Postgame recap: New England 34, Cincinnati 13

Another 20-Point Win
Defense Gets the Job Done

Quick observations from New England's Monday Night victory over Cincinnati:

Brady had his worst statistical game of the season -- a meager 115.0 passer rating. With 13 touchdowns through four games, he's on pace to throw 52 touchdowns. Brady broke or tied several NFL records tonight. More on those in the coming days.

Mike Vrabel now has 9 career receptions for 9 touchdowns, 7 regular season, 2 Super Bowls.

Randy Moss has 100-plus yards in each of his first four games in a Patriots uniform. He has caught 7 of Brady's 13 touchdown passes.

Ben Watson did not catch a touchdown pass. He had one in each of the first three games.

The Patriots have allowed opponents into the red zone just six times all season. Opponents have scored all six times. Technically, that leaves New England ranked last in the league.

New England held Cincinnati to 0-for-7 on third downs.

We saw a completely different offense, for the most part, from the Patriots. They ran no "jumbo" sets, very little max protection. They used two running back sets, a formation we had yet to see this season, several times early in the game.

New England utterly dominated time of possession: 37:24 to 22:36.

The broadcast team made a big deal of New England punting early in the game (the Patriots second drive with 5:13 left in the first quarter). It was their only punt of the game. New England now has 5 punts in 4 games. That's a pace for a 20-punt season.

New England is outscoring their opponents 148-48. The Patriots trail Dallas for the league lead in points scored by 3. Jacksonville leads in points allowed with 35, followed by Tampa (44), Tennessee (46) and Pittsburgh (47).

I have to go to work in the morning. Have a good night.