New England Patriots: 3 Bold predictions in Week 12 vs. Cardinals
3. Patriots will have trouble containing Kyler Murray, Cardinals offense
One thing that will likely take place on Sunday for New England is that it will have a tough time facing Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray and the rest of the potent Cardinals offense throughout the game.
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Over the past few weeks, the Patriots defense has struggled to some extent against opposing offenses, specifically in the passing game. Against teams like the New York Jets on the road in Week 9, the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 10 and the Houston Texans on the road in Week 11, New England’s pass defense has taken somewhat of a hit while allowing the opposition to throw the ball around the field with relative ease.
In Week 12 against Arizona, New England will have its work cut out for it and the Patriots defense can’t afford to let Murray and company continue that trend if New England wants to come out on top at the end of the week.
So far in 2020, the Cardinals offense headlined by Murray, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and running back Kenyan Drake have shown the ability to hurt opposing defenses both through the air and on the ground in the running game.
Coming into the game on Sunday, Arizona sits about in the middle of the league when it comes to passing statistics, tallying 2,644 total passing yards through 10 games. It has thrown for 19 touchdowns through the air, which ranks tied for eighth in the NFL.
On the ground, the Cardinals have rushed for 1,577 yards, which ranks second in the NFL behind only the Ravens with 1,605. On 306 rush attempts (seventh-highest in the league), they are averaging league-best marks of 5.2 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns on the ground.
New England will certainly have its hands full on the defensive side of the ball this weekend against Arizona.