Patriots Defender Breaks Down Game-Changing Play Vs. Bengals
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."
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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.