5 takeaways from Packers’ dramatic win over…

3. The running game made up for the depleted receiving corps and controlled the clock.

Running backs AJ Dillon (16 carries, 78 yards) and Aaron Jones (15-59) combined for 137 rushing yards, grinding out some tough runs. Dillon had a crucial fourth-down conversion when he was hit well short of the marker but still moved the chains, while Jones powered in for a TD when he appeared stood up shy of the goal line.

“That was definitely the key,” Rodgers said of keeping the offense moving with so many young receivers being forced to play. “That’s what we wanted to do coming in. We felt like we could run the ball against them. I thought both guys ran the ball well.”

Aside from the veteran Cobb, the receiving corps consisted of Juwann Winfree, Equanimeous St. Brown, Amari Rodgers and Malik Taylor, and while they made some plays, their games were inconsistent, which Rodgers chalked up to nerves.

Winfree had four catches for 30 yards, but also dropped a couple and fumbled a ball out of bounds when he had a chance for a big play. St. Brown made an important fourth-down catch but otherwise had just one reception.

4. The defense kept the high-flying Cardinals at bay for almost 2½ quarters.

Other than one Murray bomb to DeAndre Hopkins in the first half to set up a TD, the Cardinals got little done on offense. Then the third quarter started with a sack by lineman Dean Lowry and an interception by safety Henry Black, the first of his career.

The Packers converted that turnover into a touchdown to go up 17-7 before Arizona’s offense found any sort of rhythm. They were also containing the speedy Murray on scrambles, holding him to 21 yards rushing. Murray had just the one completion of 20-plus yards, to Hopkins, until the final drive when he had three more to finish with 274 yards (22-of-33, two INT, 67.0 rating).

“We played a great game minus a few plays,” Amos said. “We didn’t get off the field on fourth down (a couple of times). You pick out three or four plays here or there, I think we have a dominant game instead of just a good game.”

Arizona’s long march at the end was preceded by two touchdown drives covering 81 and 75 yards, with each requiring a fourth-down conversion. The Cardinals’ momentum on offense was thwarted only by the final play, while the Packers’ ball-control style limited them to just eight possessions total.

5. Amidst all the euphoria, more injuries dampened the mood a bit.

Rookie running back Kylin Hill left with a knee injury sustained on a kickoff return, and then tight end Robert Tonyan exited following a non-contact knee injury at the end of a 33-yard reception late in the third quarter.

LaFleur didn’t get into specifics about Tonyan’s injury, but his somber tone indicated the worst is feared.

“I’m sick for Bobby. He means so much to this team,” LaFleur said. “I’m sick for us. My heart goes out to him.”