SCOUTING THE MATCHUPS

When the Patriots run – Edge: Patriots

The Patriots ground game has shown signs of life in recent games as Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson have resembled their early-season form. Gibson in particular was impressive in the loss to the Colts with 62 yards on just seven carries while Stevenson ripped off a 32-yard run. The Cardinals have been rather pedestrian stopping the run, ranking 18th in the league while allowing 121.8 yards per game, and 19th at 4.5 yards per carry. Seattle’s Zach Charbonnet enjoyed a solid outing last week in Glendale when he topped 100 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown run. Arizona employs a 3-4 front with nose tackle Roy Lopez sandwiched by ends Dante Stills and L.J. Collier in front of inside linebackers Zaven Collins and Kyzir White. Free safety Budda Baker also needs to be accounted for as he is active around the line of scrimmage and is a strong player in run support. It’s a group that has talent but hasn’t shown much consistency during the season. The Patriots could be getting some additional help up front if Cole Strange is activated after spending the season on the shelf coming off a torn patellar tendon. He could see action at guard or center depending on his availability.

When the Patriots pass – Edge: Patriots

Drake Maye will be coming off a week of rest as well as the finest performance of his brief career in the loss to the Colts. Maye was outstanding between the 20s, driving the Patriots into the red zone on six occasions but unfortunately for New England managed only two touchdowns. The rookie spread the ball around well, using tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper in addition to DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne. Arizona has been inconsistent against the pass as well, allowing an average of 218.7 yards per game through the air (19th) and 6.9 yards per pass (20th). Corners Sean Murphy-Bunting, Starling Thomas, Garrett Williams and Max Melton haven’t been able to create many turnovers as the Cards have only six picks all season. That should allow Maye some opportunities to find holes, provided that he has the time to do so. Arizona does have 34 sacks on the season, led by Stills’ 4.5, and the Patriots have had some issues protecting the passer all year. Maye has been effective at avoiding the rush and as a scrambler, averaging 9.1 yards per rush on 38 attempts. He may need to use his legs a bit more often in the desert than he has in recent games.

When the Cardinals run – Edge: Cardinals

The Patriots run defense has been better in recent weeks after a disastrous stretch in the middle of the schedule. Jonathan Taylor was effective for the Colts in the last outing, but the Patriots didn’t allow Indy to control the game on the ground and Taylor had to work hard for his 95 yards. But Arizona has the ability to do just that, both with James Conner and quarterback Kyler Murray. Conner is a solid, between-the-tackles type who won’t offer much flash but generally provides production. He leads the team with 863 yards on the ground and averages 4.3 yards per carry with a team-high five rushing touchdowns. Murray’s elusiveness provides another element to deal with as he averages 7.7 yards on 58 carries and has another four rushing TDs. That tandem has Arizona ranked sixth in the league, averaging 139.8 yards per game on the ground and third at 5.2 yards per carry. This will be a big test for a Patriots front that has benefitted from the return of Christian Barmore alongside Davon Godchaux. Keeping Conner under wraps and Murray in the pocket would go a long way toward making the Cardinals offense one dimensional.

When the Cardinals pass – Edge: Cardinals

Murray is coming off a tough outing against the Seahawks in which he tossed interceptions on consecutive offensive snaps in the first quarter, allowing Seattle to take a two-score lead. He bounced back from the tough start but was unable to complete the comeback, and after the game he took the blame for the loss. It’s been that type of season for the former No. 1 overall pick as he’s flashed moments of brilliance with subpar play that has cost the team. Still, Murray is a capable passer who can do a lot of damage with his legs as well. He has rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. and third-year man Michael Wilson as his top wideouts, plus Trey McBride, one of the most underrated tight ends in the league. McBride leads the team with 80 catches for 851 yards but strangely has not found the end zone all year. Harrison (45-655-7), Wilson (39-473-4) and slot receiver Greg Dortch (26-198-1) give Murray some options for a passing game that ranks 22nd in the league with an average of 208.2 yards per game. The Patriots secondary has really struggled as of late, with the exception of Christian Gonzalez, who continues his solid work. Alex Austin and Isaiah Bolden saw action at corner against the Colts in a rotation with Jonathan Jones, as defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington searches for the right combinations.

Special Teams – Edge: Patriots

Marcus Jones remains a going concern for opponents on punt returns, averaging 15.2 yards on 25 attempts. He’s a threat to take it the distance virtually every chance he gets, and lately he’s been productive. Unfortunately, that’s been the lone bright spot for an otherwise inconsistent special teams group. Joey Slye missed a 25-yard field goal in his last game, a 1-point loss to the Colts, and is now 22 of 28 on the year. Punter Bryce Baringer’s net average of 41 yards ranks 21st in the league, and he leads the NFL with eight touchbacks. The Cardinals may have even more issues on special teams, however. Punter Blake Gillikin suffered an ankle injury in the loss to the Seahawks, forcing former Patriot Chad Ryland to handle those duties. Ryland averaged 39 yards on his three attempts with a long of 44. Ryland also missed his fourth field goal of the season against Seattle, all coming from between 40-49 yards. DeeJay Dallas returns kicks for the Cards and has a 96-yard touchdown to his credit. Dortch averages just under 10 yards per punt return but has only 14 attempts. The Cardinals have allowed a 39-yard punt return as well as a 53-yard kickoff return as coverage has been an issue most of the year.