Patriots thump Bengals
CINCINNATI (AP) — After watching Randy Moss show his stuff in practice, New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs has coined a term for what the receiver does to anyone who gets in his way.
"They get Mossed," Hobbs said, breaking into a knowing grin.
Mossed. Mangled. Manhandled. Pick any term. It would apply to what the Patriots did to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.
Tom Brady threw three more touchdown passes, Sammy Morris had one of the best games of his career, and New England's defense had its way in a 34-13 victory that was more efficient than elegant.
The Patriots (4-0) didn't have to do anything fancy to remain one of the NFL's four unbeaten teams — and, so far, the best of the bunch. They're off to their best start since 2004, when they won the Super Bowl for the third time in four years.
Like that Patriots team, this one has the look of something special.
"I think right now guys understand after four games that if we get off to a fast start, we can keep the momentum going out there," Hobbs said. "One guy makes a great play, then another guy makes a great play."
And, like the old Bungles teams, this one has the look of something dreadful.
They're 1-3 for the first time 2004, when they were touted as an up-and-coming team that would be a playoff contender every year. The strain of underachieving is showing.
Pro Bowl MVP Carson Palmer had angry words with Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson after he ran a route different than expected, resulting in an interception near the goal line. Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh had some words with coach Marvin Lewis on the sideline after an incompletion.
Sound like old times?
Afterward, Lewis lashed into his team behind closed doors, his words so loud they could be heard clearly by reporters outside. He ordered a team meeting today — usually, the players' day off — to get things aired out.
"I'm disappointed where we are now," Lewis told reporters. "We have to take a look personally at ourselves and see who we're going to fight with. If we need to make some (personnel) changes, we will make some more."
