GLENDALE, Ariz. -- When the NFL schedule was released in April, Sunday night's game between the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots turned into a coming-out party.
The Cardinals had improved their defense by trading with the Patriots -- of all teams -- for one of the NFL's best pass-rushers, outside linebacker Chandler Jones. Against his former team, in front of a national audience and against a backup quarterback, the Cardinals were supposed to show just how much better their defense was supposed to be.
Even the best parties don't live up to the hype.
The Cardinals couldn't stop a Patriots offense led by Jimmy Garoppolo in a 23-21 loss at University of Phoenix Stadium. Chandler Catanzaro's 47-yard field goal attempt with 41 seconds left sailed wide left, sealing the loss for the Cardinals.
Arizona didn't have an answer for Garoppolo early. He scrambled and was accurate -- as expected.
The defense finally found a groove in the third and fourth quarters, getting to Garoppolo on occasion -- including once by Jones, who recorded his first sack with the Cardinals -- and forcing a fumble in the third.
But the Cardinals ultimately couldn't find an answer for Tom Brady's temporary replacement. Garoppolo was perfect in the third quarter, going 8-for-8 and leading the Pats to a touchdown. Arizona also struggled in wrapping up running back LeGarrette Blount, who rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots picked on Cardinals rookie cornerback Brandon Williams in the first quarter. He gave up a 37-yard touchdown to Chris Hogan after turning to look back at Garoppolo early in the play.
