Shredded cheddar in the desert: Why the Green Bay Packers lost to the Arizona Cardinals

Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) lies on the field as Arizona Cardinals defensive end

(90) returns his fumble for a touchdown during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Third Quarter

The game was already in a bad spot by halftime, with Green Bay down multiple scores and looking pretty bad. The offense put up 4 punts and a pick before a kneel down, while the defense ended the half giving up 17 on three of their last four drives.

But…we have seen them make comeback efforts multiple times already this year, right? Against Carolina and twice versus Detroit, Green Bay made late charges in the second half to almost steal a couple games (succeeding in those efforts against Detroit the second time). It wasn’t likely, but far from impossible.

Green Bay got the kickoff, started their first offensive play…then James Starks fumbled. Arizona scored 2 plays later; 24-0.

Green Bay starts another drive…which then becomes the first fumble-return-TD for Arizona; 31-0

Then Green Bay finds something finally! They move in and score quick, plus a 2-point conversion; 31-8.

The kickoff comes..but it is an onside attempt!…that fails quickly. Still, a punt is forced quick, giving Green Bay the ball and positive “momentum”.

The drive starts…but not too long before the second fumble-return-TD; 38-8.

Another quick drive ensues, the assured-but-likely-too-late last gasp effort to make a frantic comeback. Green Bay gets a first down at the Arizona 6 before ending up with a 4th and 2 to try and score. Rodgers looks quick to Davante Adams, who catches the ball (for once!); unfortunately, he was right around the line of scrimmage, so he would have to fight his way in for the TD if it was gonna happen.

Of course, he failed miserably, leaving Green Bay at 38-8 while giving the Cardinals back the ball.

The replays cut to Aaron Rodgers yelling angrily afterwards.

I don’t blame him; I’d be pissed off too, after the way that quarter worked out for the Packers.

Next: Roster Decimation