Cardinals offense could be hindered by absence of A.J. Green in Week 9

The absence of Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green could have a negative effect on the scoring attack of the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.

More than a week has passed since the Arizona Cardinals lost their first game of the season. A “miscommunication” between wideout A.J. Green and quarterback Kyler Murray resulted in an interception that cost the team a victory over the Green Bay Packers. Arizona’s hopes for an undefeated campaign had gone up in flames, and many blamed Green for the unfortunate occurrence.

On Wednesday, the Cards announced that Green had tested positive for COVID-19 and will likely miss this weekend’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. How much of an effect will the wide receiver’s absence have on the Cardinals’ high-flying scoring attack?

Many of the league’s observers were unimpressed when Arizona signed Green to a one-year contract back in March. The word around the NFL was that the 33-year-old’s best days were behind him, and the organization would get very little out of the $6 million investment.

Through eight games, a rejuvenated Green has gone out of his way to prove his detractors wrong. The 6-foot-2, 207-pounder has hauled in 29 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns for the 7-1 Cardinals. Green has fit into the role of a number-two receiver perfectly, providing the Redbirds with an excellent compliment for superstar wideout DeAndre Hopkins.

Veteran pass-catcher has become a vital part of the Arizona Cardinals offense

Green certainly deserves a ton of blame for the Packers debacle, but the mistake was just one small part of his performance that evening. The seven-time Pro Bowler came up with a clutch reception for the Cards as well, during a do-or-die drive in the final quarter. Facing a third down and ten from the one-yard line, Green managed to corral a 23-yard strike from Murray that kept the chains moving with just a couple of minutes remaining.

It wasn’t the only time that Green came through this season when the pressure was on. In fact, 19 of the South Carolina native’s 29 catches thus far in 2021 have resulted in first downs.

Arizona has an exceptional amount of depth at the wide receiver position. Murray will still have Hopkins, Christian Kirk, and rookie Rondale Moore at his disposal during the week-nine matchup with the 49ers. Nevertheless, the loss of Green will hardly be welcomed.