Welcome to the Unconventional Review, an instant reaction to standouts, stats, and story lines from the Patriots’ most recent game . . .
The Patriots got what they needed. And they got it in part from players we never would have expected.
Rookie running backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris each ran for a touchdown, and the Patriots won a battle of attrition against a Cardinals team that could not overcome losing starting quarterback Kyler Murray to a knee injury on the third play of the game.
The Patriots endured injuries themselves, losing running back Rhamondre Stevenson and receiver DeVante Parker for the game.