Though the New England Patriots left victorious after playing the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12, it wasn’t the prettiest win.
Cam Newton had a career-low 84 passing yards and two interceptions to top it off, with nine carries for 46 yards on the ground. The Patriots’ offense was saved by a huge day from James White (2 rushing TDs) and Nick Folk’s two field goals, one of which was a 50-yard game-winner.
Folk’s game-winner stemmed from Newton’s converted third-and-13 run that had a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty tacked on. Newton came through when needed, but it was following an interception that almost sealed the game while sitting with a tied 17-17 score late in the fourth quarter.
Newton spoke with reporters after the game and had a solid quote after leading his team to a 5-6 record.
“I said in the locker room, I’d rather have an ugly win rather than a pretty loss, if that makes any sense,” quarterback Cam Newton said. “I don’t know if that even exists.
“We didn’t play our best game offensively, but when we needed it, we got the job done. That’s all that counts.”
Newton’s been playing incredibly smart and efficient over the past few weeks and he appeared to be ascending. Arizona threw him off with blitz packages and the absence of Rex Burkhead was felt. Regardless, the Patriots pulled away with an ugly win and kept the playoff hopes alive.
New England plays the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13 with hopes of securing a .500 record.
