Packers Grind Out Win Over Cardinals in Week Seven
The Green Bay Packers went into Arizona with uncertainty looming over both sides of the ball, as the Cardinals ruled out starting quarterback Kyler Murray the night before the game for the second week, making veteran Jacoby Brissett start the game. For Green Bay, the focus was on the status of star running back Josh Jacobs, who was battling both illness and a calf injury suffered the week before. Despite being limited, Jacobs suited up and contributed key plays when his team needed him most. The first quarter was a defensive battle, with neither side able to find the end zone. Green Bay’s defense came out early, highlighted by a big-time sack from Micah Parsons on third and goal to force a field goal, keeping Arizona’s lead to just 3-0 after one quarter.
Momentum began to shift in the second quarter for the Packers when Keisean Nixon made a huge defensive play, breaking up a pass that forced a Cardinals punt. With Jacobs back in the lineup, the Packers’ offense began to find some rhythm, driving down the field behind his powerful runs. Although the drive stalled in the red zone, kicker Lucas Havrisik drilled a field goal to tie the game 3-3 midway through the second quarter. The Cardinals answered with a field goal of their own before the Packers’ offense was slowed once again. With under two minutes remaining in the half, Brissett connected with Zay Jones on an important first down before finding Trey McBride for a touchdown to extend Arizona’s lead to 13-3. However, Green Bay responded quickly. Jordan Love led a short drive to set up a franchise-record 61-yard field goal by Havrisik as time expired, cutting the deficit to 13-6 at halftime.
The Packers’ defense came out of the locker room determined to set the tone in the second half. Rashan Gary forced a fumble on a Brissett throw attempt, which was recovered by Evan Williams and set Green Bay up deep in Arizona territory. Love capitalized on the turnover, connecting with both Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden to move the ball inside the 10-yard line. Jacobs reentered the game and powered in for a short touchdown run, tying the score at 13-13. Quay Walker added another sack for the Packers’ defense, continuing the team’s building pressure on Brissett. Despite that, the Cardinals struck back late in the third quarter when McBride found the end zone again, putting Arizona up 20-13 heading into the fourth.
Green Bay wasted no time responding, as Love found tight end Tucker Kraft for a big first down to start the final quarter. Love then used his legs on consecutive plays, including a 12-yard scramble for another first down. The drive ended with a touchdown strike to Kraft, tying the game 20-20 with plenty of time remaining. The Cardinals managed another long drive but were again stopped short of the end zone by the Packers' defense, settling for a field goal after another key sack by Parsons on third down. With the score at 23-20, Green Bay’s offense went back to work but was forced to punt. The defense held strong on the turning point of the game with a stop on a fourth-and-one, giving the Packers excellent field position for a final push.
With under two minutes to play, Love delivered once more, connecting with Kraft again on third down before Jacobs carried the ball inside the one-yard line. On the next play, Jacobs pushed the ball in for his second touchdown of the day, giving Green Bay a 27-23 lead. The Cardinals made one last effort, completing a 24-yard pass to move into Packers territory with under a minute left. Yet the defense stood tall once again. Parsons came through with another massive sack on third down before a final Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete. The Packers walked away with a thrilling 27-24 victory, powered by strong defensive play, timely offense, and a resilient team effort that continues to define their season.
