Quick answer
- Winner
- Arizona Cardinals
- Final score
- Arizona Cardinals 20–18 New England Patriots
- Halftime
- Tied 6–6 at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- R. Gronkowski
- Top passer
- T. Brady
- Biggest EPA play
- (8:37) 12-T.Brady pass short right intended for 81-A.Hernandez INTERCEPTED by 21-P.Peterso…
- Game date
- 2012-09-16
Game summary
The Arizona Cardinals beat the New England Patriots 20–18 on 2012-09-16. R. Gronkowski posted a game-high +5.04 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 16 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arizona Cardinals | 6 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
 New England Patriots | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 18 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ARIArizona Cardinals(8:47) 3-J.Feely 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
(7:47) 3-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
(2:27) 3-S.Gostkowski 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(9:12) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(12:58) 3-S.Gostkowski 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(8:56) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short left to 12-A.Roberts for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
(14:04) 4-K.Kolb up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
(6:50) 3-S.Gostkowski 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
(2:49) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 87-R.Gronkowski for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 34th straight regular season game with a TD pass, 4th-longest all-time. NE 12-Brady 46th career 300-yard game, 8th most all-time.
NENew England PatriotsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 8:47FG JFJ. FeelyPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 20
- Score
- 3-0
(8:47) 3-J.Feely 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 7:47FG JFJ. FeelyPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 29
- Score
- 6-0
(7:47) 3-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
- NENew England Patriots
Q1 2:27FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 28
- Score
- 6-3
(2:27) 3-S.Gostkowski 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 9:12FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 16
- Score
- 6-6
(9:12) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 12:58FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 33
- Score
- 6-9
(12:58) 3-S.Gostkowski 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q3 8:56TD ARA. RobertsPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 12-9
(8:56) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short left to 12-A.Roberts for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q3 8:52XP JFJ. FeelyPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 13-9
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 14:04TD KKK. KolbPoints+6
- Yard line
- NE 5
- Score
- 19-9
(14:04) 4-K.Kolb up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 14:00XP JFJ. FeelyPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 2
- Score
- 20-9
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 6:50FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 35
- Score
- 20-12
(6:50) 3-S.Gostkowski 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 2:49TD RGR. GronkowskiPoints+6
- Yard line
- ARI 5
- Score
- 20-18
(2:49) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 87-R.Gronkowski for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 34th straight regular season game with a TD pass, 4th-longest all-time. NE 12-Brady 46th career 300-yard game, 8th most all-time.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1R. Gronkowski · New England Patriots · Receiving · +5.04 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 2J. Edelman · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.74 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
- 3K. Kolb · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +2.40 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 4A. Roberts · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.23 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.23 EPA/play
- 5E. Doucet · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.14 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 6W. Welker · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.02 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 7T. Heap · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.86 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 8Carson Wells · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.65 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.65 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
R. Gronkowski — NE · Receiving
R. Gronkowski posted the highest total EPA (+5.04) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New England Patriots. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +0.50 EPA per play.
R. Gronkowski's top snap (-0.95 EPA): TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 12-T.Brady pass to 87-R.Gronkowski is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS.
Biggest single play (-4.12 EPA): T. Brady — (8:37) 12-T.Brady pass short right intended for 81-A.Hernandez INTERCEPTED by 21-P.Peterson (90-D.Dockett) at NE 36. 21-P.Peterson to NE 36 for no gain (11-J.Edelman).
Quarterback report card
T. Brady led all passers in efficiency for New England Patriots, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T. Brady (New England Patriots) · 51 dropbacks · 54.9% completion · +0.9% CPOE · +0.01 EPA/play · +0.35 total EPA
- K. Kolb (Arizona Cardinals) · 32 dropbacks · 46.9% completion · -6.4% CPOE · -0.11 EPA/play · -3.42 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | New England Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.036 | -0.071 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.5% | 43.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.107 | +0.007 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.070 | -0.234 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.071 | +0.036 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.0% | 58.5% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Arizona Cardinals -0.04, New England Patriots -0.07) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Arizona Cardinals: -0.04 EPA/play (38th percentile vs. 2012 team-game averages)
- New England Patriots: -0.07 EPA/play (30th percentile vs. 2012 team-game averages)
- Arizona Cardinals: 13 drives, -2.95 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- New England Patriots: 13 drives, -7.10 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals — A. Roberts (K. Kolb pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — K. Kolb
- New England Patriots — R. Gronkowski (T. Brady pass)
Field goals
- Arizona Cardinals — J. Feely
- Arizona Cardinals — J. Feely
- 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: Arizona Cardinals won the period 6–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the NE 20 (Q1 8:47) — (8:47) 3-J.Feely 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the NE 29 (Q1 7:47) — (7:47) 3-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the ARI 28 (Q1 2:27) — (2:27) 3-S.Gostkowski 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko..
The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 3–0. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the ARI 16 (Q2 9:12) — (9:12) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko..
