The Patriots are back!
No, that isn’t something to celebrate. We don’t like all the negativity, though, so let’s stay (mostly) positive about their upcoming matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
New England fell into a perpetual state of momentum swings this season, but a recent week off could do some good down the stretch. Arizona is fighting for a playoff spot, so walking into State Farm Stadium and grabbing a win on Sunday won’t be easy. It’s not impossible, though.
The Patriots just need to make a few of these bold predictions come true:
MARVELOUS MARVIN
Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most promising young receivers in the NFL, but he hasn’t exactly lived up to the standards many placed on him coming out of school. Arizona isn’t going to complain about his seven touchdowns, but it’d probably appreciate a bit more.
The Cardinals should look to keep feeding the 22-year-old, which might come in the form of a couple of deep shots — especially if the likes of Marcus Jones and Jonathan Jones are covering him.
Prediction: Harrison finishes with two-plus explosive plays.
POLK PUSHES PAST MISTAKES
Ja’Lynn Polk is in the middle of a nightmare rookie season, and you folks have every right to be annoyed by the fact his number of drops (four) is as close as it is to his number of catches (12).
Polk needs to fix that. New England seems intent on making sure that happens, too, so there should be plenty of opportunities for the 22-year-old — especially in the red area.
Prediction: Polk scores a touchdown.
MAYO MATCHES BELICHICK
The Patriots won just four games in the final season of Bill Belichick’s tenure. Can Jerod Mayo match that total? New England is about to enter a matchup where its opponent is on the ropes, and it very well might be the last chance it has at winning a game this season.
We say it gets done.
Prediction: The Patriots win.
