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Three Reasons Why Packers Will Lose to Cardinals Includes Travel Problems

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 23:57 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Packers–Cardinals Showdown: Why the Green‑and‑Gold Might Fall Short

The matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals has drawn the attention of NFL fans across the country, especially after the Cardinals pulled off a surprising victory in their most recent meeting at Soldier Field. In a concise yet insightful preview on Sports Illustrated, the article titled “Three Reasons Why the Packers Will Lose to the Cardinals” outlines the key factors that could keep the Packers from gaining the upper hand. Here’s a breakdown of the main arguments and the supporting evidence that the piece brings to light.

1. Packers’ Defensive Line is Vulnerable

The Cardinals’ defensive front is highlighted as a primary threat. The article notes that Arizona’s pass rush has historically ranked among the league’s best. In the 2023 season, the Cardinals have posted an average of 1.9 sacks per game—fourth best in the NFL—thanks largely to the presence of defensive end David Long and the solid performance of the defensive line unit as a whole. Long, who has earned a reputation for his quick first step and ability to collapse the pocket, provides a consistent threat that forces quarterbacks to hurry their throws.

In contrast, the Packers’ interior line has struggled. The article references the loss of veteran tackle David Bakhtiari to a left‑knee injury that sidelined him for much of the season, creating a gap in the offensive line that the Cardinals can exploit. Moreover, the Packers’ defensive line, anchored by Bobby Wagner and Cameron Sutton, has been inconsistent. The article cites the Packers’ ranking of 30th in sacks (1.2 per game) during the 2023 season—a figure that underscores the difficulty the team has had in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. A weak pass rush can give a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers the time he needs to orchestrate the offense, a scenario the Cardinals will look to avoid.

2. Cardinals’ Offense Matches Up Well Against the Packers’ Secondary

The second major point in the article focuses on the Cardinals’ passing attack, particularly the dynamic skill set of quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray has been known for his dual-threat ability and quick decision‑making, which can disorient a defense that relies on a solid secondary. In the 2023 season, Murray posted a 61.7% completion rate with 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also racking up 6,000 yards from scrimmage. The article stresses that Murray’s quick release and ability to step into the pocket provide him with opportunities to target the Packers’ secondary at high velocity.

The Packers’ coverage has been a point of concern as well. The article points out that the defensive backs have struggled to keep pace with modern passing offenses, with a 23rd‑ranked pass‑coverage efficiency in the league. With the Cardinals boasting a wide‑receiver tandem in Darius Slayton and Jalen Reagor, both of whom have proven adept at creating separation, the article suggests that the Packers’ secondary will be pressured to a level that could result in high‑percentage completions for Arizona. Moreover, the Cardinals’ use of a spread formation forces the Packers to cover a larger area, further stretching their defensive backs.

3. Packers’ Coaching and Game‑Planning Issues

The third argument centers on the Packers’ coaching staff and the strategic planning for the game. The article notes that head coach Matt LaFleur has been praised for his offensive schematics but has faced criticism for defensive adjustments. The Cardinals, under coach Kliff Kingsbury, have adopted a hybrid offense that blends a classic West Coast approach with modern spread concepts. This blend, according to the article, can lead to mismatches against the Packers’ defensive scheme, which has traditionally relied on a more conventional 4‑3 alignment.

Additionally, the article highlights that the Packers may struggle to adapt to the Cardinals’ tempo. Arizona has been effective at running a high‑tempo offense that reduces the amount of time the defense has to get into a stable position. In a recent matchup, the Cardinals managed to average 75 plays per game—well above the NFL average of 70—an approach that can disrupt the Packers’ rhythm and force them into making adjustments mid‑game. The article posits that this tempo shift could be a decisive factor that undermines the Packers’ game plan, especially if the defensive coaching staff cannot quickly recalibrate to the Cardinals’ pace.

Supporting Context: Team Stats and Key Players

To enrich the discussion, the article references several key statistical indicators:

• Packers' pass‑rush ranking: 30th in the league (1.2 sacks per game)
• Cardinals' pass‑rush ranking: 4th in the league (1.9 sacks per game)
• Packers' secondary efficiency: 23rd in pass coverage
• Cardinals' offensive yards per game: 341.7
• Kyler Murray’s completion rate: 61.7%
• Aaron Rodgers’ completion rate (2023): 64.4% (indicating a potential challenge for Rodgers under increased pressure)

The article also links to the official Packers and Cardinals pages for quick reference, providing readers with deeper insights into rosters, recent injuries, and game schedules.

Bottom Line

In sum, the Sports Illustrated preview offers a clear, data‑driven rationale for why the Cardinals may come out ahead in the upcoming game. The Packers’ defensive vulnerabilities—particularly in the pass rush—combined with the Cardinals’ potent passing attack and strategic tempo, paint a picture where the Cardinals could neutralize Rodgers’ offense. While the Packers boast a storied franchise and a talented roster, the article contends that the Cardinals’ well‑balanced attack and disciplined coaching staff could tip the scales in their favor. Fans and analysts alike should keep an eye on how these dynamics play out on game day, as the interplay between defense and offense often proves to be the defining factor in NFL matchups.