Patriots Edge Bengals 26-20 in Final-Minute Thriller at Paycor Stadium
The New England Patriots pulled off a gritty 26-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 23, 2025 — a game that came down to one final, heart-stopping play. With 18 seconds left, Joe Flacco’s fourth-down pass to Mike Gesicki sailed incomplete, sealing the win for New England and extending Cincinnati’s agonizing trend of falling apart in the closing minutes. The Patriots, now 9-2, improved to 5-0 against AFC opponents this season, while the Bengals slipped to 3-7 — their third straight home loss.
A Deficit, Then a Comeback
It started with a bang for Cincinnati. Just 41 seconds into the second quarter, safety Geno Stone picked off Drake Maye and raced 33 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 10-0 lead — their first double-digit advantage since Week 1. Fans roared. The defense looked locked in. But then, something shifted. Maye, the 23-year-old second-year starter, completed just three of his first seven passes. After that, he found his rhythm. He finished 22-of-35 for 294 yards and a touchdown, quietly dismantling a Bengals secondary that had looked dominant just minutes before.
The Kicker Who Won It
While Maye steadied the ship, the real hero wore cleats, not a helmet. Andy Borregales, the 27-year-old Venezuelan-born kicker, was flawless. Four field goals. One from 52 yards. That last one — a laser into the north end zone with 1:51 left — gave the Patriots a 26-20 lead. No timeouts. No margin for error. The crowd fell silent. Borregales didn’t flinch. He’s now 17-for-18 on field goals this season, and his clutch leg may be the most reliable weapon New England has right now.
Flacco’s Final Drive Falls Short
With 4:40 left, Mitchell Tinsley — filling in for the injured Ja’Marr Chase — caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Flacco, cutting the deficit to 23-20. The Bengals’ offense, long plagued by penalties and inconsistency, finally looked alive. Flacco, 39, drove them to the Patriots’ 26-yard line with 32 seconds left. Two incomplete passes. Then, fourth down. He dropped back, looked right, fired to Gesicki in the end zone. The ball fluttered. Gesicki reached. It slipped through. The stadium exhaled. The Patriots’ sideline erupted.
Why This Loss Hurts More Than Most
It’s not just that the Bengals lost. It’s how. Again. This was their sixth one-score game this season. They’ve lost five of them. Head coach Zac Taylor said it plainly: "Just been one of those years where we haven’t found a way at the end of the game." The offense had 11 penalties — including a critical offensive pass interference that erased a 22-yard gain in the third quarter. The defense held Maye in check for most of the game, then cracked under pressure. And the injury bug? It’s still biting. Joe Burrow, still recovering from a Grade 3 turf toe injury suffered in Week 2, was a full participant in practice this week — but the team chose not to risk him. Flacco, a veteran with two Super Bowl rings, did his best. But he’s not the answer.
The Ripple Effect
The Patriots’ win was their fifth straight — and their first without a healthy offensive line. Left tackle Isaiah Wynn was out, and rookie Devin Duvernay was pressed into service. Yet Maye had nearly seven seconds on average to throw. That’s coaching. That’s discipline. Mike Vrabel, in his first season at the helm, is quietly turning New England into a contender again. Meanwhile, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are all but gone. Their next game? A Thursday night showdown against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 27 — a game that could determine if they even finish the season with dignity.
What’s Next?
The Patriots host the Denver Broncos on December 1 at Gillette Stadium, looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their hold on the AFC East. For Cincinnati? The focus shifts to evaluation. Will they trade for a quarterback before the deadline? Will they give more snaps to rookie Jake Browning? And what does Burrow’s timeline look like for 2026? The answers won’t come quickly. But one thing’s clear: this team is running out of chances.
Key Numbers That Tell the Story
- Final score: Patriots 26, Bengals 20
- Andy Borregales: 4/4 FGs, including a 52-yarder
- Drake Maye: 22/35, 294 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Chase Brown: 19 carries, 107 yards — Bengals’ best offensive player
- Penalties: Bengals 11 for 95 yards; Patriots 5 for 40
- Attendance: 58,721 at Paycor Stadium
Frequently Asked Questions
Why wasn’t Joe Burrow playing despite being cleared for practice?
Despite being a full participant in practice, the Bengals’ medical staff opted to keep Burrow out due to lingering concerns about re-injuring his Grade 3 turf toe. A recurrence could jeopardize his 2026 season, and with playoff hopes fading, the team prioritized long-term health over short-term urgency. This decision, while logical, has intensified fan frustration over the team’s inability to win close games even with a healthy roster.
How has Andy Borregales performed under pressure this season?
Borregales has been nearly flawless in clutch situations, converting 17 of his 18 field goal attempts this season. He’s made 7 of his last 8 kicks from 50+ yards, including the game-winner against the Bengals. His calm demeanor under duress has made him a fan favorite in New England, and his consistency has allowed the Patriots to rely on field goals rather than risky fourth-down gambles — a key reason they’ve won five straight games.
What’s the biggest issue holding back the Bengals’ offense?
Penalties and inconsistency in the red zone. Cincinnati has committed 97 penalty yards in their last three losses — often killing momentum. In the red zone, they’ve converted just 42% of trips into touchdowns this season, ranking 28th in the NFL. Even when they move the ball, they stall. With Burrow out and no clear offensive identity, the Bengals are relying too much on individual plays rather than a cohesive system.
Could this loss cost Zac Taylor his job?
Not immediately. Taylor’s contract runs through 2026, and ownership has publicly backed him. But with three straight home losses, a 3-7 record, and no signs of offensive improvement, fan unrest is growing. If the Bengals lose to the Texans on Thursday and fall to 3-8, pressure will intensify. The front office may begin evaluating alternatives — especially if Burrow’s return in 2026 doesn’t lead to immediate results.
How does this win impact the Patriots’ playoff seeding?
The win puts New England in sole possession of first place in the AFC East and gives them a strong tiebreaker advantage over the Buffalo Bills. With a 9-2 record and only five games left, they’re on pace for 12 wins — their best since 2019. A win against Denver on December 1 would all but lock up home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.
What’s the significance of Paycor Stadium’s attendance of 58,721?
That’s the highest attendance for a Bengals home game since Week 3, despite the team’s poor record. It shows that fan loyalty remains strong, even in a rebuilding year. But it also highlights the growing disconnect between fan passion and on-field performance. If the Bengals don’t start winning, even this level of support could erode — especially with a new stadium deal looming in 2027.
