Three things we know about the Cardinals
1. They have lots of playmakers » It’s not just on offense with Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin, it’s on defense as well with defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, pass-rushing end Bertrand Berry and safety Adrian Wilson. The defense has forced five turnovers (and caused six fumbles, recovering four).
2. Edgerrin James is not an elite back anymore » The Cardinals have one of the best passing attacks in the NFL, yet they struggle to run the ball with James, who has more than 15,000 total yards for his career. James is averaging 3.5 yards per carry this year and 3.6 yards for the past three.
3. They will get creative » They have lined up corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as a receiver in each of the first two games. Wilson has lined up on the edge and blocked. However, defensively, they’ve played more vanilla, wanting their line to pressure the passer.
Redskins notes
» Receivers James Thrash and Malcolm Kelly both practiced Thursday, though Thrash did not participate in team drills. Both have sprained ankles. Thrash was said to have a high ankle sprain, which coach Jim Zorn Thursday termed mild.
“He’s not 100 percent yet, but it’s promising,” Zorn said.
Kelly said he expected to play, but Zorn was less optimistic.
“He’s very, very protective of his ankle,” he said. “That will be a questionable decision for us.”
LB London Fletcher missed practice because he had to deal with a family situation. He will return Saturday morning. Linebacker Marcus Washington (hamstring) participated fully in practice and is expected to play. Linebackers H.B. Blades (knee) and Khary Campbell (thigh), safety Kareem Moore (hamstring) and corner Fred Smoot (hip) were limited.
» Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache said he briefly considered starting safety Chris Horton ahead of Reed Doughty.
“Horton did a great job and I don’t want to minimize that,” Blache said. “He needs a little more seasoning. If he continues to play like that and eliminates mistakes, he can be a great player. Other than the three plays you guys saw, there were things that happened and you go, ‘Hey, dude, what did we talk about?’”
But Horton will play a decent amount Sunday as the Redskins like to use packages calling for three safeties.
» Blache said he noticed a difference in end Jason Taylor this past week, and not just because of his improved play at left end.
“He was more into the flow of the game, celebrating with teammates, cheering the offense on,” Blache said. “He was totally into the Redskins rhythm. He was at home being with the Redskins.”
