Cardinals at Patriots
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb played just one series last week but it was good enough to pull out a win against Seattle. The Cardinals got nothing out of their running game, leaving the onus on Kolb to bring them back in the fourth quarter in the 20-16 decision. While Arizona has searing quarterback issues, the New England Patriots appear totally secure in their entire offensive scheme. If Week 1 is any indication, New England could start making plans for a return to the Super Bowl. The Patriots had two major problems last season: their 31st-ranked defense and the running game. They seemed to solve them both in an easy 34-13 win at Tennessee as Stevan Ridley ran for 125 yards and New England held Chris Johnson to a career-low four rushing yards on 11 carries. The Patriots are 10-0 in home openers at Gillette Stadium.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Patriots -13.5, O/U 48
ABOUT THE CARDINALS (1-0): Kolb replaced the injured John Skelton (low ankle sprain) in the fourth quarter last week. According to reports, Skelton is unlikely to play Sunday. Kolb, who lost the starting job late last season and again this preseason, went 6 for 8 passing for 68 yards on the game-winning drive, and seems poised to reclaim the starting role with a good game against the Patriots. The Cardinals have even more questions in their backfield as wide receiver Andre Roberts led the team in rushing with 15 yards in the opener. Overall, Arizona only ran for 43 yards as feature back Beanie Wells gained 14 yards on seven carries.
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (1-0): Ridley took the burden off Tom Brady in New England's opener, setting a career-high on the ground and scoring a short touchdown. Brady suffered a broken nose vs. the Titans but it didn’t bother him as he cruised to his 125th career victory, throwing for a pedestrian 236 yards and two touchdowns. Tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez both caught scoring passes. Brady denied that WR Wes Welker's role has diminished despite his usual top target catching just three passes and being on the field for 43 of the team’s 67 offensive plays.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Patriots have won the past five games vs. the Cardinals.
2. Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald needs three catches for 700 in his career.
3. Brady has won 35 of his last 36 starts at home.