Cardinals vs. Commanders: 5 Questions Ahead of Season Opener
The Washington Commanders are continuing to prepare for their season opener Sunday at home against the Arizona Cardinals.
To learn more about the Cardinals' current state of affairs, we spoke with All Cardinals publisher Donnie Druin.
1. The Arizona Cardinals know who they are starting at quarterback on Sunday, but they are keeping it a secret from anyone outside the organization. What's your best idea as to who will start?
It's very likely going to be Josh Dobbs. The Cardinals nearly signed him in free agency before