Heading into their Week 8 showdown with the Cardinals, few people gave the 6-1 Packers a chance. After all, in addition to already being without half a dozen key contributors, a short week had dealt the additional blow of COVID-19 absences to Davante Adams, Allen Lazard and defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
But, on the road, with the odds stacked against them, the Packers couldn't have felt more at home. Playing in front of a swath of green and gold, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers battled their way to a 24-21 win over the previously-undefeated Cardinals on Thursday night.
Through three and a half quarters, the Packers were in total control of the game, just needing one last touchdown to put the game out of reach. However, with a full set of downs and only three yards from the end zone, the offense squandered the opportunity, setting up what was nearly a game-winning drive by Arizona. But, aided by significant noise from the Packer faithful, cornerback Rasul Douglas took advantage of a miscue between Kyler Murray and his receiver to haul in a game-clinching interception for Green Bay.
Was it a pretty win? Certainly not, but it was one that carried significant importance ahead of an intimidating stretch of upcoming games that includes trips to Kansas City and Minneapolis. Most importantly, the victory equips the Packers with an important tie-breaker advantage over the Cardinals, should the two teams reach the postseason with the same regular season record.
On Offense
In a building accustomed to witnessing pass-heavy shootouts between the Packers and Cardinals, the Green Bay offense went with a starkly different approach this time around, emphasizing the run from their very first drive. This game plan, however, was likely anticipated by D-coordinator Vance Joseph, as the Cards’ front seven constantly met running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon at the line of scrimmage during the first half.
Matt LaFleur answered with a healthy dose of Jones as a receiver while also maintaining commitment to the inside run with Dillon. But, this “small ball” strategy may not have been as successful had the Packers not been gifted phenomenal starting field position on two separate occasions. They took advantage of Rondale Moore’s muffed punt that ultimately yielded a field goal and a ball that tipped off his hands and into Henry Black’s, eventually translating into a touchdown.
Missing his top three receivers, credit LaFleur for recognizing the competitive advantage that his backfield brought into this game and then decisively acting on it. In the red zone, we were reminded just how important chemistry is between Rodgers and his receivers, as the 37 year-old found his trusty friend Randall Cobb for two separate scores. While the offense hasn’t quite fired on all cylinders in eight games, it’s managing to consistently sustain long drives that provide ample rest for the defense and end with points.
On Defense
Coming into Week 8, the Arizona offense had scored 30 or more points in every game except one. But, on Thursday night, they looked lost against a Packers defense still playing without all-pro defenders Za’Darius Smith and Jaire Alexander. During the first half, Murray was constantly under pressure from rushers Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, failing to find his many targets downfield. In the second, the Cardinals adjusted, gaining some rhythm through dink-and-dunk passing and greater emphasis on the ground game.
To some extent, the Packers’ front seven bailed out their secondary. Cornerback Eric Stokes gave up a long pass to DeAndre Hopkins early and safety Darnell Savage blew coverage on a hurried throw that should have been an easy six for the Cardinals. While the Packers have continued to get by with shoddy play from their defensive backs, I don’t expect this to continue against the elite passers they’ll soon face in Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford and Lamar Jackson. Getting both Alexander and Kevin King back soon is crucial.
Having allowed just 17 points per game over the past month, this Packers defense looks leaps and bounds better than their September self. It’s especially encouraging to witness such exceptional play at the defensive end and inside linebacker positions, where they’ve been historically weak. But, with their most impressive performance coming on the watch of defensive backs coach Jerry Gray, should this success be attributed to Joe Barry’s scheme or simply the burgeoning of young talent?
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