In The Red Zone - New England Patriots News

Good win for the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon as they kept their playoff hopes alive with the win. They are still tied for first in the AFC East with the Miami Dolphins and New York Favres Jets but the Jets hold the tiebreaker for the division. The AFC East teams are tied for the two wild card spots with the Baltimore Ravens although the Patriots are on the outside looking in due to having the worst record in the conference.

It’s quite conceivable that the Patriots could win their final two games and not make the playoffs with an 11-5 record. Art Martone of the Providence Journal breaks down the playoff scenarios for the Patriots.

The Patriots got an amazing effort from their QB1 Matt Cassel, who was able to put aside his grief for an afternoon and throw 4 touchdown passes, including two to former Raider Randy Moss. They also had 277 yards rushing. Just total domination by the offensive line.

Jerod Mayo should be a lock for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Matt Light injured his shoulder in the game on Sunday and according to John Tomase, he has a mild shoulder separation.

The sagging Arizona Cardinals come to town on Sunday having already clinched a playoff spot.

With just 4 accepted penalties, the Patriots are still on pace to break the NFL record for least accepted penalties in a season.

Brandon Meriweather has not missed a snap since Rodney Harrison’s injury.

Wes Welker joined an elite Patriots club with his second straight 100 catch season.

Matt Cassel’s numbers through his first 14 games compare favorably to Tom Brady’s through his first 14.

Ron Borges has his report card for Sunday’s game.

Bill Belichick was very critical of his own performance in Sunday’s win over the Raiders.

Gary Marby of WEEI.com has some postgame Patriots nuggets.