PFF Grades Top Five Cardinals in Week 1

The Arizona Cardinals fell to the Washington Commanders in a 20-16 score line to begin the 2023 regular season.

It was the definition of a roller coaster game for Arizona, who unexpectedly took the lead in the late stages of the second quarter before Washington stormed back in the fourth quarter to seal the game.

The Cardinals were the second-largest underdogs heading into yesterday, and though a loss is never good in the NFL, Arizona hopes to build on their efforts moving forward into Week 2.

Pro Football Focus graded every single player that touched the field yesterday for Arizona. Here's who they say are the top five from Week 1:

Overall Grade: 91.2
Run Defense Grade: 61.6
Tackling Grade: 74.9
Pass Rush Grade: 92
Coverage Grade: 65.2It's hard to argue with putting Dennis Gardeck as the top player for Arizona yesterday after an incredible performance that featured four tackles, three quarterback hits, two sacks, one TFL and one forced fumble.

Overall Grade: 83.3
Passing Game Grade: 63.3
Pass Blocking Grade: 83.1
Rushing Grade: 86.3
Run Blocking Grade: 68.5Conner was one of the lone bright spots in Arizona's offense on Sunday, gaining 62 yards on 14 attempts while also catching all five of his targets. The sooner the Cardinals can open their passing attack, the better for Conner and his production.

Overall Grade: 76.6
Run Defense Grade: 77.9
Tackling Grade: 72.4
Pass Rush Grade: 59.8
Coverage Grade: 61.1Victor Dimukeje isn't the first outside linebacker that comes to mind for the Cardinals, though he managed to leave his mark with two tackles, one sack and one forced fumble on the day in a heavily rotated pass rush.

Overall Grade: 75.9
Pass Blocking Grade: 82.8
Run Blocking Grade: 77.4Hernandez has always been one of the more underrated players on this roster when healthy, and the Cardinals saw another strong performance from him on Sunday. His toughness/tenacity was one of the lone bright spots on his side of the ball.

Overall Grade: 72.7
Passing Game Grade: 85.2
Pass Blocking Grade: 51.2
Run Blocking Grade: 56.7Admittedly so, we did not expect Arizona's TE3 to make the top five, though in a wonky game such as yesterday, we've learned to expect the unexpected. Swaim played just 18 snaps.