Arizona Cardinals: 5 bold predictions vs Patriots

Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) directs the offense pre snap during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) directs the offense pre snap during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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.