Arizona Cardinals: 3 keys to victory over Patriots

Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians looks on during the second half against the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians looks on during the second half against the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter (51), wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) and head coach Bruce Arians celebrate a play against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter (51), wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) and head coach Bruce Arians celebrate a play against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals kick off the 2016 season Sunday night against the New England Patriots

The Arizona Cardinals begin their drive towards another chance at the Super Bowl on Sunday evening against the New England Patriots.  The teams last met in 2012 with the Cardinals winning 20-12.

The Patriots will be without quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski.  So what can we expect from the Patriots on Sunday night?  Answer?  We don’t know.  Jimmy Garoppolo will be the starting quarterback for the Patriots.

As for the Cardinals we know they have gotten their stars healthy.  Receivers Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown and safety Tyrann Mathieu are all ready to go.  The defense appears ready to go as well with new addition linebacker Chandler Jones.

Next: Balance act

While some expect the Cardinals to handle their business, remember this is still the Patriots.  They aren’t coming in here and rolling over to play dead.  They are a well-coached team with still a lot of talent on both sides of the ball.  Here are the three keys for the Cardinals to secure victory on Sunday night.

Schedule