The Green Bay Packers are set to face the Arizona Cardinals in a critical matchup on Sunday, seeking their first road victory of the season. Both teams grapple with injuries that could significantly impact the game’s outcome.
Current Injury Struggles for the Cardinals
The Cardinals’ roster has been hit hard by injuries. Prominent running back James Conner is on injured reserve due to a severe foot injury. Additionally, Trey Benson, who had shown promise with a 5.5 yards-per-carry average, is also sidelined with a knee injury. Emeri Demercado, another key player, is out with an ankle injury after a tumultuous performance last week. This leaves quarterback Kyler Murray, who has rushed for 173 yards this season, as the leading rusher, but he is also dealing with a foot injury.
Cardinals’ Backup Options
With their main running backs unavailable, the Cardinals will rely on Michael Carter and Zonovan “Bam” Knight. Carter has averaged 3.1 yards on 28 carries, while Knight averages 3.0 yards on 15 carries. Their run game is under pressure, particularly against a formidable Packers defense.
Packers’ Defensive Dominance
Green Bay boasts one of the top run defenses in the NFL, allowing just 73.0 rushing yards per game. They are particularly effective at stopping runs, averaging only 3.58 yards allowed per carry. Despite injuries to defensive players Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness, the Packers’ defense remains strong.
Impact Players for Green Bay
Josh Jacobs has emerged as a crucial player for the Packers, having carried the ball 18 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns last week against Cincinnati. Jacobs demonstrated remarkable improvement, gaining an impressive 26 yards before contact in his recent outing.
Concerns in the Fourth Quarter
Despite strong defensive performances in the early game, the Packers have struggled in the fourth quarter, allowing an alarming average of 12 points per game. The team aims to address these issues as they prepare to face a struggling Cardinals team.
Cardinals’ Fourth Quarter Challenges
Similarly, Arizona ranks poorly in fourth-quarter performance, allowing an average of 10.3 points per game while having the worst scoring differential. With their past losses attributed largely to fourth-quarter struggles, the Cardinals must improve to turn their fortunes around.
Game Outlook
The matchup will challenge both teams to execute consistently. If the Packers can leverage their defensive strengths and maintain momentum throughout the game, they could secure their first road win against the Cardinals. The game promises to showcase key playmakers and pivotal moments that could define the outcome of their respective seasons.
