Washington Redskins week-by-week season prediction
By Ian Cummings
Week 1 – Redskins at Cardinals
The Cardinals defense will give the Redskins some trouble, with standout players like Chandler Jones and Patrick Peterson. But Sam Bradford plus an offensive line in shambles isn’t a good combination to trot out, especially against the Redskins front.
The Redskins might experienced adverse affects from the season’s grueling length, after an early bye week. But in Week 1, everyone is fresh and ready to go. The Redskins know they need to take advantage of those early games. And against the Cardinals, they’ll get their chance.
The Cardinals have more top-end talent than it would seem. The two aforementioned defensive players are some of the top competitors at their positions. David Johnson is a versatile threat in the backfield with monstrous production just two years in the rear view mirror. And yes, Larry Fitzgerald is still rocking the Revo helmet.
That said, the Redskins have the Cardinals beat in two key areas: The trenches, and at quarterback. The defensive line should be able to start out strong against a unit that’s starting third-round rookie Mason Cole at center (I understand Chase Roullier was a sixth-round rookie, but early success isn’t common from mid-round rookies). The Redskins’ offense will be a bit rusty, but they’ll be able to get the job done in Glendale. Jay Gruden will get his first opening day victory. Alex Smith will get his fifth in a row.