Introduction:
The Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers matchup on October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field was a classic example of complementary football execution versus self-inflicted wounds. Before 77,773 fans in wet conditions, the Packers dominated 34-13, leveraging a balanced offensive attack, a turnover-hungry defense, and superior special teams play to improve to 4-2 on the season while dropping the Cardinals to 2-4. This article provides a detailed statistical breakdown of the individual and team performances that defined this NFC clash, offering insights into key players, decisive moments, and the strategic nuances that decided the outcome.
Also Read: Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
Team Overview and Historical Context
The Packers and Cardinals have a long-standing rivalry, with Green Bay holding a 48-24-4 all-time advantage in the regular season heading into this game. However, recent matchups have been more competitive, with the Cardinals winning two of the previous five encounters. This game, however, reverted to historical form, with the Packers controlling all three phases from the opening drive.
Game Information
- Date: October 13, 2024
- Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Attendance: 77,773
- Weather Conditions: Wet and slippery
Final Score and Key Team Stats
| Category | Arizona Cardinals | Green Bay Packers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 13 | 34 |
| Total Yards | 303 | 437 |
| Time of Possession | 23:25 | 36:35 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| First Downs | 16 | 27 |
| Penalties-Yards | 13-100 | 5-40 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 4-10 (40%) | 7-12 (58.3%) |
Quarterback Comparison: Efficiency vs. Containment
Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
Love delivered a career-high-tying four touchdown passes, showcasing precision and poise despite the challenging conditions. His ability to distribute the ball to multiple receivers and capitalize on play-action was pivotal.
Key Stats:
- Completions/Attempts: 22/32 (68.8%)
- Passing Yards: 258
- Touchdowns: 4
- Interceptions: 1
- Passer Rating: 119.5
- QBR: 86.5
Love’s performance was marked by excellent protection (zero sacks allowed) and clutch throws on third downs. His 44-yard touchdown to Christian Watson came on the first play after a special teams momentum shift, effectively sealing the game.
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
Murray struggled to generate explosive plays against a Packers defense that contained his rushing ability and limited Arizona’s offense to short, inefficient gains.
Key Stats:
- Completions/Attempts: 22/32 (68.8%)
- Passing Yards: 214
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
- Passer Rating: 97.7
- Rushing: 7 attempts, 14 yards
Murray’s longest completion was just 27 yards, and his mobility was neutralized, holding him to 2.0 yards per carry. The loss of rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to a concussion in the second quarter further limited his options.
Rushing Attack: Control and Dominance
The Packers’ ground game was the engine of their offense, allowing them to control the clock and wear down Arizona’s defense. Green Bay rushed for 179 yards on 38 attempts (4.7 yards per carry), compared to Arizona’s 89 yards on 23 attempts (3.9 yards per carry).
Top Rushers
| Player | Team | Attempts | Yards | Average | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Jacobs | GB | 18 | 62 | 3.4 | 14 |
| Emanuel Wilson | GB | 7 | 54 | 7.7 | 16 |
| Trey Benson | ARI | 5 | 26 | 5.2 | 20 |
| James Conner | ARI | 7 | 24 | 3.4 | 9 |
The Packers utilized seven different ball carriers, keeping the Cardinals’ defense off-balance and consistently gaining positive yardage. In contrast, Arizona’s rushing attack was stifled, with James Conner managing only 24 yards on seven carries—his lowest output of the season.
Receiving Corps: Versatility vs. Predictability
Green Bay Packers
Love spread the ball to nine different receivers, highlighting the depth and versatility of Green Bay’s passing attack. Key contributors included:
- Christian Watson: 3 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD (44 yards)
- Romeo Doubs: 3 receptions, 49 yards, 2 TDs
- Jayden Reed: 6 receptions, 28 yards, 1 TD
Watson’s 44-yard touchdown and Doubs’ two scores (including a 20-yard catch against a blitz) demonstrated the Packers’ ability to strike quickly and capitalize on opportunities.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s passing game relied heavily on tight end Trey McBride, especially after Marvin Harrison Jr. exited with a concussion. Key performers included:
- Trey McBride: 8 receptions, 96 yards (8 targets)
- Emari Demercado: 5 receptions, 39 yards
- Michael Wilson: 2 receptions, 21 yards, 1 TD
McBride was a reliable target, catching all eight passes thrown his way, but the lack of other dynamic options allowed the Packers to focus on limiting big plays.
