Patriots 47, Cardinals 7: New England Still In It, Arizona Backing In to Playoffs

The Arizona Cardinals have had their playoff tickets punched for a few weeks now, and they pretty much had nothing to play for on Sunday in New England. That might explain why they didn't even bother to show up, as they were systematically dismantled by the Patriots, 47-7, at snowy Gillette Stadium.

Despite playing most of the game in a blizzard, Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel completed 20-of-36 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns, while New England managed to pound out 183 yards on the ground on 42 carries. Sammy Morris led the way with 88 yards on 18 carries, while Lamont Jordan scored a pair of touchdowns.

New England went into the half with a commanding 31-0 lead, and then continued to pour it on when Randy Moss scored on a 76-yard play just 19 seconds into the third quarter. Kevin Faulk and Wes Welker also caught touchdowns for the Patriots, while Welker was penalized 15 yards after his score for using the snow to create a snow angel. Seriously? A 15-yard penalty for making a snow angel? Is snow considered a prop?

As for the Arizona side of the field -- wow. Not much going on here. This really isn't the way you want to go into the playoffs, I'd imagine, as the Cardinals have now lost four of their past five games while giving up 35 points (or more) in each of the losses.

Kurt Warner was sent to the bench after completing just 6-of-18 yards 30 yards, leading to a Matt Leinart sighting in the second half. He didn't fare much better than Warner, as he went 6-of-14 for 138 yards and a pick. Though, he did throw a 78-yard touchdown to Larry Fitzgerald to break New England's shutout bid late in the fourth quarter.

The win keeps the Patriots in the AFC playoff race, though, they still need some help, as well as a win next Sunday against Buffalo.