Cardinals lead Patriots 13-3 at halftime

The Cardinals need a win against the Patriots to stay within striking distance of the NFC West leaders, and a big play late in the first half helped them get one.

Wide receiver Greg Dortch caught a short pass from quarterback Kyler Murray on third down with 46 seconds left in the second quarter and turned it into a 39-yard gain that put the Cardinals in field goal range. Murray took a couple of throws to rookie wideout Marvin Harrison in the end zone, but the Cardinals ended up kicking a field goal with 16 seconds left.

Former Patriot Chad Ryland hit the kick and the Cardinals lead 13-3 in Arizona.

Murray was 13-of-17 for 112 yards and the Cardinals’ only touchdown came on one of his runs in the first quarter, but he didn’t score. Murray fumbled into the end zone and the Cardinals were fortunate to have right tackle Jonah Williams fall on the ball before it went out of bounds for a touchback.

Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is 10-of-10 through the air, but his passes have only led to 71 yards, and sacks and penalties have thwarted their offensive momentum at various points. Both have been frequent problems for the Patriots this season, and things haven’t gotten much better in recent weeks.