The most underrated battle in Washington Football Team vs. Cardinals

The Washington Football Team is taking on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. Here’s the most underrated battle of the contest.

The primary focus for Sunday’s game featuring the Washington Football Team against the Arizona Cardinals has centered on Arizona’s quarterback battling one of the best defenses in the NFL, but another battle may actually determine the outcome.

The analysts who are talking about Washington’s game against the Arizona Cardinals are squarely focused on the Kyler Murray-WFT defensive line battle this Sunday. That is a key clash to be sure, but there is another battle that could be just as important if Washington is victorious in the desert.

Today, we will take a look at that key battle and why it is important if Washington is to ride their current momentum to a victory out west: the Washington offense vs. the Cardinals defense.

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Of course, this key battle is actually four smaller battles in all, but it is certainly being overlooked by most analysts. It could end up being the deciding factor this weekend.

First, the WFT offense must contend with a collection of defensive linemen that is one of the weaker portions of the Cardinals defense – the one exception along the front is Jordan Phillips.

If the WFT offensive linemen can keep this group of players off balance and give Dwayne Haskins more opportunities in the pocket, it will serve the offense well. The running back corps of Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, and Peyton Barber could feast greatly if the offensive line is able to neutralize the Cardinals’ defensive line.

The second battle against the Cardinals linebackers could be quite a bit more challenging. Edge rusher/outside linebacker Chandler Jones is a force to be reckoned with and he can take over a game with his ability to record multiple sacks, hurries/pressures, and forced fumbles.

Coming off the bench will be Isaiah Simmons, and he is likely a candidate for defensive rookie honors. Don’t count him out after a slow start last week. He is probably looking to make a statement with fellow rookie Chase Young on the opposite side of the field.

The greatest challenge for Washington on Sunday may come against the Cardinals’ secondary. Patrick Peterson has been a solid cornerback for the Cardinals over the last decade or so and he continues to be a strong force in their defensive backfield. Terry McLaurin’s younger legs may help, but Peterson is a wise veteran who will do his best to limit the young WFT stud.

Budda Baker is arguably the best free safety in the NFL today and his presence could limit any lengthy downfield plays on Sunday. Washington’s receivers could be in for a long game if they have trouble against the talented Cardinals defensive backfield. McLaurin and Steven Sims will need to be at their best on Sunday.

Finally, Washington will need to take advantage of any gifts from their own defense. They were able to score 14 points off of turnovers last week against the Eagles and it ignited an impressive comeback.

The offense will need to be just as opportunistic on Sunday as they were last week. If the defense can give them any short field to work with, they must score each time such a gift is given to them. Too, the WFT offense must limit their turnovers or have none at all.

Next. Bold predictions for Washington vs. Cardinals Week 2. dark

The game on Sunday against the Cardinals is a bigger test than what we saw last week with the Eagles. This key matchup – the WFT offense vs the Cardinals defense could truly determine the outcome of the game. The opportunity to be 2-0 by Sunday evening is realistic, but the offense needs to answer the call this week.

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