The New England Patriots took care of business on Sunday, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 16-10 at Paycor Stadium despite being 7.5-point underdogs. According to ESPN, it was the biggest Week 1 upset since 2018 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints, who were 10-point favorites. A lot of praise needs to go to new head coach Jerod Mayo and his staff, as they had their guys prepared to fight and play exactly the way they needed to earn a season-opening victory. After Mayo received a post-win Gatorade shower from his players on the field, Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed the team, commended his first-year coach, and handed out a game ball.

Kraft spoke earlier this week about trusting his gut when picking Mayo to be the team's next head coach succeeding Bill Belichick after 24 seasons. After one week, it looks like he made the right choice. Kraft's belief in the new leadership's ability and Mayo's seamless transition into the role has already set a promising tone for the Patriots' season. The emphasis on teamwork and resilience was clear, as Kraft reminded the team that everyone contributes, everyone wins.

More exciting stories surrounded this game. Patriots quarterback admitted that he cried multiple times before the game against the Bengals, showcasing the emotional and mental stakes of this high-pressure match. Additionally, Patriots safety shared his journey of overcoming adversity to play in Week 1, adding an inspiring personal narrative to the team's victory. Meanwhile, Kyle Dugger's incredible play during the opener is another highlight that speaks volumes of the team's high-energy and commitment this season.