Storyline: The Patriots roll into tonight’s season opener against the Cardinals severely short handed. Obviously they were already going to be  without Tom Brady but they are  also going to be without Rob Gronkowski and Nate Solder as well. This was already a tough game for the Patriots but it just got tougher. New England can win this game but they will need to play flawless football.

Here are my five keys to the game for the Patriots.

1. Pass Protection: With Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer both out tonight, the Patriots will have some protection issues. Look for more seven man protections with check releases by the running back and more three man route combinations. The Patriots will also use more screens in this one.

2. Balance on O: With the offense so depleted, look for the Patriots to lean on LeGarrette Blount and James White and D.J Foster. The Patriots will need to run the ball more and use the running backs in the passing game more.

3. Turnovers: The Patriots need to win the turnover battle tonight. They must protect the football and generate turnovers.

4. Get Consistent Pressure On Palmer: The Cardinals put defenses in a bind, especially when they are in 11 personnel (3WR’s, 1 RB, 1 TE) The Patriots have to find a balance between pressuring and covering. They have to get pressure on Carson Palmer but they can’t give up big plays. It’s a fine line that Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have to find a way to work around. 

5. Limit the Big Plays: The Cardinals are a big play offense. As Bruce Arians says. “You have to risk it for the biscuit”. He’s going to risk it tonight so the Patriots need to be make sure they limit Arizona’s ability to make big plays otherwise they are in for a long night.

Prediction: Cardinals 28 Patriots 21: The Patriots will play the Cardinals tougher than people think but in the end, they are just too short handed offensively to win this game.