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Arizona Cardinals offensive line faces stiff test on Sunday

By Jim Koch

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins lines up against the New York Jets during the second half at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins lines up against the New York Jets during the second half at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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The Washington football team may not have a nickname, but their defensive front could pose a problem for the Arizona Cardinals

This past Sunday, the offensive line of the Arizona Cardinals faced one of the toughest defensive fronts in football. The San Francisco 49ers, led by second-year star Nick Bosa, provided a stiff challenge for the Cards blockers. Looking ahead, things won’t get any easier for line coach Sean Kugler’s group this coming weekend.

Another tough test is on the docket for the Cards, when the Washington football team comes to town. Led by new coordinator Jack Del Rio, the club’s lethal pass rush registered eight quarterback sacks during their 27-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Which members of Washington’s new-look defense should the Cardinals fear most?

Leading the way for the franchise without a nickname is none other than Ryan Kerrigan. The 32-year old linebacker had one heck of a day last Sunday, racking up two sacks, three pressures and a fumble recovery in just 22 snaps for Washington. Kerrigan was named NFC Defensive Player of the week following his impressive performance versus the Eagles.

Getting his NFL career started on a positive note was Chase Young, the second-overall pick of this past April’s draft. The 21-year old defensive end was credited with four tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in his first action as a pro. The Eagles struggled to contain the explosive Young, who was every bit as good as advertised.

Another defender that Arizona will need to worry about in week two is second-year edge rusher Montez Sweat. Washington’s first-round selection in 2019 tallied two tackles (both for a loss), a sack and two quarterback hits against Philadelphia. Sweat recorded 50 tackles, seven sacks and 13 quarterback hits in 16 starts for the organization last season.

3 key matchups for Cardinals vs Washington. dark. Next

Trying to devise a scheme to control Washington’s fearsome front is going to be a tough assignment for Kugler. The Cards offensive line played better than expected during the squad’s upset triumph over the 49ers. They’ll need to repeat that type of performance if they hope to keep Kerrigan and company at bay this coming Sunday.

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