Since 1921
The Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals have a long history of football matchups dating back to 1921 when they were knows as the Racine Cardinals – named after Racine Avenue in Chicago (not Racine, WI).
This is the Packers oldest NFL rival and the second oldest rivalry in the NFL – even longer than the Bears vs Packers rivalry by one week! Only the Bears vs Cardinals have a longer rivalry than Packers vs Cardinals.
16 Game Winning Streak
From 1937 to 1946, the Packers had a remarkable 16-game winning streak against the Cardinals. This streak was largely due to the Packers’ strong roster and coaching during that era. The team was led by legendary coach Curly Lambeau and featured Hall of Fame players like Don Hutson.
2009 Wildcard Game
The 2009 wildcard game between the Packers and Cardinals was a record-breaking offensive shootout on January 10, 2010, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
By halftime, the Cardinals led 24-10, but the Packers mounted a comeback in the second half. The game ended tied at 45-45, forcing overtime.
Kurt Warner completed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Cardinals. Aaron Rodgers, in his first playoff start, threw for 422 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Packers, also rushing for a touchdown.
The game ended dramatically in overtime when Rodgers was sacked by Karlos Dansby, causing a fumble. Dansby recovered and returned it 17 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
This game set several NFL records:
- Highest combined score in a playoff game (96 points)
- Most combined passing yards in a playoff game (801)
- Fewest combined rushing attempts in a playoff game (38)
2015 NFC Divisional Round Game
The 2015 NFC Divisional Round game between the Packers and Cardinals took place on January 16, 2016, at University of Phoenix Stadium. This playoff matchup was marked by defensive struggles and late-game heroics.
The Cardinals led for most of the game, holding a 17-13 advantage late in the fourth quarter. With 55 seconds left and no timeouts, the Packers faced a critical 4th-and-20 from their own 4-yard line. Aaron Rodgers connected with Jeff Janis for a 60-yard completion, keeping Green Bay’s hopes alive.
On the final play of regulation, Rodgers threw a 41-yard Hail Mary pass to Janis in the end zone. This touchdown tied the game at 20-20, forcing overtime and stunning the Arizona crowd.
However, the Cardinals quickly ended the game in overtime. On the first possession, Carson Palmer avoided a sack and threw across his body to Larry Fitzgerald, who ran for a 75-yard gain. Two plays later, Palmer found Fitzgerald again for the game-winning 5-yard touchdown.
Key stats from the game:
- Larry Fitzgerald: 8 receptions, 176 yards, 1 TD
- Aaron Rodgers: 24/44, 261 yards, 2 TDs
- Carson Palmer: 25/41, 349 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
Coin Toss Controversy
The coin toss controversy between the Packers and Cardinals occurred on January 16, 2016, before overtime in their regular season game at University of Phoenix Stadium.
As the teams prepared for overtime, referee Clete Blakeman attempted to flip the coin. However, the coin didn’t rotate in the air, instead just going straight up and back down. This unusual occurrence led to confusion on the field.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers called “tails” for the initial toss. When the coin failed to flip, Blakeman decided to re-toss it. On the second attempt, Rodgers wasn’t given a chance to make a new call. The coin came up heads, giving the Cardinals the choice. They elected to receive the kickoff.
The Cardinals went on to win the game on their first possession of overtime, leaving the Packers without a chance to possess the ball.
This incident sparked debates about:
- The proper procedure for coin tosses
- Whether teams should be allowed to change their call on a re-toss
- The fairness of NFL overtime rules
Following this controversy, the NFL reviewed its coin toss procedures. While no major changes were implemented, officials were reminded to ensure a proper flip with rotation.
