5 Takeaways From Cardinals 13 - 34 Packers: Welcome Back, Romeo

Doubs showed his value to the Packers with a two-touchdown performance after returning from suspension.

A complete game

For the first time since Green Bay’s 48-32 romp over Dallas in last year’s playoffs, Matt LaFleur’s team played a complete game, easily dispatching Arizona with strong performances in all three phases.

Understandably, it has taken the Packers a while to settle into the season, and while they sat in a healthy position at 3-2 before Sunday’s game, there had not yet been a game which they controlled for 60 minutes, until yesterday.

Jordan Love and the offense found the rhythm it had been looking for, moving the ball up and down the field consistently, utilizing both the run and pass game effectively, and cashing in with points.

The defense once again contributed with turnovers and special teams even had its say, with Keisean Nixon’s 39-yard punt return setting up a one-play touchdown drive as Love zipped a deep ball to Christian Watson. Penalties were also down to a season-low five.

Just like last season, the Packers are the youngest team in the league and had some struggles with consistency early, but this time around, they are hitting stride much earlier and showing why they are Super Bowl contenders.

Welcome back, Romeo

Doubs was back in the lineup after his one-game suspension, and it looked like he had never been away.

The receiver played 74% of the offensive snaps versus the Cardinals, down from his 80.93% average in the previous four games he played, but showed his value to this team. Doubs may have only had three catches for 49 yards, but crucially, two of them were for touchdowns.

He may not be the most electrifying receiver, but Doubs has the trust of Love and a chemistry with his quarterback which makes him consistently productive where it matters.

Doubs willed his way in on his first touchdown grab, shaking a tackle before staying in bounds and diving into the end zone, before making a fantastic adjustment for his second. As Love heaved the ball towards the front right pylon with pressure in his face, Doubs made him right.

After his first score, Doubs brought his teammates in for a group hug, and hopefully this game puts an end to a strange week and a half and allows the team to move forward.

Hafley’s defense is getting it done

It is early, and there have been bumps in the road, but it might already be safe to declare that Jeff Hafley’s defense is superior to anything Joe Barry rolled out in his three years as defensive coordinator.

His unit produced another three takeaways on Sunday, forcing and collecting two fumbles before jumping on a Kyler Murray/Trey Benson botched exchange for a third fumble recovery.

This is the first Green Bay defense to register two-plus turnovers in each of the first six games since 1996. The Packers won the Super Bowl that season.

Beyond the turnovers though, this defense is playing sound football and operates with an energy and controlled aggression which is extremely encouraging. They held Murray and the Cardinals offense down and did an excellent job of preventing explosive plays all afternoon.

There will still be gripes about the lack of pass rush, but a defense does not hold their opponent to 13 points without all three levels doing their job. Hafley’s defense is simply playing good football right now.

Jordan Love heats up

Love appears to have officially completed the process of kicking the rust off, as Green Bay’s quarterback had about as clean and productive of a performance as possible on Sunday.

He ended the day 22 of 32 passing with four touchdowns and an interception which was entirely the fault of Bo Melton, who slipped on the play. His passer rating has risen from 83, to 95.7, to 119.5 in the last three games.

LaFleur got him in a rhythm early with a couple of easy completions, and his accuracy was markedly better and more consistent than against the Vikings and Rams. Love operated the offense masterfully all day, and showed what makes him special on a couple of ‘wow’ plays.

His fourth-down conversion to Watson, squeezing the ball between multiple defenders, displayed his ability to rip the ball into any window, and his final touchdown toss of the day, the aforementioned ‘YOLO’ ball to Doubs while falling away, showed off his insane arm strength.

The Jordan Love from the final 12 games of last season looks to have arrived.

Williams and Cooper’s roles grow

Despite Jaire Alexander being back on the field and decisions needing to be made around snap counts in the defensive backfield, rookie Evan Williams, who impressed in a full-time role last week, remained on the field for 65.5% of the snaps Sunday.

Williams once again showed why he should be a mainstay on defense, punching out a fumble which Alexander recovered. The technique was perfect, and Williams spoke after the game about how the defense has emphasized punching the ball out as receivers fall to the ground.

His football intelligence is clear to see and is impressive for someone making just his sixth NFL appearance. Williams simply has ‘it’. He is a player you want on the field at all times.

Cooper played an identical percentage of snaps to Williams, and this was his highest mark of the season, up significantly from an average of 25.94% in the first five weeks.

The start of his season was slowed due to training camp injuries, but Cooper is already showing why the Packers selected him in the second round.

His ability to get sideline to sideline and fire downhill towards the ball is a welcome addition to this defense, and his role should only continue to increase moving forward.

 

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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres

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Comments (25)

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GB@Germany's picture

October 14, 2024 at 06:34 am

Great game, no question. It was also the first time, the flags helped more than damaged GB. Kudos to the referees 👍

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T7Steve's picture

October 14, 2024 at 06:55 am

I was very glad that we got out penalized too. That should always be the case, at least at home.

