Edgerrin Cooper holds the key for Packers to shut down Kyler Murray in Week 6

Edgerrin Cooper's role is increasing in the Green Bay Packers' defense, and he is making the most of it.

Despite playing a limited role in the opening five games, Cooper already has 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and one pass defense. He is still developing and has areas to improve, but his playmaking ability is impossible to deny.

Enter the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona boasts an assortment of problems for Jeff Hafley's defense. Kyler Murray is surrounded by a talented supporting cast. James Conner's 379 rushing yards rank seventh in the NFL, while rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride have combined for 454 yards, with Harrison finding the end zone four times.

On top of the Cardinals' talented rushing attack and options in the passing game, Murray can take off and punish defenses as a runner. Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels are the only quarterbacks in the league with more rushing yards than Murray's 247. Last week, Murray rushed for 83 yards in the win against the San Francisco 49ers, including a 50-yard touchdown run.

The Packers need an answer.

Packers need to feature Edgerrin Cooper against Cardinals in Week 6

Green Bay's struggling pass rush has only found consistent success when sending five or more, but that's a risky strategy against the Cardinals, who can hurt defenses with designed runs for Murray.

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Cooper can play a key part in shutting down Murray's rushing ability in a role he's familiar with.

Packer Report's Jacob Morley believes Hafley should use Cooper as a quarterback spy against the Cardinals. The evidence? His performance against Alabama last season.

The job of a quarterback spy is to follow the quarterback and prevent them from taking off as a runner. He did that job for Texas A&M against Alabama and made a huge impact.

Cooper played the role to perfection in that game, making three sacks and three tackles for loss, and he forced a fumble. The rookie has the speed to make up ground in an instant. Hafley can use Cooper in a similar role—let him drop back, keep his full attention on Murray, and then set off the moment he sees him run.

Through a combination of using Cooper as a quarterback spy and on blitzes, the Packers' defense can create problems for the Cardinals. Green Bay has to learn from San Francisco's mistakes last week.

Hafley's defense has held up well against quarterbacks who can run this season. In Week 1, Jalen Hurts managed only 33 yards on the ground. The following week, Anthony Richardson rushed for 37 yards. The Packers will be delighted if Murray finishes on a similar number.

Cooper played a combined 18 snaps in those two games. His role has increased since, and the rookie can play a key part in slowing down Murray in Week 6.

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