It’s an early-season battle between NFC teams as the Green Bay Packers take on the Arizona Cardinals. One squad is 3-2 while the other has a 2-3 record. Will they be even after Week 6? Or will the Packers extend their winning record?
Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals Series History
The two teams have not squared off since the 2021 season. At that point, the Cardinals were 7-0, but the Packers put an end to that undefeated streak. There is just as much on the line this time around, as both teams have playoff aspirations. This could be a key matchup in the standings.
For the 2024 season, the Packers play the NFC West. After taking on the Rams last week, Green Bay will go back-to-back games with an NFC West opponent. Can they get back-to-back wins against the West?
Key Players for the Packers
This will mark Jordan Love’s third start since his injury. In his first contest back, there were signs that he didn’t fully trust his knee. However, last week, Love looked a lot more mobile, moving in and out of the pocket. He was also stepping into his throws, which led to better accuracy.
The main concern for Love is decision making. In each of the past two games, Love committed unforgivable interceptions. During Week 4, he was picked off passing into triple coverage. In Week 5, Love was trying to avoid a safety in his own end zone by throwing out of bounds. However, the ball ended up in the hands of a Rams defender who returned it for a touchdown.
Last week’s interception gave the Rams six points, but the Week 4 pick was even more costly. Christian Watson injured his ankle on that Love turnover. Unfortunately, the Packers will likely be without Watson for this Week 6 contest, and possibly even longer.
Which wide receiver will step up in Watson’s absence? Jayden Reed appears to be Green Bay’s top target even when Watson is available. Reed’s role as a receiver, runner, and returner should remain steady.
However, Dontayvion Wicks has gotten extra playing time with Watson out. Wicks is a good route runner, with a great combination of size and speed. His main problem though, is catching the ball. Wicks already has several drops on the season. He needs to cleanly catch the ball when called upon.
Defensively, the most important Packers player has been safety Xavier McKinney. He has almost single-handedly changed the Green Bay secondary with interceptions in all five games this year. When he’s not creating turnovers, McKinney is shutting down opposing pass-catchers.
Key Players for the Cardinals
Regardless of skill-set, the quarterback is almost always the key player for any offense. However, the good passers who can also run account for so much production that they are basically the entire offense. That is the case with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
In spite of his smaller stature, Murray poses a strong arm. He can make every throw in the playbook with accuracy. And when the defense has everything covered up, Murray can run the football himself with success. It is quite a lot for opposing defenses to account for.
From a Packers perspective, the added complication is that Arizona has a strong run game to support Murray. Leading the Cardinals backfield is James Conner. The veteran running back is in his eighth NFL season.
Conner knows how to read the offensive line to find the right hole. He is also very well rounded with a good receiving skill set and has great pass-protection technique. Conner is a do-it-all type back. A perfect compliment to Arizona’s do-it-all quarterback.
The Cardinals defense could set up a one-dimensional game plan for Green Bay. There are several great run stuffers in Arizona. Inside and out, the linebackers are especially adept. One of the men the middle of the defense is a true tackle machine in Kyzir White. Meanwhile, at outside linebacker, Zaven Collins is a play-maker who can impact both the run, and can rush the passer.
If ever a ball carrier gets past the second level, look for safety Budda Baker to clean up plays. Not only is Baker a fantastic tackler, but he can also create turnovers. He is one of many dangerous players on the Cardinals defense.
Keys to Win the Game
Arguably, the biggest key to victory for the Green Bay defense will come directly from the defensive line. Can the Packers pressure Murray without letting the Cardinals quarterback escape the pocket and make big plays. The key word is contain.
Murray poses a tough task for the entire defensive line, but especially the defensive ends. The Packers don’t need to look too far back for a similar quarterback opponent. In Week 1 of this season, Rashan Gary did a fantastic job of pressuring while containing the Eagles quarterback. Green Bay will need another great game from Gary, who has not dominated since that Week 1 contest.
The other important aspect for the Packers is determining who will cover star rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. If Jaire Alexander returns healthy to the lineup, it will most likely be him.
However, should Alexander miss another match, it could be a combination of Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine taking on that tough coverage assignment. Stokes has the speed to keep up with Harrison Jr., while Valentine posses the strength to match up physically with the talented rookie. If Green Bay can take away Murray’s top weapon, it would significantly improve their chances of winning.
