Instant analysis of Packers' 42-38 win over Cardinals in preseason finale

Instant analysis of Packers' 42-38 win over Cardinals in preseason finale

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Instant analysis of Packers' 42-38 win over Cardinals in preseason finale

The Green Bay Packers overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, using a pair of touchdown passes from Kyle McCord to Kisean Johnson to secure a memorable 42-38 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason finale on Friday night from Lambeau Field. McCord threw four touchdown passes, including the game winner with 20 seconds left. The NFL's highest scoring game of the preseason finished with 80 points and 14 different scoring plays.

Instant analysis of the Packers' preseason finale win over the Cardinals:

Final score: Packers 42, Cardinals 38

Aug 28, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Kyle McCord (18) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

It was over when…

Kedon Slovis' Hail Mary attempt as time expired came up short and incomplete, and the Packers survived a wild preseason finale with an improbable victory.

Game balls

  • QB Kyle McCord: Four touchdown passes and a comeback win. What an impressive three-game preseason for McCord, who proved he can play this summer. Will he stick around in Green Bay?
  • WR J. Michael Sturdivant: The rookie receiver went over 100 yards, created a two-catch scoring drive and was excellent in a few contested catch situations. An excellent night for a player on the roster bubble.
  • Edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly: He picked off a pass, produced a sack and finished with three tackles for loss and a pair of quarterback hits.
  • WR Will Sheppard: His 81-yard punt return for a touchdown was the special teams play of the preseason for the Packers.

Key stat

The Cardinals mostly dominated the box score, but the Packers turned a pair of interceptions into touchdowns, including the game winner. The first interception gave the Packers a chance to tie the game at 17 in the first half; the second opened the door to Kyle McCord's game-winning drive.

Highlight play

A punt return touchdown? By the Green Bay Packers? Will Sheppard made the first man miss and then burst through a huge opening on his way to an 81-yard touchdown return.

Kyle McCord watch

Neither Jordan Love nor Tyrod Taylor played, so it was the Kyle McCord show from start to finish. And the second-year quarterback was terrific once again. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 226 yards, four touchdown passes and zero interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of 119.5. McCord took care of the ball and led the Packers on six different scoring drives, including two within the final five minutes in the fourth quarter. The only unanswered question: Did McCord put himself in serious danger of being claimed on waivers if the Packers don't keep him on the 53?

Injury updates

Defensive tackle Jonathan Ford was banged up in the second half. Trey Dean left the field in the fourth quarter.

What's next

The preseason is over, and now the Packers have until late Sunday afternoon to trim the roster down to an initial 53. The next time the Packers will be on a game field is Sunday, Sept. 13 in Minneapolis. Week 1 awaits.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Instant analysis of Packers' 42-38 win over Cardinals in preseason finale

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