The 3-2 Packers will host the 2-3 Cardinals this Sunday at Lambeau Field. Arizona is coming off an upset victory over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Week 5.
Green Bay’s defense struggled against mobile quarterbacks throughout the 2010s, a problem that still lingers today. This week, they face Kyler Murray.
The last time the Packers faced Kyler Murray, he threw for 274 yards and two interceptions, including a game-clinching pick to Rasul Douglas. He also added 21 rushing yards on six attempts.
The Cardinals arrive at Lambeau with momentum after a division road win. While Murray’s rushing grabs attention, he’s also been an efficient passer this year. He has protected the football well and ranks among the NFL’s best quarterbacks when throwing in under 2.5 seconds.
On the ground, Murray leads all quarterbacks with at least 20 rushes in yards after contact per attempt. He has the fourth-most yards after contact and owns PFF’s fourth-highest rushing grade, is tied for the second-most runs of 10+ yards, and owns the longest rush this season.
Green Bay’s pass rush contained Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson’s rushing but has been inconsistent in pressuring quarterbacks. ESPN ranks the Packers’ pass rush win rate as third-worst in the league. Among edge rushers with 70+ pass rush snaps, Preston Smith ranks 51st, Rashan Gary 56th, Lukas Van Ness 69th, and J.J. Enagbare tied for 70th.
Arizona’s offensive line is banged up, with Will Hernandez now on IR. He was their only lineman with 100+ pass-blocking snaps to allow no sacks or QB hits. Kelvin Beachum, with a 57.0 pass-blocking grade on true pass sets, has allowed nine pressures, six hurries, and three sacks from right tackle. This week, Rashan Gary must get his game back on track.
I anticipate Green Bay playing plenty of zone this week to keep eyes on Murray and limit his scrambling. When they switch to man coverage, Jeff Hafley will likely assign a spy to Murray.
The Packers can’t let Kyler Murray escape the pocket on Sunday; otherwise, it’ll be a long day. Therefore, I expect Jeff Hafley to implement a similar game plan to what they used against Hurts and Richardson. Additionally, the edges will likely focus on setting the contain and closing rushing lanes. Ultimately, pressure will need to come from the interior, making this a good get-right game for Kenny Clark.
Murray should not be underestimated; he’s effective on the ground and can beat you with his arm. Green Bay needs all eleven players in sync to disrupt his rhythm, both through the air and on the ground, making Arizona’s offense predictable.
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