Patriots vs. Bengals: Breaking Down Cincinnati's Game Plan

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) are desperately in need of a more complete performance in Week 5 following their 17-6 home loss to the lowly Cleveland Browns.

Unfortunately for them, they'll have to do it against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The Pats are 4-0 following a 30-23 win over the Falcons in the Georgia Dome.

Much of the blame for the Bengals' struggles has been placed on Andy Dalton. The offense hasn't managed to produce 300 yards since Week 2, and Dalton's inability to connect with his receivers has become evident.

Despite the large task ahead of Marvin Lewis' side, the Patriots are not unbeatable. 

Here's what the Bengals need to do to get the job done.

Tale of the Tape

Quarterback

Andy Dalton has a formidable opponent in Tom Brady. No. 12 has thrown a TD in every one of his last 52 games; Dalton couldn't muster one against the Browns last week. It's clear who has the edge in this one. If the Bengals' defense shows up, Dalton should have a chance to keep up.

Edge: New England

Running Back

The Patriots had a tough time getting things going in the air against Atlanta, but thanks to a stellar run game, it didn't matter. Carries were split between Stevan Ridley, Brandon Bolden and LeGarrette Blount, and their success helped Brady shine in play-action. We saw the Cleveland committee make a difference last week, and New England will look to do the same. Meanwhile, the Bengals will hope to get things going again with Gio Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Law Firm should have an easier time with Vince Wilfork sidelined, but if he doesn't produce, this could be his last game as the starter. However, it'll be a formality as Bernard is already seeing more snaps and yards. 

Edge: Cincinnati

Wide Receiver

Andy Dalton must be on the same page as his receivers if the Bengals are going to win this one. A.J. Green has only caught seven of the 15 passes thrown his way this year, while the other receivers have done well to catch the few passes they have. On paper, the Bengals clearly have the better group. However, Danny Amendola looks set to return for the Patriots this week, giving Tom Brady a legitimate weapon in the passing game. 

Edge: Cincinnati

Tight End

Ah, how the tables have turned! The Patriots will face a tight end tandem on Sunday that's hoping to emulate their own creations. Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham will undoubtedly create mismatches for the Patriots defense, but New England know better than anyone what to expect. The Patriots own tight end attack has stagnated with the loss of Rob Gronkowski and the departure of Aaron Hernandez. At the time of this writing, Gronk's status for Sunday remains a mystery.

Edge: Cincinnati

Offensive Line

The Patriots offensive line is coming off of one of their best performances in some time, while the Bengals' unit is looking to bounce back from their worst. The Patriots did a great job of opening up running lanes in Atlanta, which provides a tough test for a Bengals defense that disappointed against the Browns.

Edge: New England

Defensive Line

There's no replacing Vince Wilfork. The run-stuffing nose tackle is out with an achilles tear and his presence will be sorely missed along the defensive line. His absence could mean a big day for BJGE and Bernard. Bengals' lineman Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson will all be looking to bounce back from last week and are clearly part of the stronger unit.

Edge: Cincinnati

Linebacker

The Bengals will hope to throw mismatches at the Pats linebackers in a manner similar to Atlanta. However, the all-SEC starters from Alabama, Florida and Tennessee will be more prepared this time around. The Bengals need to see more from James Harrison, while Rey Maualuga continues to impress. The group will sink or swim based on whether the top tackler in the NFL, Vontaze Burfict, has recovered full from his neck injury by kickoff.

Edge: Even

Defensive Back

The Patriots have the upper-hand in this category with Aqib Talib staking a claim to island status. He was thrown at eight times in Atlanta, giving up one catch and making one interception. The Bengals unit remains banged up, with only Reggie Nelson a lock to return. Leon Hall continues to sit out alongside Dre Kirkpatrick, which is not a good sign with Tom Brady in town.

Edge: New England

Bengals Offense vs Patriots Defense

"Embarrassing" was the word Andrew Whitworth used to describe the Bengals' offensive performance in Cleveland, where they moved the ball just 69 yards in the first half. Andy Dalton now faces immense pressure to turn things around at home this weekend.

Free-agent rookie Joe Vellano is a name sure to be bouncing around Paul Brown Stadium this week. He did an admirable job filling in for Vince Wilfork in Atlanta and now faces 60 minutes against one of the league's top defenses. 

The Bengals will almost certainly try to take advantage of Wilfork's absence by handing the ball off to Bernard and BJGE as much as possible. While neither are elite running backs, they pose a legitimate threat.

Alfonzo Dennard and Aqib Talib could prove to be a nightmare for Andy Dalton. He's coming off a game in which he took serious criticism for poor throws and bad chemistry with his receivers. He's also produced four interceptions and can't afford to throw more against the Patriots.

If Joe Vellano and the Patriots defensive line can force Andy Dalton to go to the air, New England will have a strong case for walking out with a victory on Sunday. 

Patriots Offense vs Bengals Defense

The Bengals defense needs to focus on stopping the Patriots run game early in this matchup. If Tom Brady can establish the run game, he'll have no trouble throwing out of play-action against a banged up Bengals' secondary.

Reggie Nelson has returned to practice in limited capacity, while Leon Hall and Dre Kirkpatrick remain unlikely. Given that Brian Hoyer didn't have too much difficulty throwing against the Bengals in Week 4, this could be a tough game for the Bengals to bounce back in.

Tom Brady finally got on the same page as his no-name receivers in Atlanta and looks set to benefit from the return of Danny Amendola on Sunday. Brady's biggest concern will be staying upright, but following an emphatic performance from his offensive line at the Georgia Dome, he has to be confident about their chances.

The Bengals have yet to allow a QB more than 250 yards passing in 2013, and Brady is unlikely to be the one to snap that streak. It's mostly because he shouldn't need to. If they can establish the run, Brady won't need to light it up to outscore Andy Dalton and the Bengals offense.

Side-note: It will be interesting to see how the ever-fiery Tom Brady handles the equally fiery top tackler in the league, Vontaze Burfict.

What They're Saying

Tom Brady tells Boston.com that he's well aware of the talent on the Bengals defense:

"

They can rush the quarterback, they got guys at all four spots that rush," Brady said. "And then when they bring the backups in, those guys rush. So it's really unique in that pretty much whoever is in there can get an edge on a guy, can get to the quarterback, force the ball out quickly and then with [Terrence] Newman, [Adam Jones], Leon [Hall], Reggie Nelson, I mean they got first round draft picks everywhere. And [Rey] Maualuga, and [Vontaze] Burfict, and [James] Harrison. They're loaded. That's why they have one of the best defenses in the league. So there's really no easy yards out there. They've been in some tight games this year, they pulled them out, especially the ones at home. They're 2-0 at home. 

"

Andy Dalton tells Bengals.com that he's still confident despite last weeks loss:

"

My confidence hasn't been shaken. There's times when we didn't play well, last week was a good example. We've got so many good guys on this team, so much talent, I haven't lost any confidence at all.

"

Interesting Notes

The Bengals are 4-6 when Andy Dalton throws two or more interceptions.

The Bengals are 8-14 all-time against New England (lost the last four).

The Patriots are an NFL-best 35-7 in October since 2003 (when Lewis joined Bengals).

In October, Marvin Lewis is 15-24 (his worst month).

Cincinnati’s last victory over NE was in 2001. They won 23-17 at PBS (the Patriots went on to win Super Bowl XXXVI).

The last time they met (2010), the Bengals lost 38-24 loss at Gillette Stadium.