Packers vs. Cardinals Preview
The Green Bay Packers are set to take on the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday at Lambeau Field. Both teams are coming off victories against NFC opponents. Historically, Green Bay has had some memorable encounters with Arizona, including their last postseason matchup in 2021, which concluded with Rasul Douglas’ game-sealing interception. The Packers aim to replicate that success this weekend and build on their recent win in Los Angeles.
Josh Jacobs is Going to Have His Work Cut Out for Him.
Josh Jacobs has a prime opportunity to bully the Cardinals' notably weak run defense. Arizona has given up an average of 4.6 yards per carry and 147.8 rushing yards per game. With rain in the forecast, the Packers are likely to lean more heavily on their ground game than usual. Last week, Jacobs scored his first touchdown, and fans are hopeful he can find the end zone multiple times again this week.
Containing Kyler Murray Means Stopping the Whole Offense.
Kyler Murray poses a problem for defenses beyond just his strong arm, but his quick legs. The 49ers learned this the hard way, allowing Murray to rush for 83 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown to open the game. The key to defending against him is limiting his scrambling and preventing big plays. Adding to the Cardinals' difficulties, starting right guard Will Hernandez has suffered a season-ending knee injury, which will severely impact their pass protection. To understand the impact of this loss, it’s important to note that Hernandez hadn’t allowed a sack all season and had given up only eight pressures. This setback for the Cardinals' offensive line should work to Jeff Hafley’s advantage. Not only can they focus on containing Murray, but they may also look to pressure him, potentially forcing him to throw in Xavier McKinney's direction.
Jordan Love Taking Advantage of the Weak Cardinals’ Pass Rush.
The Cardinals lack an elite pass rusher, placing them last in the NFL with a pass-rush win rate of just 29 percent. This situation gives Jordan Love extra time to make informed decisions and read the defense, creating opportunities for his receivers to get open downfield and make plays. It should also help him avoid high-pressure mistakes, like the pick-six he threw last week. With no shortage of options such as Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, Jordan Love should be able to effectively move the passing game forward.
The Cardinals will need to adjust from their indoor stadium to the rainy conditions at Lambeau Field. They aim to carry the momentum from their recent victory over division rival the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Packers are eager to prove why they are Super Bowl contenders, with defeating the Cardinals as their next challenge. Don’t miss the Packers' matchup against the Cardinals on Sunday, October 13th, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET on Fox.
