Pats Cast Episode 22: Patriots Reel Off Another Upset, Knock off the Cardinals

Kickers are people too, and this one – Nick Folk – deserves some recognition this week. (Photo: Jim Davis/Boston Globe)

Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals seemed like a tough opponent. They entered Sunday with a 6-4 record, and their roster was among the flashier ones in the league – from Murray to guys like DeAndre Hopkins, Patrick Peterson and Budda Baker.

Perhaps the game wouldn't have played out the same way if Murray's shoulder was in better shape, but the Patriots earned a much-needed home win.

It was a strong outing in two phases, but it wasn't pretty for the other. If you're curious about what I mean by that, listen to my latest podcast episode.

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Offense

With Rex Burkhead and Isaiah Wynn added to injured reserve, there were some different bodies on the field for the offense, including the return of a couple familiar faces – albeit for a limited workload.

Overall, things were pretty messy on this side of the ball. Cam Newton failed to throw for 100 yards (although he ran for 46) or score a touchdown, and he tossed two interceptions. James White's two touchdowns aside, players other than Newton only ran for 64 yards on 21 carries. Damien Harris led the way with just 47 rushing yards.

Receiving production was also spread very thin. Jakobi Meyers caught five passes for 52 yards, Damiere Byrd snagged three balls for 33 yards, and James White's lone pass resulted in a loss of a yard. That's it.

The offensive line was predominantly a bright spot, though. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Joe Thuney, David Andrews and Shaq Mason escaped Sunday's game without allowing a single disruption, Michael Onwenu allowed one pressure (resulting in no hit on the quarterback), Justin Herron surrendered the same (although in fewer reps), and even Jermaine Eluemunor only gave up two disruptions (a sack and a quarterback hit) in his debut at left tackle.

For what it's worth, James White was ruled responsible for two sacks.

Defense

The Patriots were thin at defensive tackle. Byron Cowart sat out of this game with an injury, and Carl Davis was transferred to IR. In terms of on-field production, neither of them were missed.

Sticking up front, Adam Butler and Lawrence Guy had sensational games. Each had five tackles, Guy had two pressures in the backfield, and Butler – deep breath – recorded a sack, two quarterback hits, a run stuff, and a pass breakup. Chase Winovich also had five tackles, a sack, a quarterback hit, two pressures, and a batted pass.

If that looks like a lot, it's because it is a lot, and it's not even all-inclusive. The front four were absolutely outstanding. Even practice squad promotee Akeem Spence made a noticeable impact.

At linebacker, Ja'Whaun Bentley had a game-high 13 tackles, and Terez Hall was right behind him – kind of – with seven. Adrian Phillips added five tackles, a pass breakup, and an interception. Josh Uche also did a nice job containing Murray, notching a pressure and a quarterback hit.

Stephon Gilmore led the secondary by holding DeAndre Hopkins in check. J.C. Jackson held Christian Kirk to almost no production, and the rest of the unit was its typical "solid, but not elite" self.

Special Teams

I don't normally talk about this unit much, but I think it won this game. Nick Folk was perfect on extra points and field goals (including a 50-yard game winner), Jake Bailey averaged over 56 yards on three punts, Donte Moncrief had a 53-yard kickoff return, and Gunner Olszewski averaged almost 35 yards per punt return – and would've had a touchdown if it wasn't for a controversial blind-side block by Anfernee Jennings.

In a game where the offense struggled and the defense was facing some of the best playmakers in the league, field position was huge.

Biggest Takeaways

1. Cam Newton might have upside and be a good leader, but he probably isn't the answer.

2. Neither is N'Keal Harry, and his play time is declining accordingly.

3. Chase Winovich and Kyle Dugger are the next wave of stars for the defense.

4. Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings are learning and improving, but they're still only niche players.

5. The defensive backs can still rise to the occasion.

6. Someone other than Gunner Olszewski is allowed to return kicks – and it was successful.

7. The Patriots refuse to die quietly.

Up Next

Now sitting at 5-6, the Patriots will travel out west to face rookie sensation Justin Herbert and the Chargers. A win would get them back to .500, and a loss to another bad team would just be... bad.