The New England Patriots are 7-6 after riding a strong second half to a 27-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Pats got big plays on both offense and defense, most notably a scoop-and-score touchdown that proved to be the game-winner.

Scroll down for a recap of the top highlights from the game…

Another Touchdown For The Patriots

The Patriots are up two touchdowns after a quick, big strike from Mac Jones. This time he finds an open Hunter Henry down the seam for a 39-yard catch, which set up a touchdown by rookie running back Pierre Strong Jr., the first of his career.

Patriots Get Defensive Touchdown

Just like that, a huge play by the Patriots defense. As DeAndre Hopkins runs with the ball in one hand and not tucked, Patriots safety Kyle Dugger knocks it loose on the tackle attempt. A heads-up Raekwon McMillan scoops up the ball, stays in bounds, and takes it down the sideline for six. Nick Folk extra point is good, and it’s now 20-13 Patriots.

Patriots Score 3 After Big Run

The Patriots got three points off another Nick Folk field goal to finish their first drive of the third quarter. It’s now a 13-13 game.

Rookie running back Pierre Strong Jr. sparked the Patriots on this particular drive with a big 44-yard run.

But even on this drive, the Pats at times couldn’t get out of their own way. Mac Jones had to avoid another delay of game penalty by calling a timeout, and seemed to have an angry outburst at play-caller Matt Patricia. The Pats also committed another penalty, this time an illegal block by right guard Michael Onwenu.

HALFTIME: Cardinals 13, Patriots 10.

NOTES: It’s not a great sign for the Patriots that they are trailing against their opponent’s backup quarterback in what was essentially a must-win scenario…Similar story for the offense: blocking at the tackle spots is shaky, and despite flashes of explosive plays and moving the ball, self-inflicted mistakes like turnovers, penalties, etc. are limiting them too much…Defensively, the Patriots have allowed Colt McCoy to complete 70 percent of his passes, and they’re gaining yards after the catch as well; James Conner is also beating them up on the ground with 6.4 yards per carry and a touchdown, in which he powered his way through seemingly the entire D…if the overall play of each team continues as it was in the second half, the Cardinals have a good chance to put the Patriots under .500; they’ve made fewer mistakes…

Cardinals Answer Back

Big-time drive by the Cardinals as we approach halftime. The scoring play is an impressive run by James Conner to break through a wall in the Patriots defense and power his way into the end zone. It’s now 13-7 Cardinals.

It was the Arizona passing game, however, that got this drive rolling. Colt McCoy was 5-for-5 for 51 yards through the air, most notably firing a ball over the middle that Robbie Anderson snagged away from his body for a 21-yard gain. Anderson also converted on a third-and-7 to set up Conner’s touchdown run.

Patriots Find the End Zone

Just like that, the Patriots have scored the game’s first touchdown. Rookie running back Kevin Harris carried the ball three times for 32 yards, finishing off the Pats’ drive with his first career rushing touchdown. The rookie Harris sparks the Patriots in prime time.

Mac Jones also made plays with rookie wide receiver Tyquan Thornton on the drive. Thornton is seeing more snaps in the absence of DeVante Parker (head injury), and on that drive caught two passes for 15 yards, one of which converted a third down.

Mac Jones Intercepted

Mac Jones is hit as he throws and the ball pops up in the air, landing in the hands of Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons for an interception. Jones can’t prevent the turnover this time.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.