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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Zach Kruse

Instant analysis of Packers’ 34-13 win over Cardinals in Week 6

The Green Bay Packers went up 24-0 in the first half, overcame a momentary surge from the Arizona Cardinals and then cruised to a 34-13 win on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Jordan Love threw four touchdown passes, including two to Romeo Doubs, and the Packers defense secured three takeaways as Matt LaFleur’s team improved to 4-2.

Here is an instant analysis of the Packers’ win over the Cardinals in Week 6:

Final score: Packers 34, Cardinals 13

1 2 3 4 F
ARI (2-4) 0 10 3 0 13
GB (4-2) 7 17 7 3 34

Live scoring

First quarter

GB 7, ARI 0: Jayden Reed 5-yard catch (8:55)

Second quarter

GB 14, ARI 0: Romeo Doubs 10-yard catch (14:55)
GB 17, ARI 0: Brayden Narveson 36-yard field goal (6:32)
GB 24, ARI 0: Christian Watson 44-yard catch (4:32)
GB 24, ARI 7: Michael Wilson 18-yard catch (1:56)
GB 24, ARI 10: Chad Ryland 38-yard field goal (0:04)

Third quarter

GB 24, ARI 13: Chad Ryland 40-yard field goal (9:03)
GB 31, ARI 13: Romeo Doubs 20-yard catch (3:48)

Fourth quarter

GB 34, ARI 13: Brayden Narveson 41-yard field goal (9:28)

It was over when…

… Love hit Doubs for the second of two touchdown connections between the two. Facing a blitz, Love threw one up to Doubs, who made the adjustment and the catch for a 20-yard score that put the Packers up three scores late in the third quarter.

Game balls

Offense — QB Jordan Love: He threw four touchdown passes, and his lone interception came when Bo Melton slipped mid-route. His passer rating was 119.5.

Defense — S Evan Williams: The rookie had a tackle for loss on Kyler Murray, and his punch-out forced fumble created a key takeaway in the second half.

Special teams — PR Keisean Nixon: His 39-yard punt return sparked a quick touchdown drive, and he also returned two kickoffs for 60 yards, including a season-long 37-yarder.

Key stat

8-for-13: The Packers converted eight third or fourth down opportunities, helping the offense create methodical drives and dominate the football. Green Bay finished with 27 first downs and held the ball for almost 37 total minutes of game time.

Deciding factor

The game’s key sequence came in the second quarter. Down 17-0, the Cardinals thought they had a recovered fumble in Packers territory and a chance to get back into the game. Instead, the turnover was negated by offsetting penalties, and Keisean Nixon returned the ensuing punt 39 yards to set up Christian Watson’s 44-yard touchdown catch. The three-play series turned what could have been a tighter game going into halftime into the makings of a blowout.

Jordan Love watch

Love was a little erratic early, but he quickly settled in and was nearly perfect the rest of the way. He threw touchdown passes to Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, averaged 8.1 yards per attempt, didn’t take a sack and only had a turnover because Bo Melton slipped on a route. Love completed 22 of 32 passes after a 1-of-4 start. He also became the first Packers quarterback to threw at least four touchdowns in back-to-back home starts since Brett Favre in the 1990s.

Play of the game

Watson’s 44-yard touchdown catch was the dagger play in many ways. Lined up in the slot, Watson ran a deep post against the single-high coverage of safety Budda Baker. It created an easy pitch-and-catch for Love and Watson.

Injury updates

Receiver Dontayvion Wicks injured his shoulder and was ruled out to start the second half.

What’s next

A big-time showdown at Lambeau Field with the Houston Texans. The 4-2 Packers will host the 5-1 Houston Texans. The AFC South-leaading Texans have won three straight games after taking down the New England Patriots on the road on Sunday.

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