Patch Patriots Roundup: Monday Night Football Matchup Vs. Cardinals

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The New England Patriots will play prominently in an upcoming episode of HBO's in-season Hard Knocks series as they square off against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals.

Though the Cardinals have plenty of big names on their roster, the season has been a disappointment by any measure, with the team in the desert sitting at 4-8. Moreso, there's plenty of controversy and speculation regarding a power struggle between head coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray. To make matters even stranger, both were recently given contract extensions in the offseason.

What happens in Arizona's front office, of course, is of little importance to Bill Belichick and the Patriots, who are fighting weekly for their playoff lives.

Here's what to know ahead of Monday Night Football.

The Vance Joseph Quote

At this point, you may have heard what Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph had to say about the Patriot's offense. If you haven't, here are his remarks, courtesy of NBC Sports Boston:

"It's how a defensive guy would call offensive plays, right? Let's not turn the ball over. Let's get four yards a play. Try to burn clock. That's what they're doing. That's what he's going to do on Monday night. He's going to be patient. Maybe take a shot from time to time. But for the most part, it's running game, it's quick game and it's screens."

Headlines have tried to use this quote as Joseph taking a dig at offensive playcaller Matt Patricia, but, is it wrong?

According to The Football Database, the Patriots rank within the top 10 of run plays when looking at their run-pass splits at 43.8 percent.

Injuries

Five important Patriots didn't practice on Thursday, according to the first injury report of the week, Yahoo reports.

Those players include offensive linemen Isaiah Wynn and Trent Brown, running back Damien Harris, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and cornerback Jalen Mills.

They'll have a few more days to log some snaps in practice ahead of Monday.

Playoff Odds

Espn's Football Power Index has New England's change at the playoffs just under 16 percent, as the team currently sits in last place in the AFC East, and 6-6 overall.

However, the Patriots still have a punchers chance at the playoffs, sitting only one game out of the currently playoff picture, with division rival the New York Jets in the seven spot.

Odds and Ends

• Kickoff: Monday, Dec. 12, 8:15 p.m.
• Network: ESPN
• Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub
• Weather forecast: Mostly clear, with a low around 22. North wind around 6 mph.