The Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers came into Sunday's game having already clinched a playoff berth. The Cardinals dominated all aspects of the game, and showed the NFL that they are the front runner to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Arizona held the Packers to 178 total yards and forced four turnovers (3 fumble recoveries, 1 interception). They returned two fumbles for touchdowns, and kept the Packers from scoring a touchdown with the interception.
Green Bay did not have an answer for the Cardinals front seven. They allowed nine sacks and Aaron Rodgers was scrambling for daylight all game. The Packers also committed seven penalites for 59 yards. It was not the number of penalites that hurt the Packers, it was when the penalites happened. Josh Sitton and Corey Linsley, had penalties that ultimately led to the Packers punting.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Arizona Cardinals put up 17 points in the second quarter and never looked back. The outcome of this game could have been decided late in the second quarter. After the two minute warning, Carson Palmer had his screen pass intercepted by Mike Daniels, who returned the ball to the Arizona 15. With the score 10-0, the Packers could have went into halftime 10-7. Justin Bethel intercepted Rodger's pass intended for James Jones.
The Cardinals started shutting the door on the this game by dissecting the Packers defense. With 57 seconds left, Palmer led the Cardinals on a seven play, 80 yard drive that was capped with a seven yard touchdown pass to John Brown. Instead of being down by three or seven points, the Packers faced a 17 point halftime deficit. This momentum swing carried over into the second half. The Cardinals defense kept their foot on the gas and scored two defensive touchdowns.
The loss means the NFC North Division title will be on the line next week when the Packers host the Minnesota Vikings.
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