The Washington Redskins take on the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday and both teams have something to prove. The Redskins are striving to win their first regular-season opener with Coach Jay Gruden to set a positive tone as they start a new chapter with quarterback Alex Smith. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are moving on from the Bruce Arians era under new leadership and looking to show fans it will be an easy transition.
Here are four things to know about the Cardinals:
1. New Era, New Head Coach…
The Arizona Cardinals are considering the 2018 season a new era with new head coach Steve Wilks at the helm. Wilks is entering his first season as an NFL head coach after various roles on the Carolina Panthers staff that include defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator, and assistant head coach. One of his objectives is to prove that the Cardinals will not face a difficult transition year following the retirements of former head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer. You can guarantee he will bring his “A” game against the Redskins as he seeks to secure his first win as an NFL head coach.
2. …And New Quarterback
The Cardinals officially announced on Tuesday that Sam Bradford will be their starting quarterback over first-round draft pick Josh Rosen in week one. The Cardinals signed Bradford in free agency after the departure of Carson Palmer. With Rosen looming in the background and Bradford coming off a knee injury that has limited him since 2013, the opener against the Redskins will be pivotal in determining how long he remains the starter. When healthy, Bradford is known for his accuracy and ability to control the offense. Sunday’s game will be an opportunity for Bradford to redefine his career and quiet skeptics that are unsure about his longevity.
3. Relying on the run
The Redskins can expect the Cardinals to rely on the run in Sunday’s matchup. Head coach Steve Wilks has been very vocal that establishing the run is key to his offensive philosophy. This isn’t a surprise based on Wilks’ experience with the Panthers who used the ground game to their advantage during their multiple playoff runs. The Cardinals offensive line was able to successfully open up holes for them in the preseason which also put less pressure on quarterback Sam Bradford. It will be up to the Redskins defensive front to disrupt the run and force Bradford to take shots downfield.
4. Running back David Johnson is on a mission
Cardinals star running back David Johnson missed almost all of last season with a fractured left wrist. Prior to the injury, Johnson’s sophomore campaign featured 1,239 rushing yards, 80 catches for 879 yards, and 20 touchdowns. Johnson is also in the midst of contract negotiations that will likely be contingent on his performance in the 2018 season. With Coach Wilks, focusing on the ground game, Johnson will be a dangerous and versatile weapon for the Cardinals. When he’s not running up the middle, he can run screens and play action routes. Returning to the field with a slight chip on his shoulder, Johnson will be a huge test for Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen and the rest of the Redskins defense.