5 Things To Sleep On Before New England Patriots’ Week 5 Game

Brandon LaFell logged six receptions, 119 yards, and 44-yard touchdown catch in the New England Patriots’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. It's safe to say that he was the lone bright spot in a forgettable night for the Pats. With the release of Kenbrell Thompkins Saturday afternoon, it’s evident that the Patriots have confidence in LaFell to take a larger role in the offense.

Yes, the Bengals’ defensive front is a force to be reckoned with. And yes, the defense as a whole is one of the NFL’s best, ranking fourth in total yards allowed. But if the Patriots can get any type of running game going, that ought to slow the fierce Cincy pass rush enough to enable Tom Brady to return to his usual ways. The Bengals aren’t the ’85 Chicago Bears.

Logan Ryan was the poster boy for the Patriots’ overall defensive shortcomings on Monday night, missing multiple tackles and struggling to hold his own in coverage. On Sunday night, the Pats should go with the proven veteran Brandon Browner against the Bengals’ dangerous receiving corps. Browner is preferable because of his experience and physicality, and because Ryan has simply been underperforming as of late.

It all comes down to the trenches. If Brady doesn’t have enough time to throw, or the ground game can’t get of its feet, the Patriots could be toast by the beginning of the third quarter. But a strong performance from this heavily scrutinized unit would go a long way toward a Patriots’ victory in Week 5.