After getting off to a slow start, the Patriots were in position to steal this game against Cincinnati but a Rhamondre Stevenson fumble late in the red zone dashed any hope the Patriots had of coming back.

Here are seven points on this loss.

1. Slow start: The Patriots collectively got off to a slow start and that proved to be the difference in the game. Cincinnati scored on their first two possessions and dominated play until the fourth quarter. The Patriots are not good enough to play from behind. They need to play with the lead or they are in trouble.

2. Offense struggles again: The offense struggled once again. They were able to turn it on a bit late but many of the issues that have plagued of late were once again an issue. The Patriots can’t run the ball, they route bleed in the passing game and the offensive line continues to have protection issues.

3. Stevenson a liability again: Rhamondre Stevenson has had a rough couple of weeks. His I’ll-advised lateral cost the Patriots the game against the Raiders and then he fumbled in this game as the Patriots were driving for the go ahead score. Stevenson is the Patriots best offensive player but he is becoming a liability and that needs to change fast if the Patriots are going to trust him with the ball.

4. Henry injury: Hunter Henry ended up hurting his knee after he collided with Jonnu Smith in the first quarter. New England clearly missed him after he exited. His status for this week is up in the air but if the Patriots want to have any shot of beating Miami, they are going to need him.

5. Marcus Jones does it again: Marcus Jones scored the Patriots first touchdown on a pick six of Joe Burrow. Jones has scored an offensive touchdown, on a punt return and on a pick six. He is the first Patriot to do that since Julian Edelman in 2009. Jones is having a special season and he is emerging as one of the most dangerous players in the NFL.

6. Bourne Identified: Kendrick Bourne had his best game of the season catching 6 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Bourne’s role expanded once Henry got hurt and that allowed him to finally get some touches, something that should have been happening all season long.

7. Still in the hunt: Thanks to some help, the Patriots are remarkably still in the hunt and if they were to win out, they would get in the playoffs. That is amazing considering how bad this team has been at times this season.