The Patriots strike first
All of this talk about how the Cardinals aren’t the Cardinals if they don’t blow out a Patriots team at less than 100 percent is just a bunch of you know what. The overreactions are likely to come when the Patriots get on the scoreboard first.
We must all remember that it is a 60-minute game. The Patriots make just get the ball first and kick a field goal for all we know to get on the board first?
I do think in whatever manner, the Patriots will score first, albeit field goal, touchdown, punt return, etc. It will remind the Cardinals they can’t just come in and turn on a switch and get down to business.
It will tell the Cardinals the Patriots didn’t come out to Arizona for a leisure trip. Despite the missing Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots have the ability to move the ball downfield.
Next: Taking care of business
The Cardinals could even get a rude awakening thanks to a big play. The Cardinals cornerback spot is still a large unknown with rookie Brandon Williams starting in his first NFL regular-season game.