Some higher power may have been looking out for the New England Patriots on Monday night.

There will be a much better tone to the week that they will be spending in Arizona thanks to last night’s 27-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

There won’t be any finger pointing, or intense scrutiny of the play calling, or even talk that Bill Belichick’s job is in jeopardy. Or opposing defensive coordinators calling out Matt Patricia, who was seen getting some words likely of apology afterward from Cards DC Vance Joseph.

The Patriots became winners on Monday night in two moments: When Cardinal quarterback Kyler Murray, untouched, fell in a heap in the first quarter and was lost for likely the next 12 months with what certainly – and most unfortunately – appeared to be a classic torn knee.

Thus the Patriots defense did not have to chase Murray all over the Arizona desert. Instead, they could tee off on career backup Colt McCoy, whom they sacked five times.

And let McCoy turn the ball over and make mistakes to help your defense. One thing in all this recent turmoil that the Patriots haven’t lost is the ability to be opportunistic.

The other play? It was when linebacker Jahlani Tavai tipped a poor fourth down McCoy pass that had he not gotten a hand on it would have certainly meant a first down and probably more Arizona points with the Cards already up 13-7 and 50 seconds left in the half.

Instead, only Cards coach Kliff Kingsbury can turn a seemingly sure scoring drive late in the half into points for the other team. The Patriots got the ball back and were able to get into field goal range to go into the half down just 13-10, instead of 16 or 20-7.

That entire swing changed the game. In these eyes, it was over then. You could just feel it.

And so did the Patriots, who blanked the Cards in the second half 17-0. It was old style Patriots – you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile. And they took it in the second half with Raekwon McMillan’s scoop and score. “It showed ahleticism and speed to get in the end zone,” Belichick said. “Huge play, obviously.”

Mac Jones still had a sideline tiff, still wasn’t slinging it, but did manage to get the ball downfield, especially in the drive for the field goal just before the half. The Patriots rediscovered players like Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne. But the offense still didn’t look fluid.

“I think the biggest thing is not letting (his emotions) affect my play and bringing the best out of the guys,” Jones said after.

It’s typical Patriots. Bad teams give the ball away and points. And the Patriots are always there to accept. It’s like sports scribes and free meals, right?

The Patriots also served notice that Matt Judon – whose play is still not as dynamic, once again, as it was the first half of the season – is joined by another good pass rusher in Josh Uche, who now has 10 sacks on the season.

Now the Patriots are back in the playoff chase. Every game, the players will tell you, echoing the words of their coaches, is a one-game season. As Henry said, “We needed a big win.”

“One game at a time,” Patriots center David Andrews said, and then added very true words: “There’s going to be a lot of change over these next four weeks for everybody.”

The Patriots are hoping the change for them is in a good direction. The offense will still be under scrutiny, but perhaps some of the noise will lessen – until the next bad play or loss. Who knows what would have happened last night had Murray not gotten injured.

Belichick was asked if the win will help morale. Gee, you think?

“It’s always good to win,” Belichick said, and added with a touch of sarcasem, “It’s what we practice for.”

And with that, we’re on to Vegas.

Tom King may be reached @Telegraph_TomK, or tking@nashuatelegraph.com