THE BLITZ projects the Arizona Cardinals to be the 8th-most pass-heavy team in the NFL (adjusted for context) right now with a 64.2% pass rate.
THE BLITZ projects this game to see the least plays run out of all the games this week at 133.5 plays, based on the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.
The Arizona Cardinals have called the 2nd-most plays in football this year, averaging a monstrous 63.2 plays per game.
This game will be played in a dome—meaning no wind, higher pass volume, higher touchdown potential, and increased passing effectiveness.
Opposing quarterbacks have averaged 36.7 pass attempts per game versus the New England Patriots defense this year: 9th-most in football.
Cons
DeAndre Hopkins’s ability to grind out extra yardage has declined this year, notching a measly 2.04 yards-after-the-catch (YAC) vs a 3.43 mark last year.
The New England Patriots defense has conceded the 8th-least receiving yards per game in football (just 143.0) vs. wide receivers this year.
The New England Patriots pass defense has surrendered the 7th-lowest Completion% in football (63.3%) versus wide receivers this year (63.3%).
The New England Patriots pass defense has excelled when opposing wide receivers have gotten into space, allowing an average of 3.75 yards-after-the-catch this year: the 4th-least in the league.
The New England Patriots safeties rank as the 4th-best safety corps in football this year in pass coverage.