The Bengals took a first-quarter lead over the Patriots, and Twitter ripped New England

The New England Patriots didn’t look like a 10-3 team to start Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals. And the Bengals didn’t look like they were 1-12. They took a three-point lead over New England after one quarter.

And NFL fans and media members began to freak out.

It was one thing for the Patriots to struggle against the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs over the last few weeks. But their struggles against the Bengals were doubtlessly surprising. Hence, the big reaction on Twitter. It was only one quarter, but media members were not impressed by the Patriots’ play, particularly on defense.

Patriots run defense rn: pic.twitter.com/5Dw4cKkt0f

— Nora Princiotti (@NoraPrinciotti) December 15, 2019

Did the Patriots defense get Space Jammed? What is happening out there?

— Meghan Ottolini (@Meghan_Ottolini) December 15, 2019

The Bengals already have 96 rushing yards.

— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) December 15, 2019

CBS talked about the Patriots having an intense full-pads practice on Wednesday, but it certainly didn't help out the NE defense in terms of tackling.

— Andy Hart (@JumboHart) December 15, 2019

This is some of the worst tackling I've seen from the Patriots this season. Collins misses another one

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) December 15, 2019

The Bengals are supposed to be the team with the bad run defense, but the Bengals are about to go over 100 yards rushing against the Patriots in the first quarter.

— Andy Hart (@JumboHart) December 15, 2019

Bengals are carving up the Pats D

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 15, 2019

This defense looks bad right now

— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) December 15, 2019