

Diagram 7: Nickel Slot Pressure

Vary defensive tackle alignments: With Williams and Farmer out, the Patriots will have to vary tackle alignments and give the Bengals different looks up front. This will allow them to also do more with T-E stunts.