Keys to the game 1
Handle the blitz » Arizona plays an aggressive 3-4 defense and wants to blitz. And blitz a lot. The Cardinals did this vs. Carolina last week to very mixed success, allowing Cam Newton to throw for 422 yards. The Redskins did a decent job picking up the blitz in the opener, and if they do it again there will be big plays available. Arizona has a questionable secondary and aging outside linebackers. Rex Grossman’s pocket poise will determine the outcome.
2 Beware of the big play » The Cardinals’ offense is capable of putting up huge numbers, especially with the addition of quarterback Kevin Kolb. Whether or not he’s great, he’s still an upgrade. And now he has plenty of weapons, starting with receiver Larry Fitzgerald. But the Cardinals can make big plays in special teams too. Corner Patrick Peterson doubles as an electrifying punt returner. And LaRod Stephens-Howling is an elite kick returner, who ran two back for touchdowns in 2010.
3
Win the ground game »
Tim Hightower did not have a strong game, averaging just 2.9 yards on 25 carries against the Giants. And the 3-4 scheme sometimes hurts the stretch zone — having four linebackers is often better suited to defend cutbacks than four defensive linemen. However, the Redskins have shown they can break long runs if they make their blocks. But if the Redskins can’t stop Cardinals running back Beanie Wells, they will have trouble defensively.
Matchups to watch
CB DeAngelo Hall
He loves these matchups; Hall, coming off a good game, will need help to stop Fitzgerald.
vs.
WR Larry Fitzgerald
Few wideouts are better and he can beat teams many ways. He has 65 career touchdowns in seven seasons.
LB Brian Orakpo
Assuming he plays, Orakpo should be in position to record his first sacks of the season.
vs.
LT Levi Brown
He allowed two sacks early in the Carolina game before settling down.
RG Chris Chester
He’s better on the move, but he’ll have to improve on straight dropbacks in this matchup.
vs.
DE Darnell Dockett
It’s his first season in the 3-4, but the powerful player can dominate.
Expert’s Take
“Arizona is in flux defensively. Ray Horton is trying to install the Steelers style and that takes a while. I don’t know if they have the personnel to match it just yet. You saw a little of that last week. I’m sure Washington’s plan is to go in with a certain amount of balance and when needed, Rex can step up and do things throwing the ball and run a nicely orchestrated game.”
– Fox and NFL Network analyst Brian Billick.
Examiner predicts …
Arizona will be difficult to contain and if it had a better defense, the Cards would be the pick. But they don’t. So they’re not.
Redskins 28, Cardinals 24
