Video: Cardinals vs. Patriots

FOXBOROUGH -- Globe football writers Chris Gasper and Mike Reiss preview Sunday's Patriots-Cardinals matchup with a look at some key areas to watch.

Gasper: 3 things to watch vs. Cardinals

Gasper says to keep an eye on these three key areas:

• The big play -- The Patriots have allowed 11 plays of 40 yards or more in the passing game, while the Cardinals have produced 11 plays of 40 yards or more. That's a bad combination for New England considering this is one of the most dangerous receiving corps the Patriots will see this year.

• Running the ball -- Sometimes the best defense is a good offense, which the Patriots demonstrated earlier this year against the Colts. Another solid effort from the running game -- much like last week in Oakland -- could help the Patriots keep the Cardinals' big-play offense off the field.

• Red zone production -- The Cardinals are going to score, but the team ranks 29th in the NFL in red zone defense. The Patriots cannot afford to settle for field goals inside the 20.

Reiss: Key matchup vs. Cardinals

• Reiss says to keep an eye on ball security -- particularly if the weather is a factor Sunday -- as the Cardinals lead the NFL with 16 fumbles recoveries. Arizona boasts a ball-stripping defense similar to the Colts, Bears, and Bengals. The Patriots have lost 10 fumbles this year and were plagued by turnovers in a loss to the Steelers earlier this year.