Cardinals Vs. Patriots Game Recap: Arizona Wins As New England Misses Late Field Goal

The Arizona Cardinals escaped with a 20-18 road victory against the New England Patriots in Week 2. The Cardinals nearly gave the game away, as backup running back Ryan Williams fumbled the ball as Arizona was trying to run out the clock. The fumble gave the Patriots the ball at the Cardinals 30-yard line.

The Patriots had a touchdown called back on a touchdown run by Danny Woodhead, due to a holding penalty. New England moved the ball into field goal range, but Stephen Gostkowski missed the 41-yard field goal that would have given the Patriots the win.

Last time the Cardinals beat the Patriots, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch had the #1 song in America with "Good Vibrations" (9/29/91)

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) September 16, 2012

Amazing ending in Patriots-Cardinals. Patriots lose a home opener for first time since 2001. Tom Brady now 10-1 as starter in home openers

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 16, 2012

Before that kick, Gostkowski was a perfect 4-for-4 in field goals on the season.

The Cardinals were able to get an early lead by holding the Patriots to field goals instead of touchdowns, as well as forcing two Patriots turnovers. Quarterback Kevin Kolb, who was filling in for the injured Jon Skelton, had a big day by scoring two touchdowns. One was a 2-yard pass to Andre Roberts late in the third to go up 13-9. His other score was a 5-yard rush, which gave them a 20-9 lead early in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots made their comeback late and had a chance to win even before the Cardinals gave the ball up late in the fourth quarter. Tight end Rob Gronkowski caught a 5-yard touchdown pass to make it 20-18, but the two-point attempt resulted in an incomplete pass by Tom Brady.

Fantasy studs and duds: The star fantasy player for Sunday was Tom Brady, who passed for 316 yards and two touchdowns -- but he did have on interception.

Odds: The Cardinals pulled off the upset, and heading into the game they were a 13-point underdog.

Injuries: The big injury in this game was Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez suffering a high ankle sprain early in the first quarter.

What's up next: The Cardinals host the Philadelphia Eagles next week, while the Patriots go on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens.

For more on the Patriots go visit Pats Pulpit, and for everything on the Cardinals go check out Revenge of the Birds.