Okorafor image courtesy of the New England Patriots

The Patriots will have their hands full from a match-up perspective today. Cincinnati has talent throughout the roster and they present different challenges in all three phases of the game.

New England will need to play fundamentally sound football and take care of the ball. They will also need to win third down if they want to win today. 

Here are five match-ups to watch in this game. 

1. Chukwuma Okorafor vs. Trey Hendricksen: Chuks struggled in the preseason finale against Washington with alignment penalties and getting beat one on one at times. None of the guys he struggled with are as good as Trey Hendricksen. Hendricksen is a seasoned pass rusher who wins with speed and power. Okorafor has the length to match up but it is his footwork that concerns me. The Patriots will need to give him help. 

2. Christian Gonzalez vs. JaMarr Chase: Assuming Chase plays today, this will be a match-up to watch, especially if Chase lines up at the Z or X outside. With Tee Higgins doubtful, Chase now has to become the focal point of the Patriots coverage plan. The other three Bengals receivers don’t scare me. Put Gonzo on Chase and if he struggles, start bracketing him outside and banjo him inside. 

3. Kyle Dugger vs. Mike Gesicki: Old friend Mike Gesicki struggled in the Patriots offense last season but he could flourish in the Bengals system. He could be a problem, especially in the red zone. Look for Kyle Dugger to cover him in those situations. This is one of the more underrated match-ups of the day. Dugger must win one on one versus their tight ends. 

4. Michael Onwenu vs. Sam Hubbard: Onwenu: It’s back to right tackle for Onwenu and he will have a tough match-up today against Hubbard who is a good all-around player. He can rush the passer but he is also good at run fits, stacking and shedding. Onwemu will need to be consistent and balanced as a blocker. He has to routinely win inside hand placement. 

5. Alex Van Pelt vs. Lou Anarumo: AVP knows what the Bengals like to do defensively from his time in Cleveland but that does not mean the Patriots have an advantage. Van Pelt will need to call a good game and do some different things from a personnel and movement standpoint. The Patriots cannot be business as usual offensively in this game. Let’s not forget, Anarumo knows the Cleveland system too. He has coached against the west coast offense for years. It is not hyperbole to say that this coaching match-up could be the difference in this game.