RDS2 and RDS Direct will present the game between the Packers and the Cardinals starting at 8 p.m. Thursday night.
PRE-MATCH
GLENDALE, Ariz. –Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has become one of the NFL’s most sought-after quarterbacks, not hesitating to step out of the protective pouch to avoid a tackle and often end his games with a spectacular long pass.
Think about it, you’d think he’s also Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
So it’s no surprise that Murray, who is 14 years younger than Rodgers, has modeled his game on that of the Packers quarterback. Two of the favorites so far for the NFL MVP title will face off for the first time, when the Cardinals visit Green Bay on Thursday night.
“It’s the quarterback I prefer to watch, his attitude, the way he plays, his accomplishments,” said Murray. I admire his game. This is the first time that I will be able to face him, the first time that I will be able to meet him.
“It’s pretty ‘cool’, I can’t wait,” he added.
The Cards are 7-0 for the first time since 1974, and they are looking to set a franchise record for early-season wins.
The Packers (6-1) stumbled in raising the curtain of the season, but they won their next six games. Rodgers has literally been on fire since the start of that streak, throwing 15 touchdown passes against a single interception.
Rodgers also praised Murray. He also acknowledged that although this is only the eighth week of NFL activity, this duel will have a certain playoff flavor.
“We recognize that,” said Rodgers. Often times, when you’re not up against a section rival, it’s a tiebreaker like here. It’s a long season, and a lot can happen by the time it is over, in terms of the pace and the way the teams play, but it’s a very important game. “
Separately, the Packers could be deprived of their wide-ranging wingers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, whose names have been added to the list of players affected by COVID-19.
The virus has also affected the team’s coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry received a positive diagnosis this week, and will be out Thursday night.
The Cards have already experienced a similar situation. They have just won their battle against a coronavirus outbreak. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury, quarterbacks Cam Turner, running back Chandler Jones and defensive linemen Zach Allen and Corey Peters have all been out at one point or another.
The Arizona squad overcame those hurdles and defeated the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. The Cards therefore expect the Packers to show the same resilience this time around.