Defensive Standouts: Turnovers and Tackling
Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ defense was opportunistic, forcing three fumbles (recovering all) and limiting Arizona’s red zone efficiency. Key contributors:
- Quay Walker: 11 tackles (10 solo)
- Javon Bullard: 8 tackles (7 solo)
- Karl Brooks: 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
- Evan Williams: 1 forced fumble
Despite recording zero sacks, Green Bay’s defense generated pressure and capitalized on Arizona’s mistakes, with turnovers on three consecutive Cardinals possessions in the second half.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s defense struggled to generate pressure (zero sacks, two QB hits) and committed costly penalties that extended Packers drives. Top performers:
- Krys Barnes: 10 tackles (8 solo)
- Budda Baker: 7 tackles (4 solo)
- Sean Murphy-Bunting: 1 interception
The Cardinals entered the game as the NFL’s least-penalized team but were flagged 13 times for 100 yards—a huge increase that reflected their loss of discipline.
Special Teams: The Momentum Shifter
Special teams played a pivotal role, with a critical sequence in the second quarter shifting momentum permanently to Green Bay:
- Jayden Reed muffed a punt, which Arizona recovered.
- Offsetting penalties negated the turnover, forcing a re-kick.
- Keisean Nixon returned the subsequent punt 39 yards (career-long).
- Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson for a 44-yard touchdown on the next play.
Kicking and Punting
| Player | Team | Field Goals | Long | Extra Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brayden Narveson | GB | 2/3 | 41 | 4/4 |
| Chad Ryland | ARI | 2/2 | 40 | 1/1 |
Nixon’s return and Watson’s touchdown stretched the Packers’ lead to 24-7, effectively ending the competitive phase of the game.
Game-Changing Moments and Metrics
- Turnover Battle: Arizona’s three lost fumbles (vs. one interception by Green Bay) led to a +2 turnover margin for the Packers, which they converted into 14 points.
- Penalty Disparity: The Cardinals’ 13 penalties for 100 yards (compared to Green Bay’s 5 for 40) repeatedly extended Packers drives and stifled their own momentum.
- Time of Possession: Green Bay’s 36:35 to 23:25 advantage reflected their offensive control and defensive efficiency.
- Red Zone Efficiency: The Packers scored touchdowns on 2 of 4 red zone trips (50%), while the Cardinals managed just 1 of 3 (33.3%).
FAQ’s
Q1. What was the final score of the Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers game on October 13, 2024?
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-13 at Lambeau Field in wet conditions.
Q2. Who was the standout player in the Packers’ victory?
Quarterback Jordan Love led the way with 258 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and a 119.5 passer rating, delivering one of the best performances of his career.
Q3. How did Kyler Murray perform against the Packers’ defense?
Kyler Murray completed 22 of 32 passes for 214 yards and 1 touchdown, but he was held to only 14 rushing yards on 7 attempts, as Green Bay contained his mobility.
Q4. Which team had the better rushing attack?
The Packers dominated on the ground with 179 rushing yards on 38 carries, led by Josh Jacobs (86 yards). The Cardinals managed just 89 rushing yards total.
Q5. Who were the top receivers in the game?
- Packers: Christian Watson (68 yards, 1 TD), Romeo Doubs (49 yards, 2 TDs), Jayden Reed (28 yards, 1 TD).
- Cardinals: Trey McBride (96 yards), Michael Wilson (21 yards, 1 TD).
Q6. What role did turnovers play in the outcome?
Turnovers were decisive. The Cardinals lost three fumbles, while the Packers threw one interception. Green Bay capitalized on the turnovers, turning them into 14 points.
Q7. How did penalties affect the game?
Arizona, usually one of the least-penalized teams, committed 13 penalties for 100 yards, compared to Green Bay’s 5 for 40 yards. These penalties extended Packers’ drives and killed Cardinals’ momentum.
Q8. What was the game-changing moment?
A muffed punt with offsetting penalties led to a re-kick, where Keisean Nixon returned the punt 39 yards. On the very next play, Jordan Love threw a 44-yard touchdown to Christian Watson, shifting full control to the Packers.
Q9. What is the Packers’ and Cardinals’ record after this game?
The victory improved the Packers to 4-2, while the Cardinals dropped to 2-4 on the season.
Q10. How does this game impact the Packers vs. Cardinals rivalry history?
With this win, the Packers extended their all-time regular-season advantage over the Cardinals to 49-24-4, continuing their historical dominance in the series.
Conclusion:
The Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers matchup was decided by execution in all three phases. The Packers’ balanced offense (437 total yards), opportunistic defense (three forced fumbles), and clutch special teams (39-yard punt return) overwhelmed a Cardinals team that struggled with penalties (13 for 100 yards) and turnovers (three lost fumbles).