Redskins vs. Cardinals: Five players to watch in the 2018 season opener

In just four days, a new Redskins campaign will begin.

The offseason was a grueling seven months long, but with all of the action that ensued for the Washington Redskins, it felt much shorter. Already, the 2018 season is here, and with it, there is plenty of intrigue.

The Redskins were once seen as a sleeper team for the playoffs, but the injury to Derrius Guice, the early-anointed savior of the team’s woebegone running game, did plenty to sully expectations.

Now, the Redskins an afterthought, something that should be familiar for them at this point. They’ve done nothing to repel such a reputation in recent years, but in 2018, with Alex Smith at quarterback and a strong defensive front, they might have a chance to do so.

We can talk about the possible outcomes of the 2018 season all day, or we can take it the same way the team will: One week at a time. Turning our attention to the Redskins Week 1 game against Arizona, there is plenty to keep an eye out for. Here are five players in particular that deserve your attention.