The New England Patriots held off a gritty but flawed Cincinnati Bengals 26-20 on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio — a win that snapped a four-game losing streak for New England and buried Cincinnati’s fading playoff hopes. The game wasn’t pretty, but it was brutal in its consequences: the Bengals dropped to 3-8, officially eliminated from postseason contention for the eighth time in ten years. And while Joe Flacco tried to hold things together, the weight of injuries, suspensions, and late-game collapses proved too heavy to carry.
Flacco’s Struggles and the Weight of Absences
Starting in place of the injured Joe Burrow, Flacco completed 19 of 37 passes for 183 yards with one touchdown and one costly interception — a pick-six by Marcus Jones that gave the Patriots an early 10-0 lead just 41 seconds into the second quarter. Flacco later admitted the play was simple: play-action, check-down to Tee Higgins. "I didn’t see the guy," he said afterward. "It’s the simplest play in the world. You don’t draw it up like that. Those are gonna hurt you." The Bengals entered without their two best receivers. Ja’Marr Chase sat out after his one-game suspension for spitting on Jalen Ramsey in the previous week’s game against the Steelers. Tee Higgins, who had five receptions for 31 yards before exiting, suffered a concussion with 4:50 left in the fourth quarter — a devastating blow as Cincinnati was driving to tie the game. The team’s offensive identity, built on explosive passing, was reduced to ground-and-pound and desperation throws.Borregales’ Boots and the Defense That Held
While the Bengals’ offense sputtered, Andy Borregales did the heavy lifting for New England. The Patriots’ kicker made four field goals — 38, 41, 45, and the dagger: a 52-yarder with 1:51 remaining that pushed the lead to 26-20. No touchdown. No flashy plays. Just ice in his veins when the game was on the line. New England’s defense, often criticized this season, rose to the occasion. Jabrill Peppers batted away Flacco’s final fourth-down pass to Mike Gesicki at the Patriots’ 26-yard line with 18 seconds left. It was the play that sealed it. The Patriots didn’t need a miracle. They just needed to not mess up. And for once, they didn’t.
Chaos in Cincinnati: Injuries, Fatigue, and Frustration
The Bengals’ roster was a casualty list. Besides Higgins and Chase, linebacker Brooks left with a concussion, and cornerback Marco Wilson exited with a right hamstring injury. Running back Chase Brown carried 19 times for 107 yards — his best game of the season — but even his effort couldn’t compensate for the lack of a vertical threat. Head coach Zac Taylor was candid after the game: "Just been one of those years where we haven’t found a way at the end of the game, and that’s been frustrating. It’s important to everyone to keep at this thing and find a way to get some momentum." There’s no sugarcoating it: this team is unraveling. They’ve lost four straight. They’ve lost their identity. And with Burrow still rehabbing and no clear offensive plan B, the rest of the season feels like a funeral march.What’s Next? Patriots on a Roll, Bengals in Freefall
New England (10-2) will host the New York Giants on Monday, December 1, 2025 — a rare Monday night game that could solidify their hold on the AFC East. The Patriots have won seven of their last eight, and their defense, once a liability, has tightened dramatically in November. For the Bengals? A short week. They travel to face the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, November 27 — just four days after this gut-wrenching loss. No rest. No recovery. Just more pressure. And with no playoff stakes left, the only thing left to play for is pride. And pride doesn’t win games when your quarterback is throwing into triple coverage and your best receiver is on the sideline with a concussion.
Why This Matters Beyond the Standings
This isn’t just about a lost season. It’s about the fragility of success in the NFL. The Bengals were a Super Bowl contender just two years ago. Now, they’re a team in transition — with a fractured offense, a questionable coaching staff, and a quarterback who, despite his veteran poise, can’t carry a team that’s falling apart around him. Meanwhile, the Patriots — once the model of consistency under Bill Belichick — are showing signs of rebirth. They’re not flashy. They’re not dominant. But they’re smart, disciplined, and clutch. And in a league where margins are razor-thin, that’s enough.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Bengals lose despite Chase Brown’s strong performance?
Chase Brown’s 107 yards on 19 carries were impressive, but the Bengals’ offense lacked balance. Without Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the passing game couldn’t stretch the field, forcing Flacco into predictable throws. New England’s defense focused on stopping the run, and when forced to pass, Flacco made critical mistakes — including the pick-six and the final fourth-down incompletion.
How did Andy Borregales’ field goals change the game’s momentum?
Borregales’ four field goals, especially the 52-yarder with 1:51 left, kept the Patriots in control when their offense stalled. With no touchdowns in the second half, New England relied entirely on his leg to build and maintain a lead. That kick turned a one-score game into a two-score advantage, forcing Cincinnati to abandon the run and take desperate risks — exactly what New England wanted.
What does Joe Flacco’s performance say about the Bengals’ future?
Flacco played within his limits but couldn’t overcome the team’s flaws. He’s a reliable veteran, but he’s not a franchise quarterback. His turnover-prone play in recent games — three interceptions in the last two losses — highlights the gap between what the Bengals have and what they need. If Burrow returns healthy, they’ll be better. But if not, this team is in serious trouble.
Is this the end of the Zac Taylor era in Cincinnati?
Not necessarily yet, but the pressure is mounting. Taylor’s offensive schemes have become predictable, and his in-game adjustments have been slow. With no playoff appearances since 2021 and four straight losses, fan frustration is growing. Ownership may give him one more year, but if the Bengals miss the playoffs again in 2026, a coaching change becomes almost inevitable.
How does this loss impact the AFC playoff race?
Cincinnati’s elimination opens the door for teams like the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans to sneak into the final wild-card spot. With the Bengals out, the AFC North is now a two-team race between the Ravens and Steelers. New England’s win also strengthens their hold on the AFC East, making them a potential #1 seed if they finish strong.
Could Joe Burrow’s return turn things around for the Bengals next season?
Absolutely — if he’s fully healthy. Burrow’s presence elevates the entire offense, especially with a healthy Chase and Higgins. But the Bengals’ offensive line and receiving corps need upgrades. Even with Burrow, they’re one injury away from repeating this season’s chaos. The front office must address depth this offseason — or risk another year of frustration.
