GLENDALE – Sunday doesn’t look pretty for the Arizona Cardinals. ESPNBet has Arizona as nearly a touchdown underdog to the Green Bay Packers for Sunday’s Week 7 matchup. Green Bay enters the contest as arguably the best defenses in the NFL, with the unit filled with All-Pro talent like edge Micah Parsons.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, another reason for the large betting line is the Cardinals defense doesn’t matchup well at all against the Packers offense. Despite the unit being one of Arizona’s strong points, the secondary has struggled in containing explosive plays.
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cardinals don’t match well with Packers:
The injuries to many of the Cardinals’ defensive backs have left the secondary vulnerable for explosives. Arizona is 27th in passing yards allowed per game (246.0) and gives up the most passing first downs in the NFL with 13.5 per game. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has had to rely on cornerbacks like fifth-round pick rookie Denzel Burke and two-year reserve player Kei’Trel Clark to step up in the absence of more experienced players.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) catches a pass during warmups before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025.
The effort is present for each Burke and Clarke, but the lack of experience has left the duo burnt more than one or twice. When the pair of defensive backs have to go up against a wide receiver like Matthew Golden, who has three straight weeks of 50+ receiving yards, the confidence level can’t be high. In those three straight weeks, Golden has caught a ball 30+ receiving yards, showcasing the Packers explosive ability.
Arizona has given up a 30-yard-plus play in five of first six weeks of the season, with four them being pass plays. Green Bay has scored 27+ points in four of its five games and get most of them started via explosive plays. Rallis will likely have to rely on deep coverage concepts, and give up underneath throws to limit the Packers from blowing the roof of the Cardinals coverages.
Injury to Demercado leaves Cardinals no choice for Week 7 vs. Packers
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
