Packers cruise past Cardinals

Week 9
November 4, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Packers 31 - Cardinals 17

Photo credit: packers.com

A victory in Week 9 was essential with the injuries piling up on both sides of the ball and a bye week in our sights... not to mention keeping pace with division rivals Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings.  Randall Cobb was phenomenal against the Cardinals grabbing two of Aaron Rodgers four touchdown passes leading the Packers to a fourth straight victory.  Cobb is truly a playmaker.  He needs to touch the football a minimum of ten times a game whether through the passing game, out of the backfield or the return game.  Big things happen when Randall Cobb touches the football.

I've had some friends of mine ask me how many points the Packers will win by this week and last week versus the Jaguars.  My answer both times is the following: "I have no idea, I just want a W."  My reasoning is the long injury list.  We are without Cedric Benson, Greg Jennings, Jerel Worthy, Nick Perry, Desmond Bishop, Charles Woodson, and Sam Shields.  In addition, Jordy Nelson has been plagued with a hamstring injury, however, he started today but left with an ankle injury. Just great (he should not have played today).  Right tackle Bryan Bulaga left today's game with a hip injury and his condition is unclear at this point.  And Clay Matthews left today's game with a hamstring injury.  Troy Aikman said it best: "Mike McCarthy preaches 'next man up' but eventually you just run out of guys."  Aaron Rodgers has also complained about a calf injury bothering him.  Short-term solution: next week is a BYE WEEK! This is probably the perfect time for the bye to get some of these guys healthy.

In my opinion, Rodgers didn't have his best game despite throwing four touchdowns.  He was 14/30 passing.  Last time he finished a game under 50% passing was vs. the Chiefs in 2011.  However, beggars can't be choosers.  He's still the MVP and even on an off day, he throws four touchdowns and leads his team to victory.

Photo credit packers.com

Mason Crosby is becoming a problem.  He missed an early field goal attempt from 44 yards wide left.  After that kick, Mason had missed 5 of his last 9 attempts.  That is terrible.  I'm concerned for later in the season when a field goal make is necessary to keep the season alive.

Some good aspects from this game had to have been the running game.  It's about time James Starks got some meaningful carries.  The Packers as a team rushed for 176 yards led by James Starks with 61 yards.  So much has been made of the Packers not having a 100-yard rusher since Brandon Jackson in Week 5 of 2010 against the Redskins.  Today, James Starks, Alex Green, Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb busted out 176.  Encouraging against a tough Cardinals defense.  Also, despite Rodgers low completion percentage, I liked how much the ball was spread amongst the offense.  Eight players caught a pass today.  Also encouraging getting more players involved which is key with so many injuries.

Chicago Bears  7-1
Green Bay Packers  6-3
Minnesota Vikings  5-4
Detroit Lions  4-4

#gopackgo