Halftime Report vs. Cardinals

At the Half, the Patriots and Cardinals are tied at 6

 While establishing defense, the Patriots offense is struggling to put points on the board

Some quick thoughts from the first half:

Cardinals aggressive out of the gate

Arizona has gone for broke in the first half, establishing momentum with both runs and passes, including an 18 yard Wilcat run by CB Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals are well aware of the threat of the Patriots offense, and are threading the needle behind a solid running game to try and score quickly

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Tom’s Turnover

Tom Brady, on his first Gillette Stadium pass this year, has a tipped pass picked off by CB Patrick Peterson. The pass – intended for WR Julian Edelman – was most likely the result of a miscommunication in route running. The interception was the first Patriots turnover of 2012 Whatever the case, the Cardinals miss the opportunity to capitalize on the short field and get away with only a field goal.

Down goes Hernandez

TE Aaron Hernandez, who was seen favoring his ankle vs. Tennessee in Week 1, goes down hard with an undisclosed ankle injury. The injury was the result of a collision with WR Julian Edelman in which Edelman fell with all of his weight onto Hernandez’s ankle. Hernandez was helped into the locker room by the team’s training staff. We are awaiting word on the extent of Hernandez’s injury.

The non-existent Pass Rush Defense

While the defense has been stout in the points department, the Patriots defense fails to rattle Kevin Kolb’s cage. Putting pressure on the inexperienced Kolb is key to a victory today, as it was instrumental to the Patriots success vs. Tennessee last week. I’m not complaining, as the defense as aa whole is playing much better than that of the 2011 edition.  The point here is that the pass rush can certainly do better.

Coming up with a rhythm

In Joe Namath’s words, the offense is strugg-a-ling. Over the past year, the Patriots have been slow to start in the offense department. This usually isn’t an issue, as they are often at full speed by the second quarter. Today is different – the Patriots managed to earn only 2 field goals on the first 5 drives. Furthermore, the Offensive Line can’t seem to give Tom the time he needs. Brady seems rushed, and was often seen forcing the ball to Brandon Lloyd – a relationship that is in the making. Ridley, however, proves to be one glowing bright spot in the Patriots’ offense. Ridley’s explosiveness seems to be carrying over from last week, providing a consistent rushing attack  to slow down the Cardinals’ defense.