The Washington Redskins successfully opened their 2018 NFL regular season with an impressive 24-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Washington and Coach Jay Gruden had come up on the short end of the stick during their past four season openers but today was different from the onset of the game.
The Redskins showed composure and a new found confidence in several facets of their game.
Here are four things we learned about the Burgundy and Gold after Week 1:
1. Alex Smith brings a new dynamic to the offense
When Washington decided to not resign Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins after the former Michigan State Product threw for three-consecutive 4,000 yard seasons, some fans were perplexed by the decision. The Redskins decided to trade for Pro Bowl QB and longtime NFL veteran Alex Smith.
Today Smith showed why he has been one of the winningest signal callers in the NFL over the last decade and also showed a new dynamic the Redskins offense was missing over those Cousins 4,000-yard seasons.
Smith was able to successfully navigate in and outside of the pocket against the Cardinals. The 14-year veteran knew when to run and when to throw the ball away when pressure came. Smith is known for not turning the ball over and today he held true to form. On the day, the former Utah star put up impressive stats going 21/30 for 255 and two touchdowns through the air. He only rushed for 14 yards but was able to create plays with his feet when the time was needed.
2. Adrian Peterson is running on a full tank
When the Redskins signed Peterson a few weeks ago some thought the future Hall of Famer was finished and couldn’t be a factor for the team. Today, Peterson proved the naysayers wrong again by rushing for 96 yards on 26 hard nose carries. The former Oklahoma star also pulled in two receptions for 70 yards.
If not for a fumble on his second reception Peterson would have had a dream unveiling for the Redskins. Nevertheless, the Redskins have to be thrilled to have a workhorse RB like Peterson leading the way.
3. The return of Chris Thompson and Jordan Reed was impactful
Redskins fans were holding their breath with the returns of two key offensive players in RB Chris Thompson and Pro Bowl TE Jordan Reed. The duo did not disappoint and immediately came back from season-ending injuries a year ago to put their stamp on today’s game.
Reed caught the first pass of the game from Alex Smith and caught his first touchdown of the season on a tough red zone catch that put the Redskins up 21-0 before halftime.
Thompson was making his debut after breaking his leg last season. He looked faster and more decisive than ever with the ball in his hands.
CT won’t say it! But I believe he looks faster than before his injury. He needs to come clean and admit it! ????♂️#Redskins
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) September 9, 2018
The Cardinals had no answer for the speed and versatility of the former Florida State star. On the day he amassed 65 yards rushing on five carries for a 13 yards per attempt average and also pulled in six receptions for 63 yards.
4. Redskins defense possesses speed and depth
All offseason through minicamp, training camp and the preseason was that the Redskins now had depth and more talent on their defense. Today it was evident those assessments were correct.
Washington’s defense dominated the Cardinals offense for most of the day and held running back David Johnson in check. After the initial first drive by the Cardinals that saw Johnson make a few big runs, they were limited for the rest of the game.
Washington rotated several players along their new defensive front as well at linebacker and in the secondary. On several occasions, the Redskins had multiple players around the ball showcasing their speed.