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Arizona Cardinals look to start 2018 off right vs Redskins

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle by Bashaud Breeland #26 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle by Bashaud Breeland #26 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 13, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 13, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The matchups

The matchups we should look for are really all over the place for this Sunday.  With a new head coach, a new defensive scheme, a new quarterback, there is a lot we want to see and don’t know a whole lot about yet in week one.

On offense, certainly we want to see the Cardinals new starting quarterback, Sam Bradford.  He has been considered the starter since joining the team back in March.

People worry about injury with him and rightfully so.  However he is getting tired of the questions but understands them when it comes to his health.

If he is able to match what he did in the opener last season for the Minnesota Vikings, where he went 27-32 for 346-yards and three touchdowns, it will be a long afternoon for the Redskins.  He likely won’t get those numbers with this offense but you never know.

David Johnson and the Cardinals offensive line will be one to watch against the Redskins defensive line.  Johnson returns after missing most of 2016.  He and the first unit offensive line looked very good in the preseason.

Then on the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals must establish some kind of pass rush with four up front now to get to Redskins quarterback Alex Smith.  Chandler Jones has been moved up to defensive end from his linebacker position of a year ago.  They were not able to establish much of a pass rush in the preseason.

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