Packers Face Upset Alert Amid Travel Woes and Cardinals’ Resilience
The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a pivotal showdown against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. Despite the Cardinals stumbling through four consecutive defeats and missing key players, the stage is set for a potential upset—three compelling factors underscore why the Packers might not leave Arizona with a victory.
Travel Complications Add Extra Challenge
The Packers experienced significant travel disruptions ahead of their match against the Cardinals. Scheduled to depart Green Bay on Saturday afternoon, their flight was delayed due to mechanical issues, forcing the team to wait nearly six hours before finally taking off. This chaotic travel schedule disrupted their routine, impacting the typical flow of team meetings and hotel arrivals.
Players thrive on routine, and this unexpected hiccup could hinder their performance. As safety Xavier McKinney noted, maintaining high energy is essential for success, especially on the road. “Energy,” he emphasized, “is key. We’ve got to ensure our energy is through the roof.” The Packers are still seeking their first road win of the season after a tie against Dallas and an upset loss to Cleveland, both of which occurred against teams with a combined record of 3-8-1. Quarterback Jordan Love expressed the urgency of overcoming their road struggles: “We’ve got to find a way to go out there and be our best on the road.”
The Cardinals Are More Competitive Than Their Record Suggests
At first glance, a 2-4 record may signal a team in disarray. However, the Cardinals’ recent performances tell a different story. Despite their losing streak, they have been in close contests, with four defeats coming by a mere nine points. Their resilience is noteworthy, as they narrowly lost to formidable opponents like the 49ers and Seahawks, both of whom are playoff contenders this season.
“This is a team that’s lost four games in a row by nine points,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur observed. “I read something that that’s unprecedented.” The Cardinals are the only team since the NFL-AFL merger to suffer three successive losses decided by walk-off field goals. Love echoed LaFleur’s sentiment, acknowledging the Cardinals’ potential: “I think they’re a really good team… They’ve been in some close games, and we respect that.”
While Arizona’s offensive statistics may not stand out—their offense ranks 22nd overall—they excel in critical situations, sitting sixth in both third-down conversions and goal-to-go scenarios. Similarly, on defense, the Cardinals may be ranked 24th overall, but they shine in crucial moments, ranking seventh in third-down defense. As McKinney pointed out, the Packers must focus solely on their execution, irrespective of the Cardinals’ struggles.
Pressure on Jordan Love Could Be Key Factor
The Cardinals boast a formidable pass rush, led by defensive end Josh Sweat and veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell. Sweat is currently among the league leaders in sacks and has proven to be a tough opponent for quarterbacks. LaFleur emphasized the need for effective blocking against Sweat, highlighting his ability to disrupt plays.
Campbell, a seasoned player, also poses a significant threat with three sacks this season. While the Cardinals rank low in overall sack percentage, the effectiveness of Sweat and Campbell’s combined pressure could be the X-factor in this matchup. Love has thrived in a clean pocket but struggles under duress, ranking near the bottom of the league in completion percentage and passer rating when pressured. The Cardinals’ ability to apply pressure could be the catalyst for an upset victory.
The Packers are preparing for a challenging game against a hungry Cardinals team that sees this matchup as a chance to turn their season around. With complications from their travel, a resilient opponent, and internal pressures, Green Bay must bring their A-game to avoid an unexpected defeat in Arizona.
