The Green Bay Packers travel to University of Phoenix Stadium to face the second seeded Arizona Cardinals in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. The Packers are coming off an impressive victory over the Redskins in the wild card round, but they know first hand how difficult it is to play the Cardinals in Arizona. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has likely told his players that their win over the Packers in December means nothing now, as both teams' seasons are on the line in this highly anticipated playoff matchup.
The Cardinals defense held the Packers offense to just eight points in their first meeting this season, and expect Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to get the ball out quickly against this dominant defense. Rodgers has had another big season for the Packers, throwing for 3,821 yards with 31 touchdowns to eight interceptions. Rodgers managed only 151 passing yards against the Cardinals the last time these teams met, and wide receivers James Jones and Randall Cobb will look to get there quarterback out of tough positions.
Jones led the Packers receiving core with 890 yards and scored eight touchdowns. The Packers veteran wide receiver caught seven passes for 81 yards last weekend and will look to create separation between himself and Arizona's secondary. Cobb is also a huge playmaker for the Packers offense and caught one of Rodgers' two touchdown passes in the first round of the playoffs. The Packers will be without wide out Davante Adams, and head coach Mike McCarthy will look for his team to step up in his absence.
The Cardinals defense finished the regular season ranked fifth in terms of yards allowed per game, and safety Deon Bucannon will try to disrupt Green Bay's offensive game plan. The second year safety leads the team with 112 combined tackles and has been a key part of their success this season. Veteran linebacker Dwight Freeney has also been a huge addition in his first season in Arizona, recording eight sacks and three forced fumbles.
While Arizona's defense has played incredible this season, their offense has been the best in the NFL, averaging more yards than any other team. Arizona was second in points per game, averaging over 30 points per game this season, and quarterback Carson Palmer is having a career year for the Cardinals.
The veteran quarterback has thrown a career-high 4,671 yards with 35 touchdowns passes to 11 interceptions. Palmer drives the Cardinals offense and has plenty of options to target down field. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is having an incredible 12th season in Arizona, leads the team with 1,215 receiving yards and has nine touchdowns.
Both teams have two of the best quarterbacks in the game, and which ever defense can slow the opposing team's quarterback down best will likely come out on top.
Where To Watch: NBC at 8:15 p.m. Eastern time.
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