The broadcast mentioned that MLF had challenged the O-line to get the run game working better. Hope he continues to do that as that's the only way this offense will operate efficiently. Only question I have is why he waited so long to challenge them?

Not much mentioned in the comments about the kicker this morning. Wins help cover deficiencies. I hope the coaching staff handles this correctly. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes because if not (as TGR says) it will cost us eventually.

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porupack's picture

October 14, 2024 at 07:05 am

Yi-ah, I thought we'd see a newsflash this morning of a new personnel transaction, or rather two. This does not seem to be a 'Crosby' situation where you stick with a proven guy who is in a slump and work him back. Nuh-uh. Sad, but this seems irreversible.

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murf7777's picture

October 14, 2024 at 10:27 am

Right now the run game is 2nd in the NFL to Baltimore, not sure how much better you’re going to get it.

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T7Steve's picture

October 14, 2024 at 11:32 am

Get it the best, by far. At least that should be the goal of every unit on the team. I also believe it's attainable.

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murf7777's picture

October 15, 2024 at 08:01 am

Running the ball is important, but I’d take being top 5 in passing and rushing over top rushing and average passing all day long. Balance is the key to high level success. One dimensional teams will get beat in the playoffs.

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Leatherhead's picture

October 14, 2024 at 03:02 pm

"""Only question I have is why he waited so long to challenge them?"""

Possibly because we were 2nd in the league in rushing, and the best rushing team we've had since 1971?

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porupack's picture

October 14, 2024 at 07:01 am

Good summary, Mark. I know you don't do the good, the bad and the ugly, but besides the unfortunate interception, the glaring bad was............Mckinney didn't get to collect another Intie. The other good, was another thumping of Cowboys (almost as satisfying as GBs victory) I'll even like Detro for a week for that. O smileyface

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Minniman's picture

October 14, 2024 at 04:43 pm

Aiden Hutchison suffered a gruesome injury in that game that was eerily similar to the Joe Theismann injury - this one was so bad that it could alter his career trajectory.

This will affect Detroit's ability to get after Love significantly (when they play in a couple of weeks).

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NickPerry's picture

October 14, 2024 at 07:12 am

The thing that struck me yesterday more than any other day was Loves COMPLETE mastery of MLF's Offense. I know it was just the Cardinals but it's still an NFL team. Having all his weapons around certainly helped, especially Doubs and Watson.

I haven't been a huge Watson fan but I paid special attention to him yesterday. That dude isn't just fast but blocks his ass off. When he says I don't care if I catch a pass, I just want to win...I BELIEVE him.

I loved both TD efforts from Doubs yesterday. The Green Bay Packers are BETTER when Doubs is on the field.

Cooper and Williams...Just hell yes!

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Minniman's picture

October 14, 2024 at 04:48 pm

The Cards Offense might have been depleted, but their Defense wasn't.

I did think that the Packers got lucky on a few of those Jet sweep plays, but the net effect with this group is that they stretch the field vertically, horizontally and behind the LOS.

Did you notice on that Watson TD that it was Pro Bowler Budda Baker that he blew past - not your average Safety.

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NickPerry's picture

October 14, 2024 at 09:55 pm

"Did you notice on that Watson TD that it was Pro Bowler Budda Baker that he blew past - not your average Safety."

Yes sir!!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 15, 2024 at 02:26 am

I don't know if Watson develops into a bit bigger and a lot faster Jordy, who was a guy who could run a go and also a comeback for 6 on 3rd and 5. Maybe Watson develops into a Brandin Cooks type of WR: 800 to 1100 receiving yards running primarily Go, Post, and Corner routes (Watson can run that intermediate crosser as well plus he has shown that he can cut sharply upfield to get yards after the catch and to turn jet sweeps into long gainers that might attack the middle just as well as the sidelines).

Yeah, he blocks. Watson could still blossom into a star receiver. Right now he is a guy who belongs in the NFL and can fill some defined roles on any team.

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Guam's picture

October 14, 2024 at 07:44 am

The Packer offense is clearly better with Watson and Doubs on the field. I was a bit surprised when the Packers re-arranged the entire IOL rather than bring Monk in as the replacement center (when Myers missed some plays in the fourth quarter). I thought Monk played well in the preseason, but apparently he still needs development work.

The Packers went from no safeties last year to an embarrassment of riches this year. McKinney, Bullard and Williams are all players that need to be on the field. Kudos to Gute for fixing the position and then some.

The talent at Safety does leave Hafley with a bit of a problem at CB. He has Alexander, Vallentine, Stokes, Nixon and Ballentine and only two spots for playing time. Good problem to have but I hope the coaching staff can contain any discord.

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13TimeChamps's picture

October 14, 2024 at 03:28 pm

"The Packers went from no safeties last year to an embarrassment of riches this year. McKinney, Bullard and Williams are all players that need to be on the field. Kudos to Gute for fixing the position and then some."

Other than their obvious talent, you know the best part of that group? They are 25, 22, 23 respectively. That room should be a strong point of the team for several years. I'll never understand the Gute haters on this site. Completely revamped the WR room the last couple of years, the TE room last year, and finally the RB and Safety rooms this year.

Now, if we can just get this kicking situation figured out.....

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Minniman's picture

October 14, 2024 at 04:55 pm

I'd say that they went from not really respecting the position to appreciating it done well!

The years that they put mediocre safeties on the field have finally been revealed.

I'm loving that Hafley is emphasizing ball-hawking in the coaching and training - and MLF speaks often (and has metrics on) their turnover differential.... every post game locker room speech that I've heard this year MLF has spoken about their need to win that ledger to succeed in the game.

Jordan Love even spoke about how the O now need to be ready on the sidelines for WHEN turnovers happen (and to repay this with points).

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pantz_bURp's picture

October 14, 2024 at 10:04 am

"What the hells going on out here!" All three phases contributed to a most beautiful, delicious V!

*Even the geese "wearing their little Packer jerseys" were in victory formation towards the end of yesterday's game.

I couldn't help but smile, look at my bumper sticker, get in my puddle jumper of a truck and honk, honk, honk as well.

My lil bumper sticker reads: Honk if you're horny. Yes, yes I am!

Pantz (lead goose)...until I ain't

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murf7777's picture

October 14, 2024 at 10:24 am

Nice write up. I kept looking for Cooper’s number on every play hoping he would be in there. Such an exciting player to watch.

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Minniman's picture

October 14, 2024 at 04:57 pm

It's surprising now how often you see numbers 56 and 33 featuring in plays (either directly or indirectly)

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LambeauPlain's picture

October 14, 2024 at 11:02 am

"...Hafley’s defense is superior to anything Joe Barry rolled out in his three years as defensive coordinator."

Ain't it the truth, ain't it the truth!

Instead of passive/prevent D designed to limit chunk plays it also limited turnovers and 3 & outs. This Pack Attack D gets the ball back to the Offense with both!

The Safeties are attacking the entire battlefield now, as opposed to watching plays unfold and reacting after territory has been lost. So are the LBs...getting better too. Cooper and Walker are the pairing for the Nickel now, IMO, which the Pack plays most often.

Not only is the D far more effective, it is far more fun to watch. Boring and predictable has been supplanted by exciting and creative. Turnovers are the great equalizer...they can become habits...and compared to Barry Ball, they are.

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lecko's picture

October 14, 2024 at 04:05 pm

Kudos to Hafley for putting new guys in good position and letitng rookies play, but he also has 4 important good players that Barry didnt have: 3 new safeties and Cooper ILB. Not that I want Berry to return ;-).

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splitpea1's picture

October 14, 2024 at 12:25 pm

The Packers forced four punts on the Cardinals first four drives, and three of those four were the three-and-out variety (the other drive lasted only five plays). Now THAT is the way to give your offense a chance to roll up the score like they did and put you in the driver's seat for the entire game.

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Coldworld's picture

October 14, 2024 at 01:34 pm

Has anyone heard any details about what Jaire’s 15 yard penalty was or its context? I’ve seen nothing in the media at the time or since. I’m not sure I recall a similarly “invisible” 15 yard penalty.

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crayzpackfan's picture

October 14, 2024 at 04:03 pm

I was at the game, but turned away for a second to see the smile on my kid's face. When I looked back the flag was thrown. It was so noisy in the stadium, that I couldn't ask right away. I did hear people around me saying what an idiot he was for being so stupid on the play a couple rows back when it calmed down. I said the hell with it and got back to the game. Now I can't find anything on it either. I know he was jawing at a Cards player prior to that play.

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Leatherhead's picture

October 14, 2024 at 03:17 pm

This game worked out pretty much the way I hoped it would. AZ couldn't put 20 on the board, and the Packers went over 30. The offense is getting into midseason form (which is good, since it's midseason (games 6-11). If you don't have a real good defense, I don't think you have much of a shot at holding these Packers under 30.

Two weeks ago, after the Viking game, I looked ahead in the schedule and thought we could win the next four We're halfway there, and we host the Texans, who looked decent against a bad Patriot team, and then a trip to Jacksonville. We could/should be 6-2 when we host the Lions in 3 weeks.

It was apparent to me early on that we could just push the Cardinals out of the way, and we did, and then they adjusted and it opened up other opportunities. We have one of the strongest rushing teams we've had since the merger, which is nice, but you can score more points, faster, by passing....especially with an air attack like ours. We're 2nd in the league in TD passes, in addition to being one of the top rushing teams in the league.

If Romeo Doubs would make three catches like that every game, I'd sign him to a new contract tomorrow. That last one where he did the rumba around the pylon was big league. Some people have commented about his demeanor, and I'll just add that back in the day, we had what was called our 'gameface', and that sure looked like a game face to me.

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