FOXBORO, MASS., DEC. 12 -- The New England Patriots finally found an inferior opponent -- and beat the Cincinnati Bengals in a style typical of both teams.

The Patriots stumbled to their first win in two months today, 7-2 over Cincinnati, and dropped behind the Bengals in the race for the top draft choice.

"It was not a Picasso, but I'm happy with the win," said Patriots Coach Bill Parcells.

Cincinnati took the draft derby lead with a 1-12 record. New England improved to 2-11. With both teams having young quarterbacks -- the Bengals start second-year man David Klingler and the Patriots start rookie Drew Bledsoe -- many believe the top pick will be San Diego State running back Marshall Faulk, who last week said he would forego his senior season to enter the National Football League draft.

New England ended a seven-game losing streak, the last six by a total of 20 points. Cincinnati was coming off two of its better games, a win over the Los Angeles Raiders and a 21-8 loss to San Francisco.

In a game as ugly as the seasons both teams have suffered through, the Bengals had a chance to tie with 1:16 left. But on fourth down at the New England 1, Eric Ball was thrown for a one-yard loss on his only carry.

The Patriots took an intentional safety on their final possession as Marv Cook snapped the ball over punter Mike Saxon's head and out of the end zone with 21 seconds to go.

The Patriots defense completed another strong performance and has allowed 74 points in its last seven games. In that span, however, the Patriots have scored just 59 points.

Klingler was 9-for-25 for 89 yards and was sacked four times. In the first half, the Bengals had more punts (five) than first downs or completions (three). Bledsoe was 11-for-22 for 106 yards.

Although the Patriots may not have looked like winners, the final score was what mattered most.

"It's the first time I've walked off this field a winner," Bledsoe said. "It took me a second to realize that."