Quick answer
- Winner
- New England Patriots
- Final score
- New England Patriots 47–7 Arizona Cardinals
- Halftime
- Arizona Cardinals 0–31 New England Patriots at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- M. Cassel
- Top passer
- M. Cassel
- Biggest EPA play
- (6:30) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Game date
- 2008-12-21
Game summary
The New England Patriots beat the Arizona Cardinals 47–7 on 2008-12-21. M. Cassel posted a game-high +20.74 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arizona Cardinals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
 New England Patriots | 14 | 17 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 47 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ARIArizona Cardinals(9:01) NE 50-Vrabel eligible. 32-L.Jordan right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
(3:48) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 32-L.Jordan up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
(12:12) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 33-K.Faulk for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
(1:57) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short right to 83-W.Welker for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NE-83-W.Welker, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
(:07) 3-S.Gostkowski 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
(14:55) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 81-R.Moss for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 81-Moss 136th career TD, ties Marshall Faulk (136) for 6th place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns list. Longest pass of NE 16-Cassel's career
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
(8:25) 3-S.Gostkowski 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. NE 3-Gostkowski now has 32 FG on the season, tying Patriots record (Tony Franklin, 1986)
(3:35) 3-S.Gostkowski 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. NE 3-Gostkowski now has 33 FG on the season, new Patriots record.
(14:55) 3-S.Gostkowski 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
(6:30) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
NENew England PatriotsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 9:01TD LJL. JordanPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 1
- Score
- 0-6
(9:01) NE 50-Vrabel eligible. 32-L.Jordan right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 8:57XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 0-7
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 3:48TD LJL. JordanPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 3
- Score
- 0-13
(3:48) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 32-L.Jordan up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 3:46XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 0-14
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 12:12TD KFKeldric FaulkPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 15
- Score
- 0-20
(12:12) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 33-K.Faulk for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 12:04XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 0-21
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 1:57TD WWW. WelkerPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 11
- Score
- 0-27
(1:57) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short right to 83-W.Welker for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NE-83-W.Welker, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 1:52XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 0-28
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 0:07FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 20
- Score
- 0-31
(:07) 3-S.Gostkowski 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 14:55TD Riley MossPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 76
- Score
- 0-37
(14:55) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 81-R.Moss for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 81-Moss 136th career TD, ties Marshall Faulk (136) for 6th place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns list. Longest pass of NE 16-Cassel's career
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 14:41XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 0-38
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 8:25FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 17
- Score
- 0-41
(8:25) 3-S.Gostkowski 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. NE 3-Gostkowski now has 32 FG on the season, tying Patriots record (Tony Franklin, 1986)
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 3:35FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 5
- Score
- 0-44
(3:35) 3-S.Gostkowski 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. NE 3-Gostkowski now has 33 FG on the season, new Patriots record.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 14:55FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 12
- Score
- 0-47
(14:55) 3-S.Gostkowski 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 6:30TD LFL. FitzgeraldPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 78
- Score
- 6-47
(6:30) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 6:17XP NRN. RackersPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 7-47
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1M. Cassel · New England Patriots · Passing · +20.74 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
- 2L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +8.88 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.96 EPA/play
- 3Riley Moss · New England Patriots · Receiving · +7.19 total EPA · 2 snaps · +3.60 EPA/play
- 4W. Welker · New England Patriots · Receiving · +6.87 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
- 5J. Gaffney · New England Patriots · Receiving · +6.49 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.30 EPA/play
- 6J. Urban · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.46 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.73 EPA/play
- 7Keldric Faulk · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.84 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.95 EPA/play
- 8S. Morris · New England Patriots · Rushing · +2.65 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
M. Cassel — NE · Passing
M. Cassel posted the highest total EPA (+20.74) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New England Patriots. Across 39 counted snaps, they averaged +0.53 EPA per play.
M. Cassel's top snap (+5.99 EPA): (14:55) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 81-R.Moss for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 81-Moss 136th career TD, ties Marshall Faulk (136) for 6th place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns list. Longest pass
Biggest single play (+7.17 EPA): M. Leinart — (6:30) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
M. Cassel led all passers in efficiency for New England Patriots, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M. Cassel (New England Patriots) · 39 dropbacks · 51.3% completion · -8.4% CPOE · +0.53 EPA/play · +20.74 total EPA
- Kade Warner (Arizona Cardinals) · 19 dropbacks · 31.6% completion · -29.7% CPOE · -0.60 EPA/play · -11.45 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | New England Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.286 | +0.201 |
| Offensive success rate | 30.1% | 51.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.362 | +0.457 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.460 | +0.075 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.201 | +0.286 |
| Defensive success rate | 48.5% | 69.9% |
Drive & efficiency notes
New England Patriots held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.20 vs -0.29), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Arizona Cardinals: -0.29 EPA/play (6th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- New England Patriots: +0.20 EPA/play (89th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- Arizona Cardinals: 13 drives, -20.91 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
- New England Patriots: 13 drives, +19.92 total EPA, 9 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New England Patriots — L. Jordan
- New England Patriots — L. Jordan
- New England Patriots — Keldric Faulk (M. Cassel pass)
- New England Patriots — W. Welker (M. Cassel pass)
- New England Patriots — Riley Moss (M. Cassel pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (M. Leinart pass)
Field goals
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: New England Patriots won the period 14–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q1 9:01) — (9:01) NE 50-Vrabel eligible. 32-L.Jordan right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q1 8:57) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the ARI 3 (Q1 3:48) — (3:48) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 32-L.Jordan up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q1 3:46) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson..
