Mike Vrabel’s team arrived at Paycor Stadium as a 7.5-point road favorite.

Cincinnati had the NFL’s worst defense by a number of metrics and the Bengals had amassed a 1-7 record since losing Joe Burrow to a toe injury. With the Patriots rolling, the stage looked set for a blowout.

That’s not what transpired, however.

The Patriots and Bengals got into a 60-minute slugfest that saw Joe Flacco get within 26 yards of a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Eventually, Vrabel’s defense got the stop it needed and escaped with a 26-20 win.

“That’s what happens in this league,” Vrabel said. “You need everybody. You go through the season, you go on the road, and it’s tough. I know everybody wants to talk about numbers and records. That doesn’t mean (expletive).”

Injuries were also

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