COMMENTARY
Five takeaways from the Patriots’ 20-17 triumph over the Cardinals, as Bill Belichick’s team toughed out a win to get back within a game of .500 and sustain their slim hopes of fighting for a playoff spot…
CREDIT THE SPECIAL TEAMS
If the Patriots use Sunday as a springboard, and make a run at a playoff berth over the final five weeks, they can thank their kicker, punter, and a previously vapid return game for making it possible — with Sunday’s win serving as a testament to the excellence of New England’s special teams, which played the perfect complement to a strong defensive effort and an offensive performance badly in need of a pick-up.