Arizona Cardinals @ GREEN BAY PACKERS
GREEN BAY - The Arizona Cardinals were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 23-18 Saturday night at Lambeau Field in the NFC Divisional Round. Green Bay (12-4-1) continued their hot streak winning their 5th game in a row and showing everyone how balanced their offensive attack is.
On the ground, All-3GML running back Damien Williams moved the chains at will, rushing 20 times for 150 yds. In the air, Stefon Diggs caught five passes for 111 yards and a TD. Throw in recently crowned 3GML MVP Aaron Rodgers (217 yds, 2 TDs) and you have a dangerous mix moving forward.
Arizona (11-7) looked sluggish offensively most of the game and quarterback Kyler Murray found himself scrambling after making one read. However, with the Green Bay offense stalling in the red zone in the first half, the Cardinals were able to keep in close and headed into half up 9-6.
Green Bay received the 3rd quarter kick off and it was off to the races. The Packers started with a 41 second drive capped by a 61 yard Diggs touchdown reception. From there, the Cardinals continued to struggle and the Green Bay offense moved with ease.
What will likely be the talk of pundits everywhere tomorrow will be how former cornerback cast-off Sidney Jones held All-Pro wide receiver Deandre Hopkins to once catch for nine yards. The 2nd round pick locked Hopkins down all afternoon and stymied the Cardinal passing attack.
"I was glad coach put trust in me. Casey [Hayward Jr.] has been the rock of this group but was needed elsewhere in the game plan. To go from being cut to this shows what happens when you don't quit." Jones said.
Green Bay moves on to host the #2 seed Atlanta Falcons next week in the NFC Championship game with a berth in Super Bowl LV on the line.
