5 keys to Packers beating Cardinals in Week 7

Keep Trey McBride contained

The Cardinals are 6-2 over the last two seasons when McBride, one of the game’s best pass-catching tight ends, averages over 10.0 yards per target over the last two seasons. He’s going to be heavily targeted as the focal point of the Cardinals passing game, but the key here is to limit damage and make him an ineffiicient receiver. Can the Packers better defend the quick, short passing game this week? McBride leads all tight ends in targets thrown between 0-9 yards downfield, and he’ll be a top target on quick game calls regardless of who is playing quarterback for the Cardinals. Expect a mixture of Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper in coverage on McBride Sunday depending on whether he aligns in the slot or inline.

Win the battle up front on defense for four quarters

The assumption is the Cardinals will start Jacoby Brissett, who completed 22 of 25 passes from clean pockets against the Colts last week. While he lacks the mobility of Kyler Murray, Brissett is a veteran passer who can manage the game and distribute the football from the pocket, especially when not pressured. The Packers defensive front must control the game early and not relent. The Cardinals have an excellent left tackle in Paris Johnson Jr. and an above average pass-blocking offensive line overall, so this could be a good test for Micah Parsons and the pass-rush group, especially without Lukas Van Ness and Devonte Wyatt. Parsons said he challenged the front this week and they responded with excellent practices, so we’ll see if it translates to the field Sunday. The Packers have been terrific pressuring quarterbacks early in games, but the disruption must continue for four quarters to close out games.

Protect Jordan Love

This is arguably the biggest key for the Packers every week because Love has looked the best quarterback in football when operating from clean pockets this season. The Cardinals have a deep and versatile defensive front and could present problems. Josh Sweat, Baron Browning, Calais Campbell, Jordan Burch and Zaven Collins all have 10 or more pressures, per Next Gen Stats. Sweat, the former Eagle, has a team-high 5.0 sacks and is the biggest threat. Can Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom keep him out of the pocket? Campbell remains a physical and powerful rusher inside and will put immense stress on the interior blockers. The Cardinals have struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks this season, but there is talent up front and the Packers must meet the challenge along the offensive line on Sunday.

Hit explosive runs

The Cardinals have been decent down-to-down against the run, but opponents have created 12 runs of 10 or more yards over the last three games, including four by Jonathan Taylor last week in Indianapolis. Can the Packers open a few holes for Josh Jacobs — who had a season-high four runs of 10 or more last week — and let him create a big play at the second level? Explosives are almost a given for the Packers passing game, but the offense hits a new level when the run game can rip off big runs, especially against two-deep shells. And maybe a big run or two can open up a deep shot. During last season’s win over the Cardinals, Jordan Love hit 7 of 10 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown (on a deep ball to Christian Watson) off play action.

Make the big play late

The Cardinals have led or been tied late in the fourth quarter during each of the last four games, so expecting another close game is entirely reasonable. Can the Packers make the big play late and continue Arizona’s streak of agonizing losses? Jordan Love has been terrific in late-game, gotta-have-it situations this season, and he’ll likely get another chance at one on Sunday. The Cardinals have lost four straight games and understand fully the razor thin margins of the NFL, but this team could easily be 4-2 or better after six games with just one or two more plays late in games. On the road, the Packers must be the team that makes the big play late.