3 Key matchups for the Arizona Cardinals week two tilt
By Sion Fawkes
Kyler Murray Versus Washington’s Defensive Line
One of the biggest matchups going into Week 2 is the Kyler Murray Experience versus arguably the best defensive line in the NFL. While Murray led all NFL quarterbacks in rushing with 91 yards, Washington’s defensive line led the league in sacks.
They more than proved their worth against Carson Wentz. Ravaging the Eagles’ quarterback for 8 sacks while repeatedly overwhelming the Eagles offensive line throughout the contest.
Franchise stalwart Ryan Kerrigan recorded 2.0 sacks while Chase Young and Matt Ioannidis recorded 1.5 each. Young also added a forced fumble in his NFL debut. Montez Sweat and Jon Bostic each recorded a sack, respectively.
Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen rounded out the day with a half-sack apiece. A stellar performance all around for the Washington line and they were a key reason the team clawed their way back into the game.
Murray showed the ability to scramble against one of the league’s most dangerous defensive lines in Week 1. But the test gets tougher in Week 2 against the league’s deepest and most versatile defensive lines.
The upside with Murray is the fact he’s versatile enough to extend the play and create positive yardage with his legs. But given his pedestrian performance passing the ball to receivers not named DeAndre Hopkins, can he respond better than Wentz did if Washington closes his favorite running lanes and keys on his new favorite target?
Murray needs to give the Cardinals offense a repeat performance on the ground in this contest. Or at least bide enough time to allow for his receiving unit to create separation against Washington’s dangerous front four.