Green Bay Packers 2021 opponent preview: Arizona Cardinals
The last time the Green Bay Packers played the Arizona Cardinals, it turned out to be Mike McCarthy’s final game as head coach.
A lot has changed since then, with Matt LaFleur leading the Packers to consecutive NFC Championship Games.
Green Bay takes on Arizona again in 2021. Much like the Packers have improved, the Cardinals have also become playoff contenders since the most recent meeting of these two teams.
Last season
It all started so well for the Cardinals. After upsetting the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener, the Cardinals looked well on their way to the playoffs are getting out to a 5-2 start.
However, Arizona struggled from that point, going 3-6 down the stretch including five defeats in their final seven games. With an 8-8 record, the Cardinals just missed out on the seventh seed, which went to the Chicago Bears with the same record.
When is the game?
The Packers are on the road against the Cardinals in Week 8. The game also takes place on Thursday Night Football. A road game on a short week is never easy. Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 28.
Offseason additions/departures
After weeks of speculation about where J.J. Watt would be playing in 2021, he ended it with a tweet of him wearing a Cardinals shirt. Arizona also signed center Rodney Hudson, cornerback Malcolm Butler, and wide receiver A.J. Green. It sure feels like the Cardinals are going all-in and believe they can win now.
With Kyler Murray on a rookie deal, it’s not a bad approach to take.
Arizona strengthened the defense again in the first round of the draft by selecting linebacker Zaven Collins.
Last meeting with Packers
December 2, 2018: Cardinals won 20-17 at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
J.J. Watt: Many Packers fans had hoped Watt would return to Wisconsin and finish his career with the Packers. As it turns out, he’ll be playing against them this season.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is still a great pass rusher and can give the Packers’ offensive line some problems. Hopefully David Bakhtiari will be healthy by Week 8. The Packers will need him in this matchup.