Bold Predictions: Cardinals 31 - Packers 20
- Drops have haunted the Packers all year long. Not having Davantae Adams and Andrew Quarless hurts this receiving core. Wide Receiver James Jones has performed well after his new hoodie method, but Rodgers needs more support from other players. Arizona's pass defense is tough, but beatable with the loss of Tyrann Mathieu. For Green Bay's receivers to succeed against Arizona's secondary, they need to be able to get seperation and permit drops. Drops are a killer to a passing game and eventually forces an offense into long third downs. Green Bay needs to use crossing, drag, hitch, stutter, and pump and go routes to creat seperation. Green Bay's receivers are not as quick as Arizona's secondary, which is why I give the advantage to Arizona here. Patrick Peterson and Co. are going to limit Green Bay's weapons, but Rodgers will still have a decent game. (Rodgers: 278 yards 2 TD 1 INT, 1 lost fumble, 4 projected drops)
- Arizona's defense generated lots of pressure on Rodgers in their last meeting and will create problems for Green Bay's offensive line. Guard Josh Sitton is considered the best blocking offensive guard in the NFL and TJ Lang is playing at a Pro Bowl level. However, Dwight Freeney's unique spin move and Arizona's blitz schemes will force Rodgers to escape the rush. Green Bay's tackles are the weakness of their o-line. (Arizona Projected 5 Sacks)
- Running Back Eddie Lacy and James Starks form a formidable 1-2 punch, but Arizona's run defense has been stout. Lacy is going to struggle running in between the tackles, but Starks shiftiness and good vision makes him the better bet. Both are power runners, but Lacy is best in the screen game and when Green Bay uses power tosses. Arizona has very quick linebackers and are led by Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell. Starks and Lacy will combine for 90 yards on the ground and 52 threw the air.
- Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer should have a solid day against Green Bay. The Packers have really underrated depth at corner, but lack expierence. Carson Palmer has three good receivers Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, and Michael Floyd), but Green Bay's combination of press coverage and zone will work. I believe that Carson Palmer will throw for 277 yards and 2 TD, but Green Bay will pick him off twice. Michael Floyd will make the biggest impact out of the trio with 6 catches, 107 yards, and a touchdown.
- The Green Bay Packers have a solid front seven and are often overlooked. One of the best 3-4 defensive lineman is Mike Daniels. Daniels is great in the trenches, and is an excellent run defender. He will also use power and swing moves to pressure the quarterback. Arizona has a great center in Lyle Sendlin, but struggle in the interior. Look for Daniels to help free Green Bay linebackers and hurry Carson Palmer's throws.
- The Arizona Cardinals have very fast linebackers. Packers Aaron Rodgers is another underrated running quarterback and is accurate when rolling out of the pocket. Key on hybrid converted saftey to linebacker Deon Buchanon is going to spy on Rodgers with fellow teammate Kevin Minter. Arizona needs to use quarterback contain and man spy to swallow up Rodgers game. Rodgers will gain 40 yards on the ground and Buchanon is going to be the reason for limiting Rodger's game
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