Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals Match Player Stats – Box Score, Leaders & Highlights

The Green Bay Packers ended the Arizona Cardinals’ perfect season on October 28, 2021, claiming a 24-21 victory at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Thursday Night Football showdown featured a dramatic fourth-quarter interception that sealed the outcome for a short-handed Packers squad facing the NFL’s last unbeaten team.

Both franchises entered the Week 8 contest with identical 7-1 records, positioning the primetime matchup as a critical early indicator of NFC supremacy. While the Cardinals had leveraged high-powered offense to remain undefeated, the Packers leaned on a methodical ground game and defensive resilience to secure their seventh win.

Official box score data from ESPN and the NFL confirms Green Bay improved to 4-1 on the road while dropping Arizona to 3-1 at home, fundamentally altering the conference landscape at the season’s midpoint.

Who Won and What Were the Critical Stats?

1. Ground Dominance: Green Bay rushed for 151 yards on 34 attempts, controlling clock and tempo against Arizona’s front seven.
2. Rodgers’ Efficiency: Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 37 passes for 184 yards, delivering two touchdowns with zero interceptions and a 90.4 passer rating.
3. Murray’s Turnovers: Kyler Murray threw for 260 yards but committed two critical interceptions, finishing with a 67.0 rating.
4. Red Zone Execution: Chase Edmonds punched in two short rushing touchdowns for Arizona despite limited total yardage.
5. Clutch Defense: Rasul Douglas, recently signed from the practice squad, intercepted Murray with under two minutes remaining to end Arizona’s final threat.
6. Ball Security: Green Bay recovered both of its own fumbles while Arizona lost one fumble (Rondale Moore) alongside Murray’s interceptions.
7. Receiving Balance: Davante Adams led Green Bay with 7 catches for 51 yards, while DeAndre Hopkins topped Arizona with 66 yards on just two receptions.

How Did the Quarterbacks Perform Under Pressure?

Aaron Rodgers’ Controlled Efficiency

Rodgers operated without his customary receiving depth, completing 22 of 37 attempts for 184 yards according to ESPN game data. His 5.0 yards per attempt average reflected a conservative approach emphasizing high-percentage throws and ball security. The two touchdown passes came without an interception, preserving the Packers’ error-free offensive performance.

Kyler Murray’s Volume vs. Value

Murray generated superior raw production through the air, accumulating 260 yards on 22 completions for an 8.3-yard average. However, the dual-threat quarterback’s two interceptions proved catastrophic in the game’s waning moments. Sacked twice for 14 yards lost, Murray failed to throw a touchdown pass despite reaching the red zone multiple times.

Which Backfield Controlled the Tempo?

Green Bay’s Committee Approach

The Packers deployed a heavy rushing attack featuring A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones. Dillon carried 16 times for 78 yards (4.9 average), while Jones added 59 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Their combined 31 attempts exhausted Arizona’s defensive front, particularly during the decisive fourth-quarter drive.

Arizona’s Touchdown Efficiency

Despite managing only 74 total rushing yards on 20 carries, the Cardinals scored three rushing touchdowns. Chase Edmonds converted short-yardage situations into two scores, while Murray sneaked in from the 2-yard line for the third. James Conner contributed 21 yards on six carries but failed to find the end zone.

Who Delivered in the Clutch Moments?

Receiving Corps Breakdown

Davante Adams drew heavy defensive attention yet still secured 7 receptions for 51 yards on a team-high 11 targets. Allen Lazard provided explosive plays with 49 yards on three catches, including a 33-yard long. For Arizona, CBS Sports data shows DeAndre Hopkins maximized limited opportunities with 66 yards on two receptions, including a 55-yard breakaway.

The Defining Interception

With Arizona driving for a potential game-tying or winning score, journeyman defensive back Rasul Douglas stepped in front of a pass intended for A.J. Green. The interception, resulting from a documented miscommunication between Murray and Green, allowed Green Bay to run out the clock.

How Did the Game Unfold Quarter by Quarter?

1. First Quarter: Arizona strikes first with a touchdown run to establish a 7-0 lead, controlling early possession.
2. Second Quarter: Green Bay responds with 10 unanswered points, including a touchdown pass from Rodgers, taking a 10-7 lead into halftime.
3. Third Quarter: Both teams trade touchdowns in a 7-7 frame, with Arizona briefly reclaiming the lead at 17-14.
4. Fourth Quarter: Aaron Jones scores a go-ahead touchdown run, followed by Douglas’s interception of Murray with under two minutes remaining to seal the 24-21 victory.

What Information Is Fully Verified?

What Context Defined This NFC Showdown?

The matchup carried significant weight as the final undefeated record in the NFL hung in the balance. Arizona entered at 7-0, relying on explosive offense and aggressive defense to dominate opponents. Green Bay arrived shorthanded, missing multiple starters due to injury and COVID-19 protocols, yet maintained their road warrior mentality to improve to 4-1 away from Lambeau Field.

Beyond the immediate standings, the contest highlighted a philosophical clash between Arizona’s big-play offense and Green Bay’s methodical, possession-based approach. For readers interested in portfolio strategy while following football analytics, What Is an Index Fund – Definition and How It Works offers insight into diversified investment approaches similar to the Packers’ balanced offensive attack.

What Did Experts Say About the Outcome?

“Rasul Douglas was living the life of an NFL journeyman just a few weeks ago… bouncing between camps… [delivered] football’s version of purgatory escape.”

— Analysis from ESPN and CBS Sports coverage

Veteran Packers analyst Larry McCarren highlighted the significance of the victory for Green Bay’s depth, noting the team’s ability to overcome personnel shortages against elite competition. NFL league analysis confirmed that Murray’s critical error on the final interception, stemming from a route miscommunication with A.J. Green, cost Arizona the opportunity to extend the game.

What Were the Key Takeaways?

Green Bay’s victory demonstrated that ball security and rushing efficiency could overcome superior passing yardage, while Arizona learned that turnover margin remains the ultimate determinant in tight contests between championship contenders. The game ultimately served as a masterclass in complementary football, with the Packers’ defense providing the decisive play when the offense stalled. After reviewing these statistics, those planning game-day menus might appreciate Pilons de Poulet au Four – Optimal Temp and Bake Time for their next viewing party.

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