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Arizona Cardinals: 3 Keys to Beating the Washington Redskins

By Casey Pazzalia

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the football during the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the football during the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 11: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 11: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Looking at what it will take for the Arizona Cardinals to beat the Washington Redskins in Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season.

Even though Las Vegas isn’t giving the Arizona Cardinals much of a shot this year, fans, supporters, and Nate Burleson are optimistic. Honestly, it’s the beauty of Opening Day in sports: everyone is undefeated and in first place.

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In the preseason, Arizona went 3-1 and looked good when their top unit was on the field. Hopefully, it will translate into the regular season. On Sunday, September 9th, the Arizona Cardinals will host the Washington Redskins at 4:25 P.M ET.

As of posting, OddsShark has the Cardinals as a one-point favorite over the Redskins in their Week 1 matchup.

Here, we’ll look into the keys to victory for Arizona.

Sam Bradford Must Play Well

In today’s NFL, it all starts with the quarterback. With that said, the Arizona Cardinals will need to get a solid game from Sam Bradford, their starting quarterback.

Luckily, Bradford is trending upwards.

During his three preseason appearances, he had a 90.3 quarterback rating while leading several scoring drives. The only preseason game Arizona lost was the one Bradford didn’t play in. Overall, he was 8-for-11 through the air without any turnovers.

Additionally, the former No.1 pick had an amazing Week 1 last season as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He led the team to a 29-19 win over the New Orleans Saints, throwing three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Plus, he was extremely efficient, completing 27 passes on 32 attempts.

As for Sunday, he’ll need to protect the ball in order to win. Thankfully, he’s been known to limit turnovers in his career. Back in 2016, he threw 20 touchdowns for the Vikings with just five interceptions.

It all starts with Sam Bradford, yet it’s going to take a complete team effort to win. The offensive line will need to give him time in the passing game and open holes for David Johnson, and their questionable group of receivers will need to make plays. Defensively, the front seven will have to make Alex Smith as uncomfortable as possible.

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