The Cardinals have been consistent in saying the Packers are a different team than the first time they met, but other than a couple of injury situations, that’s not true.
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They have a great mix of young players and a great mix of veteran players that will carry the team well beyond just this season.
The Cardinals know where they will go from here, if they can win on Saturday, one of two scenarios will take place, if Seattle wins in Carolina, the Seahawks will come to Glendale for the NFC Championship game (a game for the ages based on the team’s history, this season, and in the past). The Cardinals had made it to the Super Bowl against Pittsburgh Steelers in Tampa Bay, Florida, Feb. 1, 2009.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Washington QB Kirk Cousins, making his first career playoff start after a breakthrough season, was 29 for 46 for 329 yards.
The Packers claimed an inspiring 35-18 comeback victory over Washington on Wild Card weekend, winning as 1-point underdogs.
The Arizona Cardinals will meet a familiar foe in the NFC divisional playoffs on Saturday night. Last week, against the Washington Redskins, the Packers got their offense going.
With the big win over the Packers at the end of the season not far from everybody’s mind, this is a confident Cardinal team that awaits this showdown with the Packers. The 35 points were the most scored by Green Bay since a 38-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.
“When we were down 11-0, I thought here we go again”, said another caller. There’s a high percentage that they make them but you’ve still got to do it.’ Walsh didn’t hide.
Last week against Washington, the Packers were back to scoring points in bunches after a sluggish first quarter.
Running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks had second-half touchdown runs as the Packers picked up 124 of their 141 rushing yards after halftime.
Arizona dominated Green Bay in every facet of the game, especially on defense: The Cards sacked Packers QB Aaron Rodgers eight times and returned two fumbles for touchdowns. He had given up a 5-yard sack and safety to put the Redskins on the board. The Packers might be playing better, but the sample size – one game – is awfully small. And based on the talk – on sports talk radio – fans are feeling good about the team’s chances. Rodgers in most games has the option to either try and throw into a very tight window or try and extend the play in hopes someone can break free.
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But DeSean Jackson’s apparent touchdown was overturned and the Packers defense turned in a goal-line stand to force a 25-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal and trail only 5-0 with 4:54 remaining in the first quarter.