The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–3. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the ARI 33 (Q3 12:58) — (12:58) 3-S.Gostkowski 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the NE 2 (Q3 8:56) — (8:56) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short left to 12-A.Roberts for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q3 8:52) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil..
The fourth quarter: New England Patriots won the period 9–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the NE 5 (Q4 14:04) — (14:04) 4-K.Kolb up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q4 14:00) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the ARI 35 (Q4 6:50) — (6:50) 3-S.Gostkowski 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the ARI 5 (Q4 2:49).
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 1:10) — (1:10) 34-R.Williams left end to ARI 33 for -2 yards (55-B.Spikes). FUMBLES (55-B.Spikes), RECOVERED by NE-75-V.Wilfork at ARI 30. 75-V.Wilfork to ARI 30 for no gain (68-A.Snyder).
- New England Patriots (Q4 0:05) — (:05) 3-S.Gostkowski 42 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko.
- New England Patriots (Q3 9:48) — (9:48) 14-Z.Mesko punt is BLOCKED by 54-Q.Groves, Center-48-D.Aiken, ball out of bounds at NE 2.
- New England Patriots (Q4 0:52) — (:52) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 83-W.Welker ran ob at ARI 18 for 12 yards.
- New England Patriots (Q1 8:37) — (8:37) 12-T.Brady pass short right intended for 81-A.Hernandez INTERCEPTED by 21-P.Peterson (90-D.Dockett) at NE 36. 21-P.Peterson to NE 36 for no gain (11-J.Edelman).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New England Patriots (Q1 8:37) — (8:37) 12-T.Brady pass short right intended for 81-A.Hernandez INTERCEPTED by 21-P.Peterson (90-D.Dockett) at NE 36. 21-P.Peterson to NE 36 for no gain (11-J.Edelman).
- New England Patriots (Q3 9:48) — (9:48) 14-Z.Mesko punt is BLOCKED by 54-Q.Groves, Center-48-D.Aiken, ball out of bounds at NE 2.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 1:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short right to 86-T.Heap pushed ob at NE 44 for 28 yards (24-K.Arrington) [55-B.Spikes]. Penalty on NE-55-B.Spikes, Roughing the Passer, declined. PENALTY on NE-28-S.Gre
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 6:11) — (6:11) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb sacked at ARI 45 for 0 yards (95-C.Jones). FUMBLES (95-C.Jones) [95-C.Jones], RECOVERED by NE-27-T.Wilson at NE 48. 27-T.Wilson to NE 48 for no gain (63-L.Sendlein).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q1 8:47 · NE 20 · Score 3-0
(8:47) 3-J.Feely 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q1 7:47 · NE 29 · Score 6-0
(7:47) 3-J.Feely 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q1 2:27 · ARI 28 · Score 6-3
(2:27) 3-S.Gostkowski 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 9:12 · ARI 16 · Score 6-6
(9:12) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 12:58 · ARI 33 · Score 6-9
(12:58) 3-S.Gostkowski 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 8:56 · NE 2 · Score 12-9
(8:56) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short left to 12-A.Roberts for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 8:52 · NE 2 · Score 13-9
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 14:04 · NE 5 · Score 19-9
(14:04) 4-K.Kolb up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 14:00 · NE 2 · Score 20-9
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q4 6:50 · ARI 35 · Score 20-12
(6:50) 3-S.Gostkowski 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Aiken, Holder-14-Z.Mesko. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 2:49 · ARI 5 · Score 20-18
(2:49) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 87-R.Gronkowski for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 34th straight regular season game with a TD pass, 4th-longest all-time. NE 12-Brady 46th career 300
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Arizona Cardinals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- R. Gronkowski (New England Patriots) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- K. Kolb (ARI) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots on 2012-09-16?
The Arizona Cardinals beat the New England Patriots 20-18 in Week 2, 2012.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots?
Q1: Arizona Cardinals 6, New England Patriots 3; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 0, New England Patriots 3; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 7, New England Patriots 3; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 7, New England Patriots 9; Final: Arizona Cardinals 20, New England Patriots 18.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — A. Roberts (K. Kolb pass) (Q3 8:56) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — K. Kolb (Q4 14:04) New England Patriots touchdown — R. Gronkowski (T. Brady pass) (Q4 2:49) Arizona Cardinals field goal — J. Feely (Q1 8:47, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — J. Feely (Q1 7:47, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q1 2:27, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q2 9:12, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q3 12:58, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q4 6:50, 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?
T. Brady (New England Patriots), 54.9% completion, +0.9% CPOE, +0.01 EPA per dropback, +0.35 total passing EPA. K. Kolb (Arizona Cardinals), 46.9% completion, -6.4% CPOE, -0.11 EPA per dropback, -3.42 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots?
R. Gronkowski (New England Patriots) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +5.04 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 10 snaps. Their top snap (-0.95 EPA): TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 12-T.Brady pass to 87-R.Gronkowski is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS..
Was Arizona Cardinals vs New England Patriots a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Arizona Cardinals won 20-18 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 1-0 Now 2-0 W
New England Patriots
Entered 1-0 Now 1-1 L
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