Official website of the New England Patriots
Players to Watch: Patriots vs. Bengals
Patriots Football Weekly's Andy Hart gives you 10 players to watch during Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Talib has faced up with Vincent Jackson and Julio Jones over the last couple weeks with impressive success. New England's No. 1 corner may get the chance to contain another Pro Bowler this week against Bengals lanky playmaker A.J. Green.
Will they or won't they? Will Tom Brady get one or either of his projected top pass catchers back against the Bengals? Stay tuned!
Mankins is the physical leader of a Patriots offensive line that faces a strong challenge from a big, physical, talented Cincinnati front seven. Look for big No. 70 to lead New England in a war in the trenches.
Edelman is tied for the NFL lead with 34 receptions and is Tom Brady's only really consistent, reliable, healthy target this season. He needs to keep the numbers rolling as he already approaches he previous career high of 37 receptions.
The affable veteran was brought in to work alongside Vince Wilfork. Now, the former longtime Raider must take over a greater role - both in terms of play and leadership - in the middle of the defensive front.
Green is a true Pro Bowl talent and Andy Dalton's favorite receiver by far, but he hasn't been making as many plays in recent weeks. Joe Haden showed last week that Green can be taken out of a game, and if that happens the young receiver loses his cool a bit.
The rookie has been splitting time with lead back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and making more out of his opportunities. Bernard has great burst and can get to the second level in a hurry, a challenge for the Patriots defense in its first full game without Vince Wilfork.
Atkins is an All-Pro defensive tackle who specializes in getting after the quarterback. The book has always been that the best way to get to Tom Brady is pressure up the middle. Logan Mankins and Atkins should be fun to watch in a battle of Pro Bowlers.
The Bengals have their own impressive duo of young tight ends, who've combined for 30 receptions on the season. The middle of the Patriots pass defense - including safeties Steve Gregory and Devin McCourty - will have plenty to deal with in Cincy.
The Bengals boss is the second longest tenured head coach in the NFL, trailing only Bill Belichick. But he's never won a playoff game, has a career regular season record below .500 and is just 2-2 with a team many think might be the most talented in the AFC. Lewis needs to prove his own coaching mettle if his team is to grab a win in this battle.
