Packers Set to Dominate Cardinals with Powerful Run Game and Stout Defense
The Green Bay Packers (3-1-1) are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Arizona Cardinals (2-4) this Sunday. As they seek their first road victory of the season, the Packers have a formidable strategy, bolstered by their strong running game and a defense that knows how to stifle opponents. Here are three compelling reasons why Green Bay is poised to secure a win.
Cardinals Struggling with Offensive Depth
The Cardinals are grappling with a significant void in their backfield following the season-ending injury to running back James Conner, who had a standout year last season with 1,094 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. With Conner on injured reserve, Arizona has seen a revolving door of running backs. Initial replacement Trey Benson, a promising third-round pick, was also sidelined due to a knee injury, and now the team is left with Michael Carter and Zonovan “Bam” Knight as their primary rushers.
Carter has managed a modest 3.1 yards per carry on 28 attempts, while Knight has averaged just 3.0 yards on 15 carries. With quarterback Kyler Murray potentially limited by a foot injury, the Cardinals might find themselves entirely one-dimensional. This puts immense pressure on backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who will need to rely on his top playmakers, Marvin Harrison and Trey McBride, to make up for the lack of a ground game. Green Bay’s defense, which has excelled in stopping the run—ranking first in the NFL by allowing only 73.0 rushing yards per game—could exploit this situation effectively.
The Resurgence of Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs, the Packers’ standout running back, is emerging as a force on the field. After a slow start to the season, Jacobs found his rhythm in the latter half of Week 4 against Dallas and continued his momentum with an impressive performance against Cincinnati, where he rushed for 93 yards and two touchdowns.
Jacobs highlighted the importance of establishing a running game early, noting that it requires time to gain traction. His ability to gain yards before contact has significantly improved; he accumulated 26 yards before contact against Cincinnati, showcasing his growing dominance as a runner. While Arizona’s defense boasts talents like linebacker Mack Wilson and safety Budda Baker, they have allowed 20 runs of 10-plus yards this season. If Jacobs can maintain his current form, he may very well lead an offense that imposes its will on the Cardinals.
Defensive Strengths and Late-Game Challenges
The Packers’ defense has displayed a strong first-half performance throughout the season, allowing fewer than eight points per game in the initial three quarters. However, they have faltered in the fourth quarter, giving up a league-high average of 12 points. This inconsistency has been a point of concern, particularly following their struggles in late-game situations against Cleveland and Dallas.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley acknowledged the team’s need to maintain intensity throughout the entire game. “The first half … was awesome,” he said. “We’re getting the ball back to the offense like that. That’s what we need to do in all four quarters.”
On the flip side, the Cardinals have also struggled in the fourth quarter, ranking 29th in scoring with just 4.3 points per game. With four consecutive losses by a narrow margin, the focus for both teams is clear: capitalize on fourth-quarter opportunities. Green Bay’s offense has excelled late, sitting second in fourth-quarter scoring. If the defense can mirror this success, it could pave the way for a definitive victory.
As the Packers prepare for this vital game against the Cardinals, the stakes are high. With a combination of a revitalized running game and a defense eager to prove itself, Green Bay looks poised to take control of the matchup and deliver a strong performance on the road.
