The Arizona Cardinals take on the New England Patriots Sunday, and they have no choice but to win this contest if they want to save this season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Cardinals (6-7,2-2) have extended their losing streak to three games after dropping the second of two division matches with the Seattle Seahawks (8-5,3-2). The loss knocked them to third in the division. If Arizona wants to revive its playoff hopes, the rest of the season needs to be flawless.
Sunday’s matchup should help the Cardinals flight back to prominence, taking on the Patriots (3-10,1-3), who have been one of the worst teams in the league this year.
Holly jolly GAMEDAY pic.twitter.com/26u952qODE
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 15, 2024
The Bill Belichick days are long gone, as the new University of North Carolina head coach watches the team he won six Super Bowls with plummet to the bottom of the league. Belichick had the greatest quarterback ever in Tom Brady to aid in his conquering of the NFL. New England head coach Jerod Mayo is hoping he has found his running mate in rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
The third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye took over the starting role for the Patriots in Week 6 of the season. He is 2-6 as a starter.
Maye and the Patriots are also on a three-game run of consecutive losses, dropping a tough match with the Indianapolis Colts (6-7,1-3) in the final seconds of the game. The rookie gave his best effort, completing 24-30 passes (80%) for 238 yards. He hid his lone interception with a touchdown.
The Patriot’s passing game flows through its tight ends. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are Maye’s favorite targets. Henry led the team against the Colts with seven receptions for 75 yards. Hooper caught four passes for 42 yards and a score. The Cardinals have kept tight ends at bay since it’s 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, where Chargers tight end Will Dissily caught eight passes for 81 yards.
.@bhoyer7 reviews Drake's Week 13 dime to Hoop ???? pic.twitter.com/mNiqlWVsuX
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 4, 2024
Arizona’s defense should post a great challenge for a New England pass game that doesn’t seem to function without its tight ends, but needs to lock in on the Patriots run game after both teams’ performances last week.
Running backs Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson led the attack for the Patriots last week, combining for 135 rushing yards. Stevenson carried the load with 18 carries for 73 yards (4.1 yards per carry). Gibson was right on his heels with 62 yards from only seven carries (8.9 ypc), punching in what looked like the Patriots’ game-winning score until the Colts made a very late response that New England just didn’t have enough time to overcome.
On the same day the Patriots couldn’t be stopped in the run, the Cardinals couldn’t stop the Seahawks from marching up-and-down the field.
The Seahawks were without starting running back Kenneth Walker III, which should’ve worked in their favor… WRONG. Backup running back Zach Charbonnet had other plans, eclipsing the century mark with 134 yards on 22 carries (6.1 ypc). He found the end zone twice, including a 51-yard gallop on an inside run to pay dirt. The run defense that showed up against the Seahawks is not the one that can show up to play the Patriots.
The Cardinals can’t afford to have the same Kyler Murray either.
Arizona’s quarterback threw two costly interceptions in the first quarter of the Seattle contest, which ultimately led to the demise of the Cardinals. It was the third consecutive game where Murray threw the ball to the other team. The Patriots brought in two picks in their most recent loss, seeing corner back Christian Gonzales and linebacker Christian Elliss change possession for New England. Ironically, both of Murray’s interceptions were to a linebacker and corner.
We know who we don’t want to see him throw it to this week.
The Patriots were successful in every area the Cardinals were flawed last week, which is a scary sight headed into any game; however, the third straight loss was a wakeup call for head coach Jonathan Gannon and his team.
They know they can’t afford to lose another game and they know exactly where New England thrives. Letting one of the NFL’s worst teams walk away with a win today can’t be an option.
Cardinals, it’s time to fly: Can Arizona still make the playoffs as losing streak continues?
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Reporter Jordyn Bennett covers the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix area sports and sports related topics. You can follow him on his X account, @j_bennett_live