The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 17–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the ARI 15 (Q2 12:12) — (12:12) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 33-K.Faulk for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 12:04) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the ARI 11 (Q2 1:57); New England Patriots added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 1:52) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the ARI 20 (Q2 0:07) — (:07) 3-S.Gostkowski 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson..
The third quarter: New England Patriots won the period 13–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the ARI 76 (Q3 14:55); New England Patriots added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 14:41) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the ARI 17 (Q3 8:25); New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the ARI 5 (Q3 3:35).
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–3. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the ARI 12 (Q4 14:55) — (14:55) 3-S.Gostkowski 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the NE 78 (Q4 6:30) — (6:30) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q4 6:17) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 12:57) — (12:57) 5-B.Graham punts 41 yards to NE 39, Center-48-N.Hodel. 83-W.Welker to ARI 33 for 28 yards (24-A.Wilson, 20-R.Brown).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 13:34) — (13:34) (Shotgun) 34-T.Hightower left tackle to ARI 20 for -3 yards (50-M.Vrabel).
- New England Patriots (Q1 9:01) — (9:01) NE 50-Vrabel eligible. 32-L.Jordan right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- New England Patriots (Q1 6:16) — (6:16) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 34-S.Morris pushed ob at ARI 14 for 42 yards (26-R.Hood).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 7:33) — (7:33) 34-T.Hightower left guard to NE 48 for 9 yards (31-B.Meriweather). PENALTY on ARI-45-T.Smith, Illegal Use of Hands, 10 yards, enforced at ARI 43 - No Play.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 6:30) — (6:30) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New England Patriots (Q3 14:55) — (14:55) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 81-R.Moss for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 81-Moss 136th career TD, ties Marshall Faulk (136) for 6th place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 0:59) — (:59) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart sacked at ARI 15 for -12 yards (31-B.Meriweather). FUMBLES (31-B.Meriweather), RECOVERED by NE-97-J.Green at ARI 15. 97-J.Green to ARI 15 for no gain (69-M.Gandy).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 14:07) — (14:07) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass short middle intended for 85-J.Urban INTERCEPTED by 27-E.Hobbs at NE 37. 27-E.Hobbs to NE 30 for -7 yards (11-L.Fitzgerald).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 9:01 · ARI 1 · Score 0-6
(9:01) NE 50-Vrabel eligible. 32-L.Jordan right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 8:57 · ARI 2 · Score 0-7
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 3:48 · ARI 3 · Score 0-13
(3:48) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 32-L.Jordan up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 3:46 · ARI 2 · Score 0-14
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 12:12 · ARI 15 · Score 0-20
(12:12) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 33-K.Faulk for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 12:04 · ARI 2 · Score 0-21
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 1:57 · ARI 11 · Score 0-27
(1:57) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short right to 83-W.Welker for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on NE-83-W.Welker, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 1:52 · ARI 2 · Score 0-28
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 0:07 · ARI 20 · Score 0-31
(:07) 3-S.Gostkowski 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 14:55 · ARI 76 · Score 0-37
(14:55) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 81-R.Moss for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 81-Moss 136th career TD, ties Marshall Faulk (136) for 6th place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 14:41 · ARI 2 · Score 0-38
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 8:25 · ARI 17 · Score 0-41
(8:25) 3-S.Gostkowski 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. NE 3-Gostkowski now has 32 FG on the season, tying Patriots record (Tony Franklin, 1986) - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 3:35 · ARI 5 · Score 0-44
(3:35) 3-S.Gostkowski 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. NE 3-Gostkowski now has 33 FG on the season, new Patriots record. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q4 14:55 · ARI 12 · Score 0-47
(14:55) 3-S.Gostkowski 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-6-C.Hanson. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 6:30 · NE 78 · Score 6-47
(6:30) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 6:17 · NE 2 · Score 7-47
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New England Patriots earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- M. Cassel (New England Patriots) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- M. Cassel (NE) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
- Kade Warner (ARI) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots on 2008-12-21?
The New England Patriots beat the Arizona Cardinals 47-7 in Week 16, 2008.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots?
Q1: Arizona Cardinals 0, New England Patriots 14; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 0, New England Patriots 17; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 0, New England Patriots 13; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 7, New England Patriots 3; Final: Arizona Cardinals 7, New England Patriots 47.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots?
New England Patriots touchdown — L. Jordan (Q1 9:01) New England Patriots touchdown — L. Jordan (Q1 3:48) New England Patriots touchdown — K. Faulk (M. Cassel pass) (Q2 12:12) New England Patriots touchdown — W. Welker (M. Cassel pass) (Q2 1:57) New England Patriots touchdown — R. Moss (M. Cassel pass) (Q3 14:55) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (M. Leinart pass) (Q4 6:30) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q2 0:07, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q3 8:25, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q3 3:35, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q4 14:55, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots?
M. Cassel (New England Patriots), 51.3% completion, -8.4% CPOE, +0.53 EPA per dropback, +20.74 total passing EPA. Kade Warner (Arizona Cardinals), 31.6% completion, -29.7% CPOE, -0.60 EPA per dropback, -11.45 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots?
M. Cassel (New England Patriots) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +20.74 total EPA on Passing plays. across 39 snaps. Their top snap (+5.99 EPA): (14:55) NE 71-Hochstein eligible. 16-M.Cassel pass short left to 81-R.Moss for 76 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 81-Moss 136th career TD, ties Marshall Faulk (136) for 6th place on the NFL’s.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L
New England Patriots
Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W
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