No Tom Brady, no problem for the New England Patriots on Sunday night against the Arizona Cardinals. No question, this game was the toughest test for the Patriots during Brady’s four-game suspension. Not many fans liked the Patriots chances. Even fewer liked their chances after hearing Rob Gronkowski, Nate Solder, and Jonathan Cooper wouldn’t be playing.
Health issues aside, the Patriots now return to Gillette Stadium for three consecutive home games against the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills – in that order. Gillette Stadium has always been kind to the Patriots, especially against their divisional rivals. Could a 4-0 start be realistic?
Jimmy Garoppolo Sets New England Patriots Up For Perfection
During the Game
Jimmy Garoppolo completed 24 of 33 passes for a respectable 264 yards and one touchdown; good for a 106.1 rating. The touchdown just happened to be a beautiful 37-yard pass to Chris Hogan during the Patriots first drive of the game that jump-started the team and put them in control early.
New England maintained that control until midway through the fourth quarter when Carson Palmer connected with Larry Fitzgerald for his second touchdown of the game – and the 100th of his career.
On the ensuing drive, Garoppolo and LeGarrette Blount led the Patriots into the Cardinals red zone, which set up a 32-yard field goal for Stephen Gostowski. To no surprise, he put it through the uprights and the Patriots took the lead for good, 23-21.
Despite fumbling with a 10-0 lead – which led to an Arizona touchdown – Garoppolo made good throws all game and showed an incredible pocket presence. He was only sacked twice and finished the game with 12 rushing yards and even had a completion to himself. His poise looks promising moving forward.
A Look-Ahead
With his first win under his belt, Garoppolo heads home to Gillette Stadium. It has been an embarrassment of riches for the Patriots at home against Miami and Buffalo. Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, New England is a combined 25-3 at home against the Dolphins and Bills.
The Texans now become the Patriots toughest opponents, a big reason being that the game is on a Thursday night. The offensive line for the Patriots is still a big question mark, and there is no telling how healthy they will be come week three and on only four days of rest.
Another reason is Houston’s defensive talent. A healthy J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney could give Jimmy Garoppolo headaches all game. Against the Chicago Bears this week, the Texans defense dominated. They had five sacks and only allowed 71 yards in the second half. They also shut down Alshon Jeffery, keeping the ball out of his hands after halftime.
Potentially Perfect
After beating Arizona, the possibility of a 4-0 start is indeed now somewhat realistic. The Patriots next three opponents aren’t as good as the Cardinals and they have three consecutive home games to really prove what they’re made of. After beating an early season Superbowl contender on the road, anything is possible for the Patriots.
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