Packers potential playoff opponent: A closer look at the Cardinals
A lot has changed since the Green Bay Packers put a stop to the Arizona Cardinals’ undefeated start to the season.
Will we see a potential rematch in the playoffs?
Let’s take a closer look at the Cardinals.
How the Packers can meet the Cardinals
The Cardinals are the fifth seed. The Packers will play the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round. For Arizona to play Green Bay, the two lower seeds would need to lose. That’s the San Francisco 49ers (six) and Philadelphia Eagles (seven).
How they got here
Arizona all but booked a playoff spot after an impressive 7-0 start to the season. The Cardinals would’ve had high hopes for securing the NFC’s top seed. In the end, they didn’t even do enough to win the competitive NFC West.
A 4-6 record after their outstanding start won’t do much for their confidence, but their early-season run was enough to get into the playoffs. They’re in, and that’s all that matters.
Player to worry about
Kyler Murray.
If the Cardinals make a Super Bowl run, it will be because of Kyler Murray. The talented young quarterback was an MVP contender earlier in the season. When he’s at his best, this Cardinals offense is tough to stop.
Murray battled injuries this year and has been inconsistent, but if he plays his best football in the playoffs, look out. Murray finished the regular season with 3,787 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while also rushing for 423 yards and five touchdowns.
His ability to extend plays and run the football could be a real concern for Joe Barry’s defense.
To stop the Cardinals, you need a way to stop Kyler Murray.
How Packers can win
The Packers ended up needing a last-second Rasul Douglas interception to beat the Cardinals in October, but it’s easy to forget Matt LaFleur’s team had dominated much of the game. They led 17-7 at one stage and, had an Aaron Jones touchdown not be questionably called back, the Packers would’ve taken a 31-21 lead with under five minutes remaining.
Green Bay’s defense was outstanding in the game, limiting Murray to 274 passing yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also allowing him to rush for just 21 yards.
Two former Cardinals — Douglas and De’Vondre Campbell — were standout performers for the Packers.
To win a rematch in the playoffs, the Packers’ defense would need to once again stop Murray and the Cardinals’ offense from dominating the game.