Login

Register | Forgot Your Password? | Close
AP: d6f0364d-4c99-4bed-a796-7f754bae5650
- This Sept. 9, 2012 file photo shows Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trying to escape the reach of Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals are leaning on their defense, even if the players won't say so. Arizona is the only team in the NFL not to allow more than 21 points in any game. (AP Photo/Paul Connors, File)
Calais Campbell was asked point-blank Thursday how the Cardinals plan to stop, or at least contain, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The veteran defensive end of course talked about trying to make the two-time Pro Bowler uncomfortable in the pocket, while also working to limit his play-making abilities outside it, but in Campbell's mind, the best defense Sunday might be a quick start from the offense.

"I think if we can get a lead, we can beat anyone in my opinion," Campbell said. "As a team, I think we play much better with a lead than we do from behind."

Leads have been hard to come by for the Cardinals during their current four-game losing streak. In fact, Arizona hasn't led at any point over the last two weeks and last held a lead late in the third quarter of their Week 6 overtime loss to Buffalo.

"Our goal is to get up on teams," said Campbell. "And from there, play our hearts out and leave it on the field."

The problem heading into Green Bay this weekend is that rarely have Campbell's teammates on the offensive side of the football given the defense much to work with early in games in 2012.

Through the first eight weeks, Arizona's offense is averaging just four points per game in the first quarter and has reached the end zone just twice.

That fast start may also be hard to come by Sunday at historic Lambeau Field. While the Packers' defense has been susceptible in the second half of games this season, the unit has allowed just two points per game in the first quarter.

In a battle of weakness against strength, Campbell and Co. might need a better game plan against the reigning MVP, as a heavy reliance on a fast-starting offense might be an unrealistic expectation Sunday.

1 Comment   |   Join the conversation »
  • Add A Comment 
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    It would be a different story if they were ready
    But this team cant match GB offensively. GB's offense is going to have that defense on the field all game long. Our offense cant make it the redzone and much less get a first down, so, I see the defense on the field all game long, getting worn down, and giving up a mass amount of points. Cards offense sucks dudes. This team isnt going anywhere until they start scoring TD's.
close

Share: