The Patriots make their first appearance in Arizona since 1993 to face the Cardinals (off last week) as these teams collide for the first time since 1996.

While the Cards have doubled New England's victory total in this interconference settings (6-3), the Pats have prevailed in the last two meetings, including a 31-0 shutout in 1996 at Foxboro in the last encounter between the clubs.

The Pats are just 2-4 in six road tilts in this series dating back to 1970 (1-2 at St. Louis, 1-2 at Sun Devil Stadium), their last visit to Tempe resulting in a 23-21 triumph in 1993.

Numbers: The Patriots have committed five turnovers in five wins, six turnovers in two losses in '99. The Cardinals have been outscored a combined 52-3 in the first quarter in six games in '99. Including playoffs, the Cardinals have forced 37 turnovers in 12 wins, but have just 21 takeaways in 12 losses dating back to '98. Including playoffs, the Cardinals have allowed 385 points in their last 16 games (7-9) dating back to '98. The Cardinals have been limited to 16 or fewer points in five straight games.

Things to look for: While the New England defense continues to struggle, QB Drew Bledsoe might finally have some help in RB Terry Allen and an offensive approach that stressed the running game in the defeat of the Broncos. The Cardinals' defense has been shaky at best this season and QB Jake Plummer has struggled, but how many times have we've seen the Patriots play down to their competition?.

Etc.: The Patriots' last three games and 6-of-7 contests in '99 have been decided by three or fewer points. They are just 9-26 lifetime vs. NFC East competition. Including Super Bowl XXXI, the Patriots are 12-26 vs. NFC competition since '89 (1-0 in '99).

The Cardinals are just 3-14 vs. AFC teams dating back to 1995 (0-1 in '99). WR Rob Moore (597) needs three catches to become the 21st player in NFL history with 600 career receptions.