Week 6 Preview: Arizona Comes to Green Bay

On Sunday, October 13th, the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals will meet for their 74th regular-season clash. The Packers lead the series with a 45-24-4 record and hold a dominant 27-10 advantage at Lambeau Field. Under Head Coach Matt LaFleur, the Packers have posted a 43-20 record against NFC opponents, and they’ll look to add another win to that tally this weekend.

On Sunday, October 13th, the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals will meet for their 74th regular-season clash. The Packers lead the series with a 45-24-4 record and hold a dominant 27-10 advantage at Lambeau Field. Under Head Coach Matt LaFleur, the Packers have posted a 43-20 record against NFC opponents, and they’ll look to add another win to that tally this weekend. The Cardinals’ defense ranks 25th in yards allowed and 27th in points conceded, while the Packers boast the 4th-ranked offense

in total yards and sit 7th in points scored through five weeks. Running back Josh Jacobs, who ranks 4th in the NFL in rushing yards, will look to exploit Arizona's struggling defense, which allows 147.8 rushing yards per game. Jordan Love, after missing two weeks with an injury, has shown steady improvement, and the offense’s timing issues, particularly between Love and his receivers, are gradually being ironed out.
Defensively, the Packers have flashed moments of brilliance but have struggled with consistency. Safety Xavier McKinney has been a standout, leading the league with five interceptions in five games. There’s hope he can continue his hot streak and perhaps tie the record for most consecutive interceptions in a game. However, the pass rush has been a point of concern. Devonte Wyatt leads the Packers in sacks with just three, placing him tied for 20th in the league, followed by Preston Smith with 2.5. The team will be looking to improve in this area, and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will need to devise a more effective scheme to generate pressure on Kyler Murray, a dual-threat quarterback.

Key Positives
Ground Attack: Josh Jacobs ranks 4th in rushing yards this season and 7th in rushing first downs. Given the Cardinals’ struggles in run defense, this is a matchup where the Packers should heavily lean on Jacobs and backup running back Emmanuel Wilson. The Packers have often abandoned the run too early in previous games, but this week’s contest presents an opportunity to dominate on the ground.

Jordan Love: Love has thrown for 614 yards and six touchdowns in the two games since his return from a knee injury. He ranks 2nd in the league in passing yards per game (291). If the Packers strike a balance between the passing and running games, Love’s improved performance could help them capitalize on explosive plays.

Secondary: The Packers' secondary is shaping up nicely. Xavier McKinney continues to lead with his ball-hawking ability, and the potential return of Jaire Alexander, alongside Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes, should help stifle Arizona's air attack, which averages just 181.6 passing yards per game.

What to Watch For
Pass Rush: The Packers' pass rush has been underwhelming, and Kyler Murray’s dual-threat capabilities make it essential to generate pressure. Limiting his time in the pocket and his ability to scramble will be key.

McKinney’s Interception Streak: Packers fans, myself included, will be eagerly watching to see if McKinney can extend his interception streak to six games. A turnover could be a game-changing moment.

Dontayvion Wicks: Wicks has been effective at creating separation, but his drops have been an issue. I’ll be watching closely to see what adjustments he makes and whether he can convert his opportunities into catches.

Romeo Doubs: With Doubs expected to return to the lineup, it will be interesting to see how he re-engages with the team after a week of off-field challenges. His body language and interactions with teammates will be worth noting.

Final Thoughts
This is a game the Packers should win, but as we all know, "Any given Sunday" anything can happen. Regardless of the outcome, another Sunday watching the Packers is always a good day—though a win would make it even better. As always, Go Pack Go!