Cards Maintain Pressure After Pats Come Out of Half Fast, Have 13-9 Lead
By Scott Allen
Sep 16, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells (26) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE
The New England Patriots started looking like the New England Patriots again to start the third quarter. A long pass to Wes Welker, who was practically absent in the first half save for a an end of the first half catch. That was just to start the quarter and although Tom Brady and the Pats stalled, they got the field goal to take a 9-6 lead over the Arizona Cardinals, their first of the day. Then, you have the Cards defense and special teams. Cardinals linebacker Quentin Groves blocked a punt and the ball landed at the two-yard line. Three plays later Kevin Kolb threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Andre Roberts to regain the lead 13-9.
The Cards defense maintained the pressure after the first play of the half and have left the Pats offense once again out of sync. It has been an almost bend but don’t break offense for the Pats today. As for the Cards offense, it’s still broken, but they haven’t made any big mistakes save for the Kolb second quarter fumble and took advantage of the very short field for the touchdown.
The Cards have had their opportunities today, but some poor play calling and execution on third downs today have done them in. They are playing a good game of field position though for the most part. I would give a huge thumbs up to the defense. It’s time for the offense to wake up. No-huddle time? I’m all for it, even if the Pats still blitz it.