TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals are seven-point favorites and beat the Packers by 30 points nearly three weeks ago.
But there’s no chance of being overconfident, they say. They know they “didn’t get the Packers best shot,” as head coach Bruce Arians put it.
The Cardinals don’t have much playoff experience, period, and certainly not in being a heavy favorite in the post-season.
“The other couple years that I’ve been there, last year, with us going in limping like we did last year, it wasn’t the same feeling,” receiver Larry Fitzgerald said. “A couple years back, I think our year after we went to the Super Bowl, was a little bit more expectation, but the first year, we were considered the worst playoff team to ever get into the dance, so it wasn’t a lot of pressure.
“But it’s a lot different situation when you’re being hunted as opposed to hunting. When we came in a surprise team, they’ll probably get knocked out in the first round. Nobody expected anything and we kind of played to that. Now, we’re the favorites. We’re playing at home. We’re expected to win, so you can’t be lulled to sleep by that stuff.”
The Packers believe they turned the corner, at least offensively, against Washington last week. The run game worked, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked better than he had in weeks.
But the Cardinals have a much better defense than Washington. They typically do a solid job in containing the run, and even without safety Tyrann Mathieu, they like the matchup of their secondary against almost any group of receivers.
Rushing the passer is not one of the Cardinals’ strengths, but they sacked Rodgers eight times three weeks ago. The Packers were playing with as many as three backup offensive linemen, so no one is expecting that to happen again.
But getting to Rodgers is a key to winning, cornerback Patrick Peterson said.
“It’s very important, because Aaron Rodgers does such a great job of creating second chances for his receivers,” he said. “Like I told you guys the first time we played them, it reminds us a lot of Russell Wilson, having that ability to extend those plays, especially when those guys score. When you go back and watch them score, you rarely see Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball on time or throwing a timing route.
“So, if we do a good job on the back end and the front, making sure that we contain our rush lanes and, on the back end, plaster our coverage, we have a pretty good opportunity of coming out on top again.”
–How outside linebacker Alex Okafor suffered a season-ending toe injury remains a mystery. It happened outside of regular football duties, which is why the Cardinals placed him on the non-football injury list. When asked about Okafor, head coach Bruce Arians simply said: “Ask Alex.” Okafor has not been available for comment, and if his teammates know what happened, they aren’t saying.
Okafor’s loss is significant, even though he had only two sacks, both coming in the first game. He had improved as a run defender and the team isn’t deep at the position.
–Running back David Johnson grew up as one of six children of a single mother. He knows what it’s like to work, and he’s not awed by being in the NFL.
“David’s not really your typical rookie,” receiver Larry Fitzgerald said. “He’s not one of those guys that get wide-eyed. In the huddle, you see him, he’s focused in. He’s honed in. He’s confident in his ability. He’s not a guy that you have to kind of get ready. You’ve got to wake David up, almost.”
SERIES HISTORY: 74th meeting. Packers lead series, 45-24-4. They have played twice in the post-season with each team winning once. The Cardinals beat the Packers in the 2009 playoffs, 51-45, in overtime. It was the highest scoring playoff game ever. The teams met in week 16 of this season with the Cardinals winning 38-8. The Packers committed four turnovers, including two fumbles that were returned for touchdowns.
GAME PLAN
–The Cardinals will devote every resource to stopping the Packers’ run game. They do this every week but it’s especially important on Saturday. The Cardinals feel they have a distinct advantage if the Packers are forced to win this through the air. On offense, running back David Johnson is a key for the Cardinals. He is as dangerous as a receiver as he is a runner. The Cardinals were able to get him matched against linebackers a few weeks ago, and Johnson caught three passes for 88 yards. The Cardinals have to be nervous if this comes down to the kicking game. Punter Drew Butler finished last in net average. Kicker Chandler Catanzaro missed only three field goals, including two longer than 50 yards, but he missed five extra points.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Cardinals RB David Johnson vs. Packers ILB Jake Ryan.
Both are rookies. Ryan had trouble covering Johnson in the first game, with Johnson getting 88 yards on three catches in the first half.
–Cardinals CB Justin Bethel vs. Packers receivers.
The Packers tried to pick on Bethel in the first meeting, and both sides had their moments. Bethel will be in the spotlight since teams rarely throw at the person Patrick Peterson is guarding.
Notes: Outside linebacker Markus Golden (knee) is expected to start after missing the last regular-season game. Golden has moved well in practice this week, head coach Bruce Arians said. … Defensive lineman/outside linebacker Josh Mauro (calf) is expected to play after missing two games. Mauro has started four games this season and is an important rotational player. He plays with great passion. … Ouitside linebacker Jason Babin was signed this week to provide depth after Okafor was placed on the non-football injury list. It’s not unusual for this staff to put a recently-signed played in limited, but significant roles. Babin could be used in pass-rush situations.