Bird Bits: Packers just too much for Cardinals

Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a football game. So, we will give you Bird Bits providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the Cardinals’ 31-17 loss to the Packers.

The Story:

Aaron Rodgers — 14-for-30 passing — wasn’t quite as efficient Sunday as Alex Smith was against the Cardinals on Monday night, but the reigning MVP’s four touchdown passes were more than enough as the Packers handled the Cardinals 31-17.

The loss is Arizona’s fifth straight, as the Cardinals head into their bye week at 4-5. The Packers head into their bye week riding high on a four-game win streak. Green Bay is now 6-3.

The Good:

The Cardinals offense hadn’t had a single play of over 30 yards over their past four games. Sunday, John Skelton completed three passes of over 30 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown to Larry Fitzgerald.

Skelton did turn the ball over once, but threw for over 300 yards and was only sacked twice on the day.

The Bad:

The Cardinals defense struggled mightily against a run game that was near the bottom of league in yards per game heading into Sunday’s contest. Green Bay finished with 176 rushing yards.

In addition to their woes against the run, the Cardinals couldn’t make a big stop to end the third quarter. After forcing three punts to begin the quarter, Arizona’s defense gave up a game-changing 72-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Tom Crabtree.

The Cardinals’ run game had more than seven yards on the ground this week, but still struggled to get going. LaRod Stephens-Howling and William Powell combined for 54 yards on 18 carries.

Noted:

• The Cardinals loss Sunday not only extends a season-high five-game losing streak, but also extends the franchise’s losing streak at Green Bay to nine dating back to 1949.

• Five-game losing streaks have become the norm in recent years. In each of the last three seasons, the Cardinals have lost at least five in a row.

• Second-year receiver Randall Cobb torched Arizona all afternoon long. In addition to his two touchdown receptions, Cobb had 29 rushing yards and 136 return yards.

• Larry Fitzgerald bounced back after a rough showing on Monday night. The eight-year veteran had six catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.

• The coaching staff said this week that rookie Nate Potter would see more playing time as the season progressed. Sunday, Potter played the entire second half at left tackle.

Coming Up Next:

The Cardinals have a week to lick their wounds, but following their bye week it doesn’t get any easier. On Nov. 18, Arizona heads to Atlanta to face Matt Ryan and the undefeated Falcons.