Arizona Cardinals: 3 keys to victory over Patriots

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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) and Darren Fells (85) against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Limit the penalties

One of the issues the Cardinals had early in preseason was a number of penalties. Penalties got the Cardinals on the wrong end of the scoreboard. It also put Fells, who had some of those penalties, in the doghouse with head coach Bruce Arians.

Against a team like the Patriots you can’t shoot yourself in the foot. Don’t beat yourself. Make the Patriots beat you.

There are a lot of teams that will allow you to get away with penalties, however the Patriots are usually not one of them. No matter who the personnel is on the field, they usually make you pay for your mistakes.

Next: Don't expect a cake walk

Penalties will happen but they need to be kept at a minimum and no stupid penalties. After the play action is usually what gets teams into trouble. The Cardinals will need to maintain their composure.

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