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Examining Washington Football Team’s Week 2 opponent: Arizona Cardinals

By Jonathan Eig

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a failed series against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a failed series against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Kicker Zane Gonzalez #5 of the Arizona Cardinals kicks a field goal against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 38-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Kicker Zane Gonzalez #5 of the Arizona Cardinals kicks a field goal against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 38-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Special teams and conclusion

Andy Lee is one of the better punters in the league but Zane Gonzalez has proven to be an inconsistent placekicker. The 49ers game was a microcosm of Gonzalez’s career. He nailed a 56-yarder just before halftime but missed two other long ones that could have proved costly.

Christian Kirk handled punt returns in Week 1, and Chase Edmonds had that one dynamic kickoff return. Andy Isabella has also returned kicks for the Cardinals.

Maybe the biggest play in the Cardinals Week 1 victory came from backup linebacker Ezekiel Turner (Glen Burnie High School), whose punt block in the first quarter changed the momentum of the game. The 49ers raced out to a quick 10-0 lead, but much like Fabian Moreau’s interception in the WFT-Philly game, Turner’s block set up a TD and turned it into a ballgame.

After big wins in Week 1, both Washington and Arizona are looking to build some early season momentum. Arizona has more talent across the board – especially on offense – but Washington’s pass rush can keep them in any game. Slowing down Murray and Hopkins will be a challenge. But Arizona’s line will have its own challenges slowing down Young, Sweat, Kerrigan, et. al.

Next. Evaluating Dwayne Haskins' Week 1 performance. dark

The cool thing is that barring an unlikely tie, one of these two 2019 doormats is going to be 2-0 come Sunday night.

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