Patriots' Jerod Mayo era starts off with stunning victory over Bengals

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The Jerod Mayo era began on a high note Sunday as the New England Patriots stunned the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-10.

The Patriots' defense got to Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow three times, held the team to 224 total yards and forced two fumbles. 

Cincinnati was held to only 25 minutes of total possession on offense. 

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New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo walks off the field after a game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

New England’s Jaylinn Hawkins and Marcus Jones each recovered a Cincinnati fumble.

"Winning as a coach is huge, but not for what it does for me — for what it does for the players out there," Mayo said, via the team’s website. "I just can't say enough about the players."

Patriots team owner Robert Kraft presented Mayo with the game ball. Mayo replaced the legendary Bill Belichick as head coach and picked up the first victory of his career.

"I’m so proud of the new players, the new coaches. People had all the excuses it couldn’t happen," Kraft said. "But you all did it, and I’m spoiled now."

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New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) scores on a 3-yard touchdown run during the first half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati.  (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Jacoby Brissett was named the starting quarterback for the Patriots at