The Patriots, who have rolled through most of this season as a legitimately good team, were lucky to escape Cincinnati with their ninth straight win Sunday. The backup Bengals came 26 yards and a half-minute away from an upset, despite missing their four best players: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson.

Bowen’s relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel dates to 2012, when Bowen was a graduate assistant at Ohio State and Vrabel was the Buckeyes’ defensive line coach.

Mike Vrabel on Stephen A Smith claiming @FirstTake is the number 1 morning show: Per: @TheGregHillShow “I find that hard to believe…it’s not the sport center that I grew up with.” 😭 pic.twitter.com/GzFkD02Ueo

The New England Patriots are proving the “Patriot Way” is alive and kicking under Mike Vrabel. They even overcame an early scary injury from Will Campbell to beat the Cincinnati Bengals. But the 2025 Pats hit a feat not seen since a past teammate of Vrabel’s: Tom Brady.

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel met with media members this week and talked about the potential split load at running back if Rhamondre Stevenson returns for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mike Vrabel scrapped a season-long tradition following his Patriots’ 26–20 win over the Bengals on Sunday afternoon, one that brought New England to 10–2 and earned them the No. 1 seed in the AFC through 12 weeks of the 2025 NFL season.

Patriots starting left tackle Will Campbell, who was carted off the field Sunday after injuring his right knee, could still return this season, coach Mike Vrabel said.