The Redskins win over Arizona sends a message to the NFC

Look out NFC; Washington has pulled up a chair at the poker table.

The Washington Redskins 24-6 rout of the Arizona Cardinals was a reminder to all that a healthy roster may just be the difference.

Jay Gruden’s squad performed a Week 1 masterpiece, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the dawn of the Robert Griffin III era and the 40-32 shootout victory in New Orleans six years ago to the day. Sunday’s win over Arizona showcased a new style that is sparking life into the fan base, and sending a clear message to the NFC; the Redskins have the tools in place to make a playoff run.

With the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants suffering lackluster defeats in Week 1, a victory in Arizona is exactly what the doctor ordered for Jay Gruden and his squad.

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Alex Smith cruised through Arizona with an Aaron Rodgers style of composure and pace, throwing 21 completions on 30 attempts for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He showed his ability to move out of the pocket and proved to many that the light load of work in the preseason made little difference in his production. The flow of the game felt different from the start, and the confidence beaming from Smith translated to smooth and productive offensive drives up and down the field. Jordan Reed, Chris Thompson, and Trent Williams were all active, healthy and important parts in the Redskins victory, as was a bolstered defensive line lead by rookie Daron Payne.

The key to the Redskins success starts and ends with the health of their roster. Just ask Jay Gruden. The 2017 Redskins campaign was derailed by a historic number of injuries. Keeping star players healthy is a must for the Redskins if they long to play football in January.

In the NFL, it is nearly impossible to make a season prediction off of one game. It is even harder to make a season prediction after Week 1. For the NFC, the list of playoff caliber teams is a long one, and the Redskins will be fighting a long and grueling schedule to claim their stake.

While it was just one game, Washington sent a message to the NFC that they are capable of keeping up. The Redskins victory in Glendale, Arizona, proved that a healthy team is occupied with talent. Talents that can push them into the conversation of playing for division leadership. The NFC East has always been an up and down battle. Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the Eagles are loaded with talent, and with a healthy Carson Wentz, Philidelphia is more than capable of repeating last year’s glory. As for New York, Dallas, and Washington, the question remains: What exactly can they do?

Sunday showed what Washington is capable of doing when healthy. It provided a look at Alex Smith in a new system, and the ageless wonder Adrian Peterson showed little signs of slowing down. With that being said, remaining healthy for the most part is what can make or break this season. Taking advantage of a slow start from Dallas and New York is a big first step. Continuing to build off of a season-opening win, the Redskins are showing the NFC and the league that they are playing for more than pride and rebuilding an offense after the departure of Kirk Cousins. They are playing for a division that is always up for grabs.

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Washington’s win in Arizona was one game, but it was a good first step. It was a step that proved to Redskins fans that season openers aren’t impossible to win. It was a step forward in the early race for the division. And most of all, it was a sizeable early step in telling the NFC that the Redskins are here to play.

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