The Arizona Cardinals are no longer undefeated and the Green Bay Packers have Rasul Douglas to thank for that. The NFL journeyman made the biggest play of his career with 12 seconds remaining in this epic Thursday Night Football showdown, corralling an interception in the end zone to preserve Green Bay's 24-21 victory over Arizona.
A.J. Green mistake dooms Arizona in primetime classic
Arizona looked like it was going to record its eighth consecutive win to start the season but A.J. Green made a costly mistake with the game on the line. Green did not expect Kyler Murray's pass to come his way as he never turned around for what was supposed to be the game-winning reception. Douglas took full advantage of Green's error, snatching the ball in the corner of Arizona's end zone.
KYLER MURRAY GETS PICKED
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/8KVnjfhCmo— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 29, 2021
What made the pick such a bitter pill to swallow for Cardinals fans was that it prevented Arizona from at least forcing overtime with a late field goal. To make matters worse for the Cards, Murray got injured in the play prior the interception. He limped off the field after the loss, putting his availability for Week 9 into question.
With Arizona's defeat, Green Bay now owns the longest winning streak in the NFL this season. The Packers have won seven games in a row after losing by 35 points in their season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
They had to dig deep to stretch that winning run in Week 8 as they went to Arizona without three of their leading wide receivers. Davante Adams and Allen Lazard were both placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier this week while Marquez Valdes-Scantling was not activated by the Packers for the TNF clash.
Related Article: Cowboys vs Vikings Week 8 Predictions, Picks, and Preview: Prescott, Cousins Face-Off on SNF
Rodgers and Cobb deliver huge plays for Green Bay
Fortunately for the Packers, they still had Aaron Rodgers and Randell Cobb in the lineup with the veteran duo connecting for two key touchdowns in the second half. Rodgers completed 22 of 37 passes for 184 yards.
Rodgers to Cobb. A tale as old as time pic.twitter.com/LSXucHS96q
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 29, 2021
Rodgers also got some much-needed help from Green Bay's running backs with the Packers racking up 151 yards on the ground against the Cardinals. AJ Dillon ran for 78 yards on 16 carries while Aaron Jones recorded 59 yards rushing and a score on 15 carries.
Jones looked to have sealed the win for Green Bay when he scored a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Jones' scoring effort was called off, however, after a replay review ruled him short of the goal line. The Packers failed to convert on the next three downs, giving the ball back to Arizona at the 1-yard line and setting the stage for the late drama.
READ MORE ON SWN:
Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills Week 8 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and NFL Preview
Steelers vs Browns Week 8 Picks and Preview: Big Ben, Keenum Square Off in AFC North Clash
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
