3 Keys to victory for Redskins vs. Cardinals in NFL Week 1
The Washington Redskins are taking on the Arizona Cardinals today in Week 1 of the NFL season. Here’s a look at some keys to victory for the contest.
The Redskins season opener is here. They will be taking on the Cardinals in what should be an interesting Week 1 matchup. Both teams are bringing in new starters at quarterback, and the Cardinals have a new head coach at the helm. While the Redskins have the advantage on paper, they are the road team, so this could be an evenly matched game.
There is always a way for any team to win in the NFL. That’s where the “Any Given Sunday” cliche comes from. But for the Redskins, the path to a victory over the Cardinals is pretty clear, and these are the three things they must do to ensure they will get one.
1. Put pressure on Sam Bradford
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The Cardinals have a mediocre offensive line and the Redskins have a great pass rush. This should be an area that the team could exploit. With Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smtih now being joined by a fully healthy Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis, and rookie Daron Payne, they should have no trouble putting heat on Bradford.
Given that Bradford has had trouble staying healthy in the past, he won’t be the most mobile quarterback. That should open up an opportunity for Washington to get a lot of pressure and potentially post gaudy sack numbers early in the season. If they’re looking for a way to beat the Cardinals, this is the top option.
2. Establish some sort of run game
Adrian Peterson figures to be the lead back for the Redskins and is in somewhat of a revenge game against his most recent team. Peterson could post big numbers, but either way, the Redskins have to make sure they can establish themselves on the ground one way or another. If they can keep the Cardinals defense honest, that will open up opportunities for Alex Smith to pick apart the secondary and keep the ‘Skins offense moving.
3. Avoid turnovers
Generally speaking, the team that wins the turnover battle is going to have a better chance to win the game. That’s just how the NFL works. Washington has had issues with turnovers in openers during the Jay Gruden, and that would explain why they haven’t been able to win one yet. Smith and Peterson will be key, as they will have to avoid making mistakes. That’s quite possible and could have a major impact on Sunday’s game.
dark. Next. Redskins realistic projections for Week 1 vs. Cardinals
In the event that the ‘Skins can accomplish all three of these things, they should easily win. No matter what, they have a very good chance to establish themselves as an improved team in their first outing of the 2018 season.