The New England Patriots finally had their bye week last week after losing three games in a row, and now they’ve hit the road for a Week 15 battle with the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
New England has put together an abysmal 3-10 record to start Jerod Mayo’s tenure which already has them eliminated from postseason contention. Arizona is still in the NFC playoff race with a 6-7 in their second year under Jonathan Gannon.
Before these two teams hit the field on Sunday, here are a few things that both fan bases should know about the matchup.
Rankings
Points scored per game
- New England: 17.0 (31st)
- Arizona: 21.8 (18th)
Points allowed per game
- New England: 23.6 (21st)
- Arizona: 22.2 (13th)
Yards gained per game
- New England: 291.1 (31st)
- Arizona: 348.0 (12th)
Yards allowed per game
- New England: 340.2 (19th)
- Arizona: 340.5 (20th)
History
The Patriots and Cardinals have met 16 times in their history with New England winning nine of those battles. The Patriots have also won six of their 10 matchups on the road and are undefeated (2-0) at State Farm Stadium.
New England and Arizona last played in 2022, with the Patriots winning 27-13. Running backs Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong both found the end zone while Raekwon McMillan returned a fumble for a touchdown and Nick Folk made two field goals.
Injury concerns
New England has ruled out the following players:
- WR Javon Baker (concussion)
- OT Caedan Wallace (ankle)
- New England has listed these players as questionable
- S Kyle Dugger (ankle)
- CB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder)
- OT Vederian Lowe (shoulder)
- OL Cole Strange (knee)
- DL Christian Barmore (non-injury)
Arizona has ruled out the following players:
- RB Emari Demercado (back)
- P Blake Gillikin (foot)
- CB Elijah Jones (ankle)
Arizona has listed these players as questionable:
- DL Naquan Jones (shoulder)
- DL Roy Lopez (ankle)
Connections
- Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort worked in the Patriots’ front office in 2003 and from 2006-19
- Cardinals defensive lineman Angelo Blackson spent time on the Patriots practice squad in 2017
- Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt played for the Patriots from 2019-20
- Cardinals offensive lineman Nick Leverett played for the Patriots this year
- Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland played for the Patriots in 2023
- Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson played for the Patriots from 2022-23
- Patriots offensive line coach Scott Peters played for the Cardinals from 2007-08
- Patriots offensive lineman Lecitus Smith played for the Cardinals in 2022
MORE PATRIOTS NEWS
Patriots rule out 3 players, list 5 as questionable for Week 15
4 keys to a Patriots victory vs. Cardinals
Heisman favorite interested in playing with Drake Maye
Bill Belichick-Bill O’Brien’s relationship reached new lows in 2023
Read the full article here
