NFL
Washington Redskins vs Arizona Cardinals Preview
Week One of the NFL season is finally here. One of the more under-the-radar games on the schedule is the Arizona Cardinals versus the Washington Redskins. The teams are more alike than one would think. Arizona went 8-8 last season. Injuries impacted them on offense, particularly at running back and quarterback. Carson Palmer retired after the season due to a slew of injuries, Stud running back David Johnson suffered a wrist injury in the first game and was lost for the season.
In Washington, injuries pounded the Redskins roster last season. That 7-9 record could have easily been 9-7 had it not been for heartbreaking road losses against the Chiefs and the Saints. Alex Smith now leads the Redskins at quarterback. Jay Gruden is 0-4 in season openers, and can ill-afford for that to change to 0-5. Gruden’s teams have notoriously started slow in years past. With the Cardinals and Colts to open the season, it’s essential the Redskins start strong. In weeks three through six they face the Packers, Saints, and Panthers.
A.P. to start versus former team
Many have questioned if Adrian Peterson can still be a productive player. He’ll get every opportunity to be one in Washington. Peterson is a first-ballot Hall of Famer without question, but can he really be the lead-back for the Redskins this season? With a strong performance on Sunday, Peterson can pass Marshall Faulk and Jim Brown on the all-time rushing yards list. Peterson expressed his desire for that achievement in a conference call earlier this week.
“Thirty-seven yards away from passing Jim Brown, the guy that I looked up to, the guy that has inspired me and always gave me good words and positive words and different views to look at things.”
Patrick Peterson and Chandler Jones lead the Cards Defense
The Cardinals have had solid defenses the past few seasons and these two are probably the biggest reason why. Peterson has been a shutdown corner since he was drafted 2011; as he’s mad seven consecutive Pro Bowls. Jones is one of the more underrated pass rushers in the game. After leading the NFL with 17 sacks last season, Jones will be looking to become more of a household name by season’s end.
Limit Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson
The talk of the off-season has been how improved the Redskins are defensively. Particularly along the defensive line. Stopping the Cardinals top play-makers in Fitzgerald and Johnson starts up front. The Cardinals offensive line enters the season ranked 27th according to Pro Football Focus. The Redskins front-seven has to dominate on first and second down and stay out of 3rd and long situations. If the Skins can collapse the pocket with Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Matt Ioannidis, and stuff running lanes they’ll win this football game, After years of neglect , the Redskins hope their investments along the defensive line pay dividends in the first game of the season.
Photo credit to RWM via Flickr
