Under new defensive leadership by Steve Belichick, the New England Patriots secured a 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals with running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushing for 120 yards on 25 carries and scoring the first touchdown of the season. Stevenson's performance marked the end of a long drought and validated his recent four-year, $36 million contract extension. Head coach Jerod Mayo praised Stevenson for his versatility and resilience, underscoring his importance to the team's strategy. The Patriots' offensive strategy and Stevenson's execution signal a shift towards a run-heavy approach for the season ahead.