Cardinals Show Great Ball Control, Defense, lead Pats 6-3 at End of First Quarter
By Scott Allen
Sep 16, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb (4) makes a pass during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE
Quarterback Kevin Kolb and the Arizona Cardinals offense came out with a nice ball-controlled offense to start the game against the New England Patriots. A 13-play opening drive may not have resulted in a touchdown, but Kolb went 4-6 in the drive and Patrick Peterson ran a beautiful 18-yard Wildcat run. Then on the Patriots first drive, quarterback Tom Brady threw an interception to Peterson. It was good enough at the time to set the tempo of the game. Patience. The Cards will need to be patient all day to stay in this one. They just need touchdowns, not field goals. It’s 6-3 Arizona heading to the second.
It was nice to see Cards running back Beanie Wells run the ball well the first couple of carries, but eventually those holes will collapse on him. He’s going to have to continue to run hard. The passing game needs a little help right now, although Kolb has not turned it over yet.
Kolb missed Todd Heap on a couple of shots at getting first downs. One of the misses probably was a missed touchdown catch as Heap was wide open. Those are opportunities that they can not miss if they expect to even stay in this game. When Brady turns the ball over, you have to capitalize. Now, the Cards did get a field goal, but again, need touchdowns on the road, not field goals.
As we head to the second quarter, the Cards have to keep the pressure on, on both sides of the ball.