5 bold Washington Commanders predictions at the Cardinals in Week 4

Brian Robinson Jr. gains 150 rushing yards

It wasn't all good news for the Washington Commanders during their jaw-dropping triumph at the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. Austin Ekeler went off the field early after being diagnosed with a concussion. This was serious enough for head coach Dan Quinn to rule the veteran running back out in Week 4 relatively early in the team's preparations.

Michael Wiley could be elevated from the practice squad, but the onus is on Brian Robinson Jr. to shoulder the load and dictate the tempo offensively. Having a mobile quarterback in Jayden Daniels will also help. However, the Commanders must remain stubborn on the ground despite not having the benefit of Ekeler's experience.

Robinson's enjoyed a fantastic start to the season. His role in Week 3 went relatively overlooked given his low numbers, but his physicality at the line of scrimmage tired out Cincinnati's defense enough for Daniels to have his way in the passing game.

Something similar will be needed in this one. The Cardinals' run defense could be vulnerable without Justin Jones, who's been placed on season-ending injured reserve with a torn bicep. This could be another dominant day for Robinson if others cannot fill the void.

Johnny Newton gains first career sack

The Commanders are taking things slowly with Johnny Newton. Their rookie defensive lineman missed most of the offseason program through injury, but the signs have been immensely encouraging over the last fortnight.

Washington ramped up his workload in Week 3 at the Cincinnati Bengals. There was a notable push from Newton at the line of scrimmage, which was promising. The coaching staff will see how he comes out of the game before deciding on his workload in Week 4, but they'd be wise to continue with trending him up given the need for some inspiration on the defensive front.

Arizona is giving up 2.0 sacks per game through the opening three contests. Kyler Murray's exceptional mobility has a lot to do with that. If the Commnanders can set the edge effectively, it should provide opportunities for those on the interior to make things uncomfortable for the former No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma.

Newton is going to get a sack at some stage during the season. What better time than this weekend versus one of the league's most agile signal-callers?