First Gronk Spike of the Year, Hightower Does the Safety Dance, and Other Plays from Patriots-Bengals

Originally published Oct. 16, 2016

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Things seemed flat for the Patriots in the first half, but after a Dont’a Hightower safety, the momentum seemed to switch in New England’s favor

Tom Brady threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns during his Gillette Stadium homecoming and 35-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

After a flat first quarter that saw no more than a Stephen Gostkowski field goal, Andy Dalton scored the game’s first touchdown on a two-yard keeper.

The Patriots came alive at the end of the first half, capping off a two-minute drill with a 15-yard touchdown pass form Brady to James White.

The Bengals took the lead to start the third quarter, scoring on a pass to Brandon LaFell on a five-yard pass.

However, the Patriots seemed to rally on a Dont'a Hightower safety with 7:11 left in the third quarter.

The Patriots followed that up with the year's first touchdown pass from Brady to Gronkowski.

Another touchdown pass to White, along with a field goal, solidified the Patriots' fifth win of the year.

LeGarrette Blount the last touchdown of the day, a half-yard run with about a minute remaining.

On the stat front, Brady crossed the 5,000 completion mark and Gronkowski had a career high 162 yards receiving. Brady is now the fourth person to throw at least 5,000 successful passes, joining Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees.

New England goes on the road to face Pittsburgh next week.