Patriots Defender Breaks Down Game-Changing Play Vs. Bengals
Sign In
&&&&&&&&&&&&
It took place in the first half of the first game of the season, but there's a legitimate chance New England Patriots fans look back on Kyle Dugger's goal-line forced fumble as the most important turnover of the season.
Without it, Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson would have crossed the goal line for a game-tying touchdown in the second quarter. And now that we know the outcome -- a stunning 16-10 victory for the Patriots -- it adds to the narrative.
"It was just man coverage and I got picked," Dugger told reporters, per a team-provided video. "I had to do a better job getting through the screen, seeing through the traffic. But it was just one last shot to get the ball out. I saw the goal line. And I basically gave everything I could to try to get the ball out, try to strip the ball out. I was able to have success, thankfully."
more nfl
Patriots Takeaways: Ground Game Exceeds Expectations In Surprising Win Vs. Bengals
by Sean T. McGuire
6 Min Read
Three Studs, Three Duds From Patriots’ Shocking Win Vs. Bengals
by Keagan Stiefel
3 Min Read
What Robert Kraft Told Jerod Mayo In Patriots’ Locker Room After Week 1 Win
by Sean T. McGuire
2 Min Read
Dugger's forced fumble was recovered by Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones at the New England 1-yard line. Jones scooped it and gained 17 yards on the return.
"That's everyday in practice," Dugger said. "That’s something Coach Mayo stresses from top down, punching at the ball play after play. Even the routine plays, punching at the ball. So that's definitely at the top of your mind when you're pursuing the ball."
It counted as one of Cincinnati's two turnovers in the contest. The Bengals lost two fumbles during the entire 2023 campaign and tied that mark in Week 1 of the 2024 season.
Dugger and the Patriots defense played a pivotal role in New England earning the season-opening victory. The Patriots now get ready to host the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
More NFL:
Patriots Injury Report: Two Starters Added Ahead Of Seahawks Game
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings