Packers Set for Road Clash Against Struggling Cardinals
The Green Bay Packers, boasting a 3-1-1 record, are gearing up to secure their first road victory of the season against the struggling Arizona Cardinals (2-4) this Sunday. As they prepare for this pivotal matchup, three compelling reasons suggest a Packers triumph may be on the horizon.
Cardinals’ Struggles Without Key Players
A major factor working against the Cardinals is their diminished offensive arsenal. Last season, James Conner emerged as a standout running back, amassing 1,094 rushing yards and scoring nine touchdowns. However, the injury bug has hit hard, and Conner now finds himself on injured reserve due to a foot injury.
With Conner sidelined, Arizona turned to Trey Benson, a third-round pick who showed promise with a 5.5 yards per carry average until a knee injury forced him to the sidelines as well. The latest addition to their backfield, Emeri Demercado, had a moment of brilliance against the Titans but is also out with an ankle injury. Currently, the Cardinals’ leading rushers consist of:
Kyler Murray: 173 yards
Trey Benson: 160 yards
James Conner: 95 yards
Emeri Demercado: 90 yards
If Murray, who is nursing a foot injury, is unable to play, Arizona will be left with a backfield headed by Michael Carter and Zonovan “Bam” Knight, both of whom have struggled to find their rhythm this season. Meanwhile, the Packers’ run defense stands as one of the best in the league, allowing just 73 yards per game and 3.58 yards per carry. Despite some injury concerns of their own, Green Bay’s defensive unit, under the guidance of Jeff Hafley, is poised to capitalize on the Cardinals’ one-dimensional offensive approach.
Josh Jacobs: The Engine Driving Green Bay’s Offense
Running back Josh Jacobs is emerging as a key player for the Packers, having found his rhythm in recent weeks. After a slow start to the season, Jacobs broke out with a powerful performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, rushing for 93 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Jacobs emphasized the importance of momentum in a running game, stating, “It feels good as a runner to be able to feel like you’re dominating…especially when the defense starts to get tired of you hitting them.” As the Packers’ offensive line begins to gel, Jacobs has seen a significant increase in yardage before contact, which has made him an even tougher opponent to bring down.
Arizona’s run defense, anchored by experienced players like Mack Wilson and Budda Baker, ranks in the middle of the pack, allowing 13th in rushing yards per game. However, they have given up 20 runs of 10 yards or more, a statistic that could play into Jacobs’ hands if he continues this upward trajectory against a beleaguered defense.
A Fourth-Quarter Showdown Awaits
The fourth quarter has been a topic of concern for the Packers this season. Despite showing dominance in the early stages of games—allowing less than eight points on average in the first three quarters—they have struggled to maintain that intensity down the stretch, yielding a league-high 12 points per game in the final quarter.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley noted, “The first half … was awesome, watching our guys fly around,” but acknowledged the need for a consistent performance throughout the game. The Packers’ defense must rise to the occasion if they hope to avoid repeating past lapses that have cost them games.
On the flip side, Arizona’s fourth-quarter offense ranks 29th in scoring, averaging just 4.3 points per game. With both teams struggling in this critical phase, it remains to be seen which squad can seize the moment when it matters most.
As the Packers prepare to face off against the Cardinals, both teams have everything on the line. For Green Bay, there’s a chance to solidify their season with a strong road performance. For Arizona, a win could be vital in reversing their fortunes and breaking their recent losing streak. The stage is set for what promises to be a compelling matchup in the desert.