I can't speak highly enough of Tyrann Mathieu's level of play this season, and that's why it's such a huge deal that the Cardinals will have to go into the playoffs without him. A lot of people believe the Cardinals are the greatest team in the NFC, and one of the best in the NFL. I know their record would suggest as much, but I didn't see that level of play earlier this season when our Ravens traveled to Arizona and nearly came back against the Cardinals in a game where they benefited by two atrocious call/non-calls by the referees (one of which the NFL apologized for) that literally meant the difference between a win and a loss. I was not overwhelmed by the Cardinals offense, nor was a struck by the potency of their defense with the exception of one incredible pass breakup by Tyrann Mathieu on what would have been a sure touchdown pass to Chris Givens.
I don't believe the Cardinals are an overwhelming powerhouse, and they no longer have Tyrann Mathieu or Chris Johnson, both of whom played integral roles during the Cardinals' win over the Ravens. Fortunately for the Cardinals, however, the Packers went into Arizona and lost 38-8 only 3 weeks ago. Neither Tyrann Mathieu nor Chris Johnson were present for that matchup either. It must be noted that the Packers were without 3 starting offensive lineman during that game, but their defense still gave up 38 points to the Cardinals.
The Packers certainly appeared to have gained some rhythm and momentum last week in their beatdown of the Redskins. Their defense looked impressive against a hapless second half Redskins offense, and Aaron Rodgers and company seemingly scored at will. Part of the reason for this success was a banged up Redskins defense, and part was the improved play of Davante Adams. Adams. Adams has had a lackluster season, but he looked spectacular last week. Davante Adams, however, will not play along with Packers tight end, Andrew Quarless. The Packers also have two questionable, banged up corners as Quinten Rollins has a quad injury and Sam Shields is coming off of a concussion. That plays right into the hand of a Cardinals team that has impressive receiving weapons being fed the ball by a quarterback having what could end up as a career year if he can win a playoff game today.
The addition of Dwight Freeney was exactly what this team needed to feast on a team such as the Packers. The last time these two teams met, Freeney alone sacked Aaron Rodgers 3 times and the team sacked Rodgers 8 times. With a healthier offensive line, the Packers will likely protect their franchise QB better today, but that protection will mean less now that one of his starting wide receivers and his starting tight end won't play.
PREDICTION
I don't typically prefer to go into a prediction without a lot of statistical analysis, but this is one of two games this weekend that I don't believe analyzing a season full of stats would be worth your reading. These teams met in exactly the same place 3 weeks ago, and the results were catastrophic for the Packers. The Packers looked better against an injured, bad defense last week, but they'll be without weapons and a rested enemy that knows EXACTLY how to beat them.
PACKERS 31-20
WITH MORE TIME OFF THIS WEEK, I'LL BE ABLE TO BE POSTING LENGTHIER AND EARLIER ANALYSIS OF NEXT WEEKEND'S AFC AND NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES. STAY TUNED LATER TONIGHT FOR PREDICTIONS FOR TOMORROW'S GAMES. WE'RE JUST GETTING WARMED UP!
AS ALWAYS
GO RAVENS!!! (GET HEALTHY AND MAKE THIS DRAFT COUNT!)
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