Best of Social Media Week 1: Patriots Vs. Cardinals

Coming into Week 1 of the 2016 regular season, fans of the New England Patriots had mixed emotions going into their team’s prime time opener against another perennial Super Bowl contender in the Arizona Cardinals.

The team traveled without some of their best weapons and protection. Beginning at quarterback, Brady, out for the month on Deflategate suspension. Jimmy Garoppolo, unproven with zero career NFL starts was thrust under center in his place.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski was out with hamstring issues that prevented him from flying to Arizona along with two starting linemen in Jonathan Cooper and Nate Solder also unable to go in front of Garoppolo. Lastly, defensive captain Rob Ninkovich, also out with an injury and also suspended.

The result, a +9.5 point Las Vegas line that saw the Patriots have their largest underdog spread for the first time since Super Bowl XXXVI and fears of an embarrassment in the making out in the desert. While the team may have been confident, many fans and media were unsure of what to expect.

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Former Patriot Chandler Jones met with owner Robert Kraft during pregame warmups.

Chandler Jones & Robert Kraft met right before #SNF tonight. pic.twitter.com/i6nMSXO1Ze

— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) September 12, 2016

But before the game, both teams and fans took time to honor and remember the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Here in Glendale, truly a ring of honor. #NeverForget15years pic.twitter.com/SHNeyPJ1fU

— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) September 11, 2016

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A post shared by Julian Edelman (@edelman11)

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A post shared by Chris Hogan (@chrishogan_15)

Wide receiver Danny Amendola, tight end Martellus Bennett and safety Devin McCourty were all spotted before the game providing unique tributes of Patriotism.

Danny Amendola was one of the people holding the giant American flag pic.twitter.com/jE8lCqU8AA

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) September 12, 2016

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The infamous Brady Banner was taken down as the first quarter was underway.

The Tom Brady banner is down here @GilletteStadium – #Patriots #wbz pic.twitter.com/9X7ITbYFYi

— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) September 12, 2016

Martellus Bennett with a little self promotion for his children’s book company.

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It didn’t take long for Garoppolo to find an early rhythm as he threw this precision pass to newcomer Chris Hogan for a Patriots early 7-0 lead.

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Edelman laid some guys out.

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Jimmy also completed a pass to himself.

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With all the thoughts of doom and gloom coming into the night, the Patriots found themselves leading 10-7 at halftime.

With the third quarter underway, the Patriots drove to a 10 point cushion with 10 minutes to go in the third by way of LeGarrette Blount taking half the Cardinals defense into the end zone with him.

17-7.

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Turnovers killed the Patriots early, 14 Cardinals points off of fumbles and it was back to a three point game following a David Johnson score. 17-14 Patriots.

The Garoppolo led Patriots were hanging tough, but future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald did all he could to keep his Cardinals in the game following this incredible 45 yard run by Johnson.

David Johnson doing things most people can’t do in video games pic.twitter.com/kodA3jSfSX

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) September 12, 2016

Career touchdown reception number 100, Fitzgerald’s second of the game which gave the Cardinals the fourth quarter lead at 21-20.

Not much you can do about this…. pic.twitter.com/qAaaWpdO4G

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) September 12, 2016

The kid out of Eastern Illinois didn’t back down, Garoppolo engineered a clutch drive of his own on the same stage Brady had just a few years earlier. Completing three third down plays, including a 3rd and 15 setting up a Stephen Gostkowski go ahead field goal with 3:44 to go in the game. 23-21 Patriots lead.

So it was up to the Patriots defense to secure the victory. Despite a few deep passes from Carson Palmer, the Cardinals were forced to set up a game winning 47 yard field goal attempt from Chandler Catanzaro.

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Wide left.

Just like that, the upset was complete, New England Patriots 23, Arizona Cardinals 21.

Take it away, Tom Brady’s Facebook page.

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No Brady. No Gronk. No Nink. No Solder. No Lewis. No Vollmer. No Cooper. Beats one of the best teams in the NFL in their place. Amazing.

— Adam Bogdan (@PatriotsInform) September 12, 2016

GLENDALE, Ariz.-One thing I think after interviewing/observing in Pats’ locker room: This win was utterly unsurprising to them.

— Peter King (@peter_king) September 12, 2016

Done is better than perfect!! #brotherhood #24hrrule #ilovemyteam #boomtower

— Dont'a Hightower (@zeus30hightower) September 12, 2016

Long flights home are so much better when you WIN!! Great team win tonight! I love my team!!

— Nate Ebner (@NateEbner) September 12, 2016

https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/775178885482676224

BILL SMILED, BILL SMILED!! #Patriots WIN 23-21 and Jimmy Garoppolo's 1-0! pic.twitter.com/8rCwtK63tk

— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) September 12, 2016

Edelman knows what's this season is about. Sorry to disappoint you, Goodell. #Not pic.twitter.com/4ZM291PQri

— Tom Freakin’ Brady (@TomFreaknBrady) September 12, 2016