Breaking down the biggest plays in the Patriots' 27-13 win over the Cardinals — and some that set up those plays — using analysis of the coaches' film. The plays/discussion points:
- Cardinals defense being complicit on Kevin Harris' TD and Pierre Strong's big run, which were the same play;
- Myles Bryant shutting down a third down in the red zone;
- Colt McCoy missing another chance, thanks to Josh Uche, and the Patriots' scheme winning out in the other red zone trip.
1-10-ARZ 14 (11:32) (Shotgun) K.Harris up the middle for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-20-NE 44 (12:29) (Shotgun) P.Strong left end to ARZ 12 for 44 yards (A.Hamilton; T.Mullen).
On the touchdown, this was where the playcaller has an idea of what the defense is going to do coming into the game, and getting exactly what he hoped.
The Cardinals have wide alignment on the line, don't change up anything, and that allows Trent Brown, Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne to execute their blocks on the second level with the kind of ease you see in a pre-game walkthrough. And credit to Harris for eluding the one unblocked player, and finishing the drive.
Video analysis:
The same play flipped was used on Strong's big run. Again, the execution was great, and the Cardinal's defense was exposed.
3-5-NE 15 (15:00) (Shotgun) C.McCoy pass incomplete short right to M.Brown
Great job by Myles Bryant — out on an island against Hollywood Brown — staying on top of the route and flattening the receiver out. Not a great job by Brown with his route running. Both equal a big win for the Patriots.
2-9-NE 14 (9:50) (No Huddle, Shotgun) C.McCoy pass incomplete short left to M.Brown
3-9-NE 14 (9:44) (Shotgun) C.McCoy pass incomplete short middle to D.Hopkins
Cardinals get to the red zone again and basically run the same plays. On the first, McCoy missed Brown twice, but Uche blowing up the left tackle aided in the error.
On the final play, the Patriots have this beaten from the start. The Cardinals had no chance.