Review~ while the Packers only ran 53 plays, this had a very odd feel for a regular season game. There are 1-2 of those each season, and this seemed to fit the bill. What’s odder, is the Packers only had 15 rush attempts of those 53 plays (28%), which is far under the desired ratio.
- Aaron Jones: 11 touches
- A.J. Dillon: 4 touches (5 targets)
- Kylin Hill: 3 touches (4 targets)
Rodgers played well. Tough to say how many runs he checked out of to quick-passes, however it was a few, at minimum. On the touchdown drives, he did execute and seemed to be in complete control for the duration of the game.
The defense gave up way too many rush yards, however there’s a reason for it. 95 yards came from the non-running/mobile QB, Taylor Heinicke. He also played well, but his teammates let him down a handful of times and he made a poor decision on his lone interception (Chandon Sullivan).
The defense did, essentially, ice the game coming up with 4 consecutive stops which turned complete control over to Rodgers & Co. Again, solid win (nailed the margin of victory for a 3rd consecutive week (jinx) so we’ll see).
Preview~ these are 2 of the best teams in the NFL, and should be a solid game, however if it gets sideways, it’ll likely be Arizona taking over control…here’s why.
Adams is likely to be OUT due to some sort of COVID-19 restriction, I’ll leave it all at that.
| 2021 | GB Off. | vs. | Ari D |
| Rush | 102.0 (19) | 115.7 (18) | |
| Pass | 235.9 (18) | 201.0 (3) | |
| Total | 337.9 (23) | 316.7 (4) | |
| Points | 24.0 (16) | 16.3 (1) | |
| GB Def. | vs. | Ari O | |
| Rush | 120.9 (22) | 136.6 (5) | |
| Pass | 210.6 (6) | 265.6 (11) | |
| Total | 331.4 (7) | 402.1 (7) | |
| Points | 20.9 (7) | 32.1 (4) |
As you can see, the Cardinals are about as solid as a team can be. Top-ranked scoring offense in the league, and 4th ranked scoring defense. It was sure to be a test heading in, however likely missing:
- #17 Adams
- #23 Alexander
- #55 Smith
- #69 Bakhtiari
…really makes this a tough ask. However, if the Packers commit to the run game, and stick to it, there’s a shot to win the time of possession, wear that defense down, keep the game close, and have it come down to the last drive to have Rodgers make a throw for the win. We’ll see, however, based on Arizona’s defense, they’re pretty stout everywhere. Possibly force a turnover or 2 and capitalize on those. Still a tough ask on a short week, on the road vs. the last-remaining unbeaten.
Packers 20
Cardinals 31
Season: 5-2
Overall: 74-38
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