The Washington Redskins dominated the Arizona Cardinals in route to a 24-6 victory on the road. This also marked the first season-opening win for Coach Jay Gruden under his tenure.
Here are the players who saw their value rise or fall versus the Cardinals.
Value Up
1. RB’s Adrian Peterson/Chris Thompson
Throughout the offseason, the Redskins were expecting Derrius Guice and Chris Thompson to be their leading running back pair. Then entered RB Adrian Peterson who replaced Guice following his injury. With Chris Thompson seeing limited action in the offseason and the acquisition of Peterson late in the preseason there wasn’t a lot of evidence to support how they would work together…until yesterday. Both running backs dominated the Cardinals defense. Peterson and Thompson combined for a total of 161 rushing yards and 133 receiving yards. Peterson also rushed for his 100th career touchdown surpassing Jim Brown for tenth all-time in rushing yards. For Thompson, his performance marks a strong start to 2018 following his injury in 2017. Considering that he is not 100 percent, he gained chunks of yardage on every reception and carry. If this duo continues to play like they did against the Cardinals, they will be trouble for opposing defenses as the season progresses.
The RB duo of Chris Thompson and Adrian Peterson is working well for the #Redskins on this drive. #HTTR
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) September 9, 2018
Peterson and Thompson have shredded the Cardinals defense to the tune of 150 rushing yards through 3 qtrs. AP is a few yards of hitting century mark by himself. #Redskins
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) September 9, 2018
4 things we learned about Redskins in a 24-6 win over Cardinals
2. CB Quinton Dunbar
Quinton Dunbar stepped into the No. 2 cornerback role with ease. Throughout the game, he was all over the field, always in the right place at the right time. In the third quarter, he broke up a pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald that put the Cardinals in a 3rd down situation. Dunbar also recorded his fourth career interception after picking off Sam Bradford on one of the most promising drives the Cardinals produced in the game.
When we said no fly zone, we meant it.
Quinton Dunbar with his fourth career interception. #WASvsAZ | #HTTR pic.twitter.com/JcEHUZnQPD
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) September 9, 2018
Honorable Mention: TE Jordan Reed
There’s no doubt that TE Jordan Reed made an impact in his first game back after being slowed down by a slew of injuries last season into this year. In Sunday’s victory, Reed showed that when healthy, he is one of the NFL’s best route running tight ends and he has the hands to go along with it.
What a catch by Jordan Reed! #Redskins up 21-0. #HTTR
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) September 9, 2018
He's back and he's hungry. #FEEDREED#WASvsAZ | #HTTR pic.twitter.com/osruQNNFT9
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) September 9, 2018
Value Down
1. WR Josh Doctson
The Redskins wide receivers were fairly quiet on Sunday. However, WR Josh Doctson had an opportunity to make a statement on a 1st and 10 in the third quarter. QB Alex Smith launched an uncontested ball at Doctson but he failed to convert. It appeared that Doctson caught the ball but let it drop before catching it again. Nonetheless, it was a throw that the Redskins are counting on him to haul in when they need him to do so. Doctson has the talent to be a great receiver but he has to show that he can step up this season.