3 keys to victory: Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Football Team
The Arizona Cardinals are 1-0 heading into week 2. Next up, the Washington Football team. What will be the keys to victory in this week two matchup?
The Arizona Cardinals won a hard-fought divisional battle against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Heading into week two they will face-off with the Washington Football Team. Washington is coming off a great team win against division rival Philadelphia Eagles. As usual, every game has their keys to victory.
What are the Cardinals’ keys to victory? Glad you asked because I have three of them.
1st Key: Keeping Kyler upright
In their victory vs the Eagles, Washington sacked Carson Wentz eight times. They were able to generate constant pressure to harass the 5th year pro. They cannot replicate that level of pressure on Kyler Murray if Arizona has any hope of winning.
Utilize the ground attack and the quick passing game to slow down this pass rush. Implement misdirection plays through the air and on the ground. Washington has one of the deeper defensive fronts in football and it is plastered with talent. If the pass rush is contained, Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray can take advantage of WFT’s young secondary.
2nd Key: Attack Washington’s O-Line
Dwayne Haskins finished dead last in time to throw with 2.25 seconds. The Eagles were able to get after Haskins and penetrate his offensive line. Chandler Jones will have a favorable matchup against LT Geron Christian Sr. Jones should be able to create pressure all four quarters and make Haskin’s life difficult.
Shutting down the run game early will be pivotal. Forcing Washington to play one-dimensional football. Unleash Isaiah Simmons and his elite speed on timely blitz calls. Haskins has to be uncomfortable all game and the Cardinals defense can make this a reality.
3rd Key: Continue to Feed DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins‘ first game with the Cardinals was a masterpiece. He caught a team high 14 receptions on 16 targets for 151 yards. He was virtually ungaurdable. There is a cause and effect scenario to transpire during this season. As Murray and Hopkins continue to cook, defenses will begin to dial up bracket coverage to tighten those passing windows.
The result will be more single coverage for Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. Against this young secondary, Kingsbury should dial Hopkins’ number early and often to force those coverage adjustments. Until Washington proves they can slow Hopkins down, target him another 16 times because the offense will benefit from it.
Next. Week 2 preview: Cardinals vs Washington. dark
Arizona Cardinals are aiming its first 2-0 start since the 2015 season. Coincidentally, that is the last time Arizona clinched a playoff birth. The Cardinals are a ong way from the playoffs in September but being undefeated after two weeks of action is a confidence boost. Following these three keys will not guarantee victory, but it will assist them with the pursuit.