New England Patriots Face Old Friend This Sunday

Oh how Kurt Warner remembers that day in 2002 when the New England Patriots upset his then-team the St. Louis Rams in a Super Bowl shocker.

While the Patriots were destined for a Super Bowl victory that day, this year, they're clinging to a hopeful playoff spot. With injuries to Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Tedy Bruschi, and Rodney Harrison, the Patriots must win this weekend and hope for a Jets or Dolphins loss to take the lead in the AFC East.

This weekend, Kurt Warner's Arizona Cardinals will make a cross country trip to chilly Foxborough. The Cardinals, who clinched a divisional championship, look to continue their magical season.

But don't count out the Patriots just yet. While injuries may be devastating for the 9-5 New England Patriots, their young hero Matt Cassel will be sure to do everything in his power to secure a victory for the Pats.

The key to victory is simple for Cassel: Get the ball to your playmakers, Randy Moss who caught a record setting 23 touchdown passes last season, and Wes Welker, who was just announced to the 2009 Pro Bowl team.

Cassel must be aware of his surroundings and get rid of the ball quickly. But the key to every victory is defense. If the Patriots want to win this game, and win they must, the defense needs to step up their game.

Expect to see Kurt Warner and his superb offense strike quickly at the Patriots' injury-plagued defense. But with players like corner back Ellis Hobbs, linebacker Jerod Mayo, and defensive tackle Vince Wilfolk, the Patriots will be more than ready.

Prediction: The New England Patriots will start slow but will pick up their game in the second half. This will be a game to remember as the Patriots will slither by with a three-point victory. (Or they could kiss their playoff hopes good-bye.)