The Arizona Cardinals host the New England Patriots for the first time since 2004 on Sunday evening
The Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots play each other every four years based on current NFL rotation, however this will be the first regular-season visit by the Patriots since 2004. The Cardinals took to the road to New England in 2008 and 2012.
The Cardinals won the last meeting against the Patriots in 2012 behind quarterback Kevin Kolb and a bit of luck. The Cardinals tried to give the game away with a Ryan Williams fumble.
The Cardinals however got their victory after Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed a 42-yard field goal wide left with one second remaining in the game. The Cardinals walked away with a 20-12 win, one of only five that season.
Things have changed in Arizona. Not everything has changed in New England. Tom Brady is still the quarterback, however he is suspended for the first four games this season. Jimmy Garoppolo will be behind center Sunday night at University of Phoenix Stadium.
There are a number of storylines heading into this one. A lot of Patriots injuries. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, guard Jonathan Cooper, and offensive tackle Nate Solder are all going to miss Sunday’s game.
The Cardinals first team never really got into sync in the preseason. That was a different beast though. Everything is different in the regular season. Not every Cardinals fan is convinced however.
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Here are five bold predictions for the game. Keep in mind, these are bold predictions, means good chance they may not come true.