3 favorable matchups for the Cardinals in Week 8 vs. the Packers
By Sion Fawkes
Cardinals rushing attack vs. Packers run defense
The Cardinals have one of the league’s most prolific running games that ranks fifth in the league. Meanwhile, the Packers don’t just rank 24th in rushing defense; they’ve also given up 4.9 yards per carry.
Facing the Cardinals, opponents must worry about Chase Edmonds and James Conner. They must also account for Kyler Murray and even Rondale Moore, who has heard his number called in the backfield. Edmonds and Conner had a great game against the Houston Texans, with Edmonds logging 15 carries for 81 yards and Conner logged 10 carries for 64 yards.
While Murray has not been the running quarterback we came to know him as in 2019 and 2020, he has continued to prove that he can hurt opponents with his legs. Every time Murray drops back, the Packers must account for him. And although the Packers have a fair passing defense, their lack of ability to stop the run may lead us to see more of Murray’s rookie and second-year form on Thursday night.
The Cardinals have one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses that starts with their passing game. But on Thursday, don’t be surprised if you see them establish the run to open things up in the passing attack.