Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 1-1 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders at Cardinals - Week 4
- Date: Sunday, September 29
- Time: 4.05 p.m. ET
- Venue: State Farm Stadium
The Washington Commanders embark on their second-straight road game with a trip to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. Many fans saw this as one of the more winnable contests on the schedule before the campaign. That is not the case anymore.
After running the Buffalo Bills close before falling to defeat in their regular-season opener, the Cardinals demolished the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. Quarterback Kyler Murray was nothing short of sensational throughout. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. also turned on the style with a first-half performance for the ages.
Couple this with an explosive young defense, and it's not hard to see where the complications could emerge. The Washington Commanders will need to match Arizona's dynamism and beware of the explosive capabilities on both sides of the football. They'll also have the inside track on how to counteract Murray's superb skill set thanks to the presence of Kliff Kingsbury.
Washington's new offensive coordinator was the Cardinals' head coach and worked closely with Murray during his time at the helm. Having this extra knowledge will help, but keeping the former No. 1 pick contained in the pocket is imperative. That's a tough ask for a defense still going through some issues, but anything less will see the Commanders get punished in the air and on the ground.
The Commanders have enough to keep this contest pretty close. Relying heavily on the in-form rushing tandem of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler would be a good place to start. Much will also depend on whether Washington's cornerbacks can cope with the likes of Harrison and emerging tight end Trey McBride.
- Prediction: Loss (2-2)
If the Cardinals can somehow beat the Detroit Lions this weekend, they'll be brimming with confidence. They look like a well-drilled operation and an exciting team to monitor closely in Year 2 of head coach Jonathan Gannon's tenure. Beating them isn't impossible, but the result could easily go the other way unless their high-octane offense is restricted.