Redskins vs. Cardinals
Redskins
New moves for a new team?
A true Redskins fan looking at the team that takes the field this Sunday would likely be very surprised to see so many unfamiliar faces. While the solid O-line that drove the teams steady offense last year remains in place, the ‘Skins front office replaced franchise cornerstone Kirk Cousins with former Kansas City gunner Alex Smith and added new wide receiver’s and running backs to the fold. On the defensive side, things instead are much of the same, though strong new bodies at DT and FS look to revitalize and already strong unit. It remains to be seen how all of these new pieces will mesh and add to an already middle-of-the-road team, but with three preseason games in the books, we have some idea of what we’ll get this Sunday.
What kind of offense will we be seeing?
When I say we have “some idea” of what we’ll get from the ‘Skins, I do mean that in a very limited sense. Usually, we would judge the preseason output and game flow of a team when their first-string offense is in the game to gauge what the regular season might look like. In the Redskins case, not unlike many other teams, we got a very limited taste of that with Alex Smith throwing only 8 passes in the penultimate game of the preseason. On top of the limited exposure for Smith, both Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder did not play many snaps in the preseason, further muddying what the week 1 ‘Skins offense might look like. For what it’s worth though, it is very clear that Adrian Peterson will be the lead back. The spry 33 year old looked impressive in his lone appearance of the preseason running behind the ‘Skins solid O-line. Despite a strong Cards run defense headlined by Chandler Jones, I’d start AP with the expectation he’ll churn out 80-100 yds and a TD for your squad. As for Smith, his trio of talented receivers, and his duo of TE’s, I’d pump the brakes a bit as Patrick Peterson, Budda Baker, and Tre Boston form a tough secondary for the redbirds, while Haasan Reddick should be challenging in coverage of the tight ends. However, be sure to pay attention to each receiver’s target share and route tree, as it will go a LONG way toward finding the fantasy diamond in the rough Redskins WR group.
Can the ‘Skins Defense Step Up?
It is no secret that the Cardinals offensive line is bad, but taking advantage of that glaring flaw is a different story. The Redskins flaunt a particularly formidable front 4, especially with the additions of Tim Settle and Da’Ron Payne at DT. If that strong duo can capitalize on the added attention to star DE Jonathan Allen, it will not be a fun day for Sam Bradford. Unfortunately for the ‘Skins, the Cardinals can easily mitigate their weak O-line play by using team magician David Johnson. The Redskins graded out mediocrely (18th according to PFF) in run defense last year, and despite the new rookie duo, stopping David Johnson both on the ground and in the screen game will be difficult. Luckily, star corner Josh Norman should be able to handle Larry Fitzgerald, and as talented as Christian Kirk looks, Quinton Dunbar should be able to manage the young stud for the most part.
How’s It Gonna Turn Out?
Glad you asked. Here is my best bet for the major ‘Skins role players and the final score:
Alex Smith: 22/34, 295 yds, 1 TD
AP: 22 rushes, 112 yds, 1 TD, 2 rec, 20 yds
Chris Thompson: 3 rec, 20 yds, 4 rushes 20 yds
Paul Richardson: 4 rec, 55 yds
Jamison Crowder: 5 rec, 45 yds
Josh Doctson: 2 rec, 75 yds, 1 TD
Jordan Reed: 5 rec, 70 yds
Vernon Davis: 2 rec, 25 yds
FINAL SCORE: Redskins 17, Cardinals 13
-Alex Silverman
Cardinals
How will Arizona’s unfamiliar faces deliver?
It’s a story of forgotten names for the Cardinals offense this season. Sam Bradford makes his debut against a Washington defense that snuck just inside the top half against passers last season despite a myriad of injuries. Now healthy, Bradford will be pressed for relevant production. David Johnson returns from nearly an entire season away from the offense, and he’s met with a conflicting welcoming party. The Redskins struggled to defend the run in 2017, but higher expectations this time around could speak to new levels of performance. Despite this, Johnson is expected to see a heavy workload and perform as a top back.
Who in the world is catching passes?
Everyone knows the ageless Larry Fitzgerald finds a way to produce. Josh Norman can be expected to be matched up with Fitzgerald a fair amount, but Fitz’s various positions on the line make him a difficult man to mark – often allowing for valuable production. Beyond the veteran is a list of young, unproven names. Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones showed flashes last year and finds himself in an opportune matchup with this Washington defense, but inconsistency means he is only a desperation play for teams. The receiving corps is unplayable in most leagues as Bradford sorts through Chad Williams, Christian Kirk, and J.J. Nelson. Williams can be expected to command the majority of shares but is not quite a FLEX play.
Is the defense as good as they showed?
The Arizona defense played out of its mind in the preseason, highlighted by eight forced turnovers against the Dallas Cowboys. Reigning sack leader Chandler Jones leads a defensive front which has transitioned into a 4-3 setup under new coach Steve Wilks. Robert Nkemdiche has the most to prove following two-years of underwhelming performances. Behind a front seven that played well against the run is a secondary featuring superstar Patrick Peterson and an interesting safety trio of Budda Baker, Antoine Bethea, and Tre Boston. Wilks has the luxury of playing around with his personnel, but against a Washington offense that has the tools to support Alex Smith, there appears limited upside.
-Michael Collins
Cards switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3 this season, not the other way around