Imagine a high-stakes showdown where two rising stars in the Green Bay Packers' defense get their moment to shine—or stumble—against a wounded Arizona Cardinals team. This Sunday's clash isn't just another NFL game; it's 'prove it' time for linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker, who need to cement their status as one of the league's premier duos at the position. But here's where it gets intriguing: with the outcome hinging on so many unknowns, could this be the turning point that defines their careers? Let's dive deeper into why this matchup has everyone buzzing.
The Packers have caught glimpses of brilliance from Cooper and Walker, those energetic linebackers bringing fresh life to the team's defense. Yet, Week 7 against the Cardinals represents a pivotal opportunity for them to step up and demonstrate they're ready to be hailed as elite partners in the NFL's linebacker ranks. Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley knows he must adapt his strategies based on Arizona's quarterback situation. Last week, Jacoby Brissett took the reins against the Indianapolis Colts, but Kyler Murray's availability for Sunday remains uncertain due to a nagging foot injury (as noted in recent reports from NBC Sports and ProFootballTalk). Regardless of who's calling the shots under center for the Cardinals, one aspect of Hafley's plan stays rock-solid: prioritizing run defense. He'll likely rely heavily on his young linebackers, Cooper and Walker, to anchor that effort.
To set the scene, the Cardinals are struggling mightily on the ground this season. According to FTN Fantasy's stats, they rank a lowly 25th in rushing DVOA—a metric that essentially measures how effective a team's offensive performance is compared to the league average (think of it as a quality score for their running game, where higher is better). Digging further, Syed Sports data reveals Arizona leads the NFL in outside run attempts while having the lowest rate of inside runs. For football newcomers, this means the Cardinals often opt for plays along the edges of the field, like sweeps or tosses, rather than powering straight through the middle—a style that could play right into the Packers' hands, especially since Green Bay's interior defense has been shaky.
Since defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt went down with a knee injury during Week 4's game against the Dallas Cowboys, opponents have eagerly tested the Packers' middle ground, exploiting that vulnerability with runs up the gut. It's been a frustrating chapter for the team, as teams like the Cowboys capitalized on this weakness to march down the field. However, the Packers' roster is tailor-made to counter outside runs, where the action happens on the sidelines. Edge rusher Rashan Gary, for instance, has transformed into a formidable run-stopper under Hafley's guidance, showing marked improvement in containing plays that spill wide—much like how he has disrupted blockers and forced tackles at the line. And let's address a popular narrative: the idea that stars like Micah Parsons are unbeatable at stopping runs has been dramatically overstated. While Parsons is a force, many overlook how scheme, technique, and support players can neutralize even the best individual talents, turning supposed weaknesses into manageable challenges.
Adding to this defensive arsenal are the Packers' dynamic linebackers, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Cooper, in his one-and-a-half seasons with Green Bay, has dazzled with his lightning-fast play speed and sharp instincts, allowing him to roam the field like a whirlwind. Picture this: he's the type who can chase down a play from the backside on a run—meaning he's covering the opposite side of the field—and still clean up messes with his tireless energy and motor, often making plays that save drives. On the other side, Walker, a first-round draft pick, has battled inconsistency throughout his NFL journey, but the tail end of 2024 hinted at reliability as a full-time starter. This season, he's looked poised and confident, decisively plugging gaps in the heart of Green Bay's defense and making key stops that keep offenses guessing.
This already looks like a favorable setup for Hafley and the Packers' unit, but it gets even better—or worse for Arizona—thanks to the Cardinals' dire straits at running back. James Conner is sidelined for the year with a foot injury (as confirmed by ESPN reports), Trey Benson sits on injured reserve, and third-string option Emari Demercado was sidelined at Wednesday's practice after twisting his ankle in the Colts game. That leaves just Bam Knight and Michael Carter as the healthy backs on Arizona's 53-man roster. Neither has been a game-changer in their careers—Knight, for example, has seen limited action and hasn't broken out with big plays, while Carter's impact has been sporadic despite flashes of speed. Yet, if the Cardinals want any chance of establishing a ground game, they'll have to lean on these two heavily, potentially leading to predictable, one-dimensional rushing attempts.
For the Cardinals, this is shaping up as a nightmare scenario, one that could highlight their offensive shortcomings and directly bolster the Packers' defense. But here's the part most people miss: if Walker and Cooper deliver a locked-in performance, it might not just steal the show—it could redefine how we view depth and youth in the NFL. And this is where it gets controversial—some might argue that relying on unproven linebackers against such a thin rushing attack is a no-brainer win for Green Bay, but skeptics could counter that past inconsistencies for Walker could resurface under pressure, turning a 'prove it' moment into a letdown. Is this matchup a true test of their potential, or just a fluke setup favoring the Packers? Do you think Hafley's strategy will pay off, or should the team diversify more? Share your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, let's discuss what this game means for the future of Green Bay's defense!
