Patriots Set the Darkest Record of the Season in Win Over Bengals – “Game From Hell” at Paycor as Wave of Starters Go Down
In a 26-20 victory that should have been pure celebration, the Patriots left Paycor Stadium carrying a fear far heavier than the scoreboard. The much-criticized turf surface once again became the center of attention as the game was instantly labeled by fans and media as the worst “injury storm” of the entire season. One Patriot after another collapsed on the field, turning the joy of victory into a genuine November nightmare.
The heaviest damage struck the offensive line, where both of Drake Maye’s “steel shields” were carted off the field. Rookie LT Will Campbell, the highly-touted No. 4 overall pick, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his knee during a third-quarter pull block. He left the field with a towel over his head and a full-leg black brace. As if that weren’t enough, LG Jared Wilson went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter and departed in a protective boot. Both face the prospect of long-term absences.
The post-game locker room atmosphere was almost funereal. Teammates kept checking on the injured, while Maye could barely speak when talking about the two pillars who had protected him through nine straight wins. Morgan Moses, Brenden Schooler, and Khyiris Tonga also picked up injuries, pushing the entire roster into red-alert status. On social media, countless posts branded it a “cursed game,” with many pointing the finger squarely at Paycor’s turf.
Head coach Mike Vrabel stepped to the podium looking heavier than anyone had ever seen him. He spoke in a low, somber tone that left all of Patriots Nation choked up. “No team ever wants to set a record like this. Every player who goes down is a cut straight into the heart of this group. We won, but the price we paid is too high. The only thing I hope for is that they come back, because they’re not just players — they are the soul of this team.”
Even though the Patriots extended their winning streak to nine, this was unquestionably the most bitter victory of the season. Defense and special teams saved the day with two pick-sixes and four field goals, but the wounds left behind after 60 minutes at Paycor could alter the entire campaign. As the Patriots prepare for the Giants on December 1, the biggest question is no longer tactics — it’s whether they still have enough bodies to keep this journey alive.
