Washington Football Team vs Arizona Cardinals - NFL Week 2

Sunday
September 20, 2020
4:05 PM ET

Glendale, Arizona
State Farm Arena

About Washington

Washington’s defense is the real deal. They got the job done I a furious comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles as they scored 27 unanswered points in the win. The defense compiled 8 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Rookie DE Chase young was as good as advertised with 2 tackles and 1 ½ sacks as they brought the heat against QB Carson Wentz. LB Ryan Kerrigan loves playing against the Eagles as he now has 13.5 sacks against them which is the most among active players. It will be interesting to see how they perform against dual-threat QB Kyler Murray and how they defend his mobility and ability to throw on the run. RB Peyton Barber got most of the carries and had a career-high 2 rushing TD’s. Washington’s secondary played well as CB’s Fabian Moreau and Jimmy Moreland both had an interception apiece but will face a challenge going against All-Pro WR De Andre Hopkins. This was Washington’s 1st win in a home opener since 2014.

About the Cardinals

The undeniable chemistry between QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins was on full display as they carried the Cardinals in the win against the San Francisco 49ers. Murray was prolific with his arm and his legs while throwing for 230 yards with 1TD pass and 1 interception while also rushing for 91 yards and a TD. The Cardinals often find success when Murray runs the ball. Murray has had 8-plus rush attempts in 5 of the Cardinals last 6 wins, so Washington will have to be aware of Murray’s ability to run the football. Hopkins couldn’t be stopped as he caught 14 passes for 151 yards and appears to be a dangerous duo combined with Murray’s talents. LB Chandler Jones is one of the most productive sack artists in the NFL and OL Geron Christian and Morgan Moses will have the responsibility of keeping Jones from getting to QB Dwayne Haskins.

Players to Watch

Ryan Kerrigan (Washington): Kerrigan will have to get in the Cardinals backfield and force Murray into bad throws or make him get rid of the ball quicker than he would like.

DeAndre Hopkins (Cardinals): Washington will more than likely double team Hopkins, but it just might be ineffective as Hopkins can catch the ball in traffic, over the middle of the field, or while beating press coverage. Washington’s best bet is to try and keep him out of the end zone.

Impact Rookies

Saahdiq Charles (Washington): Charles needs time to learn the nuances and techniques of playing OT in the NFL but possesses the size and strength to be a good rotational player while he develops.

Isaiah Simmons (Cardinals): Cardinals Simmons recorded 3 tackles in his NFL debut and the best is yet to come for this phenomenal prospect.

Prediction

Kyler Murray struggles early as Washington keeps him in the pocket and tries to keep him one-dimensional. He begins to find his rhythm and Hopkins ends up having another huge game for the Cardinals.

Final Score: Washington 21 / Cardinals 34