The Green Bay Packers will face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Cardinals are an unlikely opponent in the NFC – the Packers have played Arizona only once since Matt LaFleur was hired in 2019.
The lone matchup came when the Packers upset the Cardinals in Arizona midway through the 2021 season.
Can the Cardinals return the favor on Sunday?
To assist preview Packers-Cardinals, we asked five questions Card wire editor-in-chief Jess Root. Here are the questions and answers:
1. The Cardinals experienced ups and downs. What is the main cause of inconsistency?
Card wire: They were not consistent in attack or defense. Offensively, they are successful when James Conner can run the ball. When it comes to defense, then they can play a decent series. Honestly, I don’t know what to think about their defense. They played terribly and then shut out the conference’s two best teams at half-time.
2. How is Kyler Murray’s season so far?
Card wire: It was solid. He’s not playing at the same level we saw in the first half of 2021, but he’s getting closer to that level. He used his legs to play the roles of runner and passer. He had some plays that only he could make. However, he wasn’t particularly productive in the passing game. Overall, he cares a lot about football.
3. Who should Jordan Love and the Packers be afraid of in the Cardinals defense?
Card wire: They have to deal with Buddha Baker blowing up plays. Teams rarely get in his way and often do everything they can to make sure he gets blocked, which frees up other players. The Cardinals’ two middle linebackers, Kyzir White and Mack Wilson, are quarterbacks against the run, and Wilson will also catch up to the quarterback.
4. Are the Cardinals capable of making explosive plays on offense?
Card wire: Absolutely. James Conner, Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. they are the greatest playmakers. Tight End Trey McBride can do it. We saw this in the first quarter against the 49ers. Murray took off and ran for a 50-yard touchdown, and right after the front seven, he knew he was going to score. They play more methodically, but can stop a game or two.
5. The Cardinals will win if…? The Packers will win if…?
Card wire: The Cardinals will win if they can control the ball on offense rather than turn it over and score. The Packers will win if they allow Xavier McKinney to get another takeaway. Don’t leisurely down Josh Jacobs and don’t look at how they played defensively against Washington. They also cannot afford double-digit losses, as was the case with the Niners.
