TNF: Cardinals vs Packers Game Thread

Thursday Night Football, Week 8. Tonight the Arizona Cardinals host the Green Bay Packers in Glendale, Arizona. This looks like a great matchup on paper.

The 7-0 Cardinals come into this game as the only undefeated team left in the NFL. This team may well be the best team in the NFL. The Cardinals boast the #4 defense and the #7 offense in the NFL. They are in the top 5 in least turnovers on offense and most turnovers generated on defense. This is a deep, talented, balanced team, led by MVP candidate Kyler Murray at quarterback. If the Cardinals have any weakness, it is their run defense. They have been gashed for more than 150 yards rushing in three different games this year. If you want to beat the Cardinals, it probably starts with a top notch running attack.

The 6-1 Packers come into this game on a six game winning streak after having been blown out by the New Orleans Saints on opening day. The Packers are led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, still great after all these years. Like the Cardinals, the Packers have been great in the turnover differential department. They’re top 8 in least turnovers on offense and most turnovers generated on defense. Also like the Cardinals, the Packers’ achilles heel has been run defense, where they rank 30th in the NFL in yards allowed per rushing attempt at an ugly 4.9, just slightly better than the Cardinals’ 5.0 mark. Ironically, in a game featuring two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, we could well see a couple of run heavy offenses tonight seeking to take advantage of the opponent’s weakness.

This game has the look of a possible NFC Championship game preview. It’s a great way to spend a Thursday night.

It’s the Cardinals and the Packers in a NFC heavyweight bout on Thursday Night Football. Enjoy the game everybody.