Patriots 47, Cardinals 7: New England Still In It, Arizona Backing In to Playoffs

The Arizona Cardinals have had their playoff tickets punched for a few weeks now, and they pretty much had nothing to play for on Sunday in New England. That might explain why they didn't even bother to show up, as they were systematically dismantled by the Patriots, 47-7, at snowy Gillette Stadium.

Despite playing most of the game in a blizzard, Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel completed 20-of-36 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns, while New England managed to pound out 183 yards on the ground on 42 carries. Sammy Morris led the way with 88 yards on 18 carries, while Lamont Jordan scored a pair of touchdowns.

New England went into the half with a commanding 31-0 lead, and then continued to pour it on when Randy Moss scored on a 76-yard play just 19 seconds into the third quarter. Kevin Faulk and Wes Welker also caught touchdowns for the Patriots, while Welker was penalized 15 yards after his score for using the snow to create a snow angel. Seriously? A 15-yard penalty for making a snow angel? Is snow considered a prop?

As for the Arizona side of the field -- wow. Not much going on here. This really isn't the way you want to go into the playoffs, I'd imagine, as the Cardinals have now lost four of their past five games while giving up 35 points (or more) in each of the losses.

Kurt Warner was sent to the bench after completing just 6-of-18 yards 30 yards, leading to a Matt Leinart sighting in the second half. He didn't fare much better than Warner, as he went 6-of-14 for 138 yards and a pick. Though, he did throw a 78-yard touchdown to Larry Fitzgerald to break New England's shutout bid late in the fourth quarter.

The win keeps the Patriots in the AFC playoff race, though, they still need some help, as well as a win next Sunday against Buffalo.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-22-2008 @ 10:04AM

Connie said...

I laughed so hard when I saw Wes Welkner catch the ball and make a "snow angel". Where has the laughter gone? It was so amusing and to penalize him in any way just means that whoever is doing the penalizing has absolutely no sense of humor at all. The commentators laughed and said, "Wes Welkner got a T.D. and a "snow angel". Everyone got a kick out of it except those who lack a sense of humor. My favorite player is Tom Brady, but since he is injured, it doesn't mean I can't cheer for Matt Cassel. C'mon, don't make a mountain out of a molehill!

12-22-2008 @ 10:53AM

karen said...

Loved your comment :)
Die Hard Pats fan here from NE living in NC......LOVE ME SOME PATS though :)

12-22-2008 @ 11:30AM

Jeremiah said...

I know! That was awesome, I am sure Wes will get a hefty fine for that which is bogus. Great job by the PATS!!!!

12-22-2008 @ 12:21PM

jake said...

yeah, but its just too bad they're not gonna make the playoffs... even with their cute little touchdown dances and running up the score.

12-22-2008 @ 10:11PM

glenn said...

im a browns fan living here in phx, i do like the cards, but how even in this division that they won the division crown is way beyond me. the last couple of games, the have been horrendous. it appears clancy p. is trying to get fired. what the hell kind of game was he calling? it was snowing, it was a slow field, and he was sending in 3 on the line?the cards should have been blitzing on every down!!!! giving up 47 in conditions like that, you have got to be kidding me? so the mighty cardinals will finish 8-8 as division champs, host their first playoff game since they were the cicago cardinals, and will get trounced by rookie matt ryan and the atlanta falcons.and old man bidwell wonders why cowboy and bronco fan outnumber cards fans at home well, i really hope they can turn it around but i think the season is over in two weeks...PEACE..AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!!!!

12-22-2008 @ 10:27PM

oh yeah, this is an addendum to my last message-i was a member of the dayton oh, carroll patriots football team, our unis were even better than the NFL pats, we had patriot pat on white helmets-you know-old school-bill belichec was the brownie HC-he had the unmitigated gall to waive bernie kosar and start vinnie interceptaverde at QB. the coach and his team is about the most hated in the league-the unis are terrible-thats another reason to hate'em-i know, im ranting.i went to happy hour and im very happy right now-any6way.....go cards, hope you win, the hoody is a cheater, glad bernie got his SB ring,(sucks it was w/dallas)i hope art modell dies in case he hasnt all ready(i don't wish that on anyone),PEACE,MERRY CHRISTMASS,B'WANA KWANZA, HAPPY HANNUKA,HAPPY NEW YEAR, and Matt Leinart, invite me to younew years party, i want to do beer bongs in your hot tub w/18 yr old co-eds