“Very intense game, except for CAS situation. (Not for lack of try as Pats had a lot of blocks early, and Cardinals had a lot of quality fouls.)

The game started slowly, with Pats taking the lead in the 3rd turn. (1-0) Zack Johnson equalized immediately. (1-1)
Pats elected to do a slow stall, and pulled it off, leading (2-1). Then Zack did his thing again, dashing through tackle zones. (2-2).

The game got hot at this point, as both teams tried to win it, or at least do as well as possible. CAS were not a factor, so it was mainly Zack vs Pats. It was 3-2 for cardinals after his handywork! Pats did a quick score (3-3), then Zack did it again! (4-3 for cards) Then Pats did a quick score again, this time taking out Zack with a blitz. (4-4)

Zack had a headache, did not return, so Cardinals elected to get a page out of a west coast offense, with dropback passer and 2 receivers, rest blocking the line. Pats in man advantage, double covered both receivers, and broke through to pressure the passer (could not get to him yet). Cards thrower botched the pass, and Pats run in with a winning defensive score!

What a game it was, especially in the 2nd half! A proper elf-off!

On to the Classics!

P.S.1. 5 score is resetting the franchize record for scores.
P.S.2. 4 score received is a new franchize record.
P.S.3. 9 scores in a Pats game is new record as well.”