Postgame Redskins Reality Checks for Week 1 at Arizona
By Tim Payne
No. 2 – Reality is, we don’t know who Alex Smith is.
I said I’d be thrilled with 25 for 32 for 305 yards, two touchdowns, zero turnovers, 35 rushing yards, and a win, and I’d be disappointed by less than 250 yards and anything less than a 2-to-1 touchdown-to-turnover ratio to go with a win. I predicted Smith to go 22 for 32 for 285 yards, two touchdowns, one turnover, 40 rushing yards, and a win. I expected to be satisfied.
The reality is, Alex Smith ended up going 21 for 30 for 255 yards, two touchdowns, zero turnovers, and 14 rushing yards. He looked completely calm and in control of the offense. If the Cardinals had put up any first half points, I think he would have thrown more in the second half, but I love the fact that he didn’t need to.
Reality Check: I was, as I expected, satisfied with Alex Smith. The Redskins quarterback basically did exactly what I expected him to do, although I never should have predicted a turnover. I talked myself into believing maybe those first-week jitters with a new team might lead to one uncharacteristic throw or decision to hold the ball too long. But all day, Smith was in control, efficient, and accurate. He did what was needed to win the game, which is what we can hope and expect of him all season. He didn’t push the ball to wide receivers, but why would you when the Cardinals couldn’t stop Chris Thompson or Adrian Peterson? This was a great game from Alex.