3 favorable matchups for the Cardinals in Week 8 vs. the Packers
By Sion Fawkes
Which matchups will the Arizona Cardinals be able to exploit when they square off against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night?
The Arizona Cardinals are looking to extend their perfect season while the Green Bay Packers look to extend their winning streak. The Packers, despite their 6-1 record, have their two top receivers on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. While quarterback Aaron Rodgers can elevate the talent surrounding him, he’s forced to do so facing one of the NFL’s top defensive units.
The Packers also have a weak run defense. This can play into the Cardinals’ hands if they continue to run the ball effectively as they did last week against Houston. James Conner and Chase Edmonds both looked good. So what can they do against a rush defense that has allowed nearly 5.0 yards per carry?
A strange statistic that carries more weight than given credit for, the Cardinals hold a massive edge against the Packers in the kicking game.
Not only has Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby struggled in 2021, making just 75 percent of his kicks, but opponents have also struggled to kick against the Cardinals. So far in 2021, opponents have converted just 6-of-9 field-goal attempts and 10-of-14 extra points. In a game expected to be close, every point is valuable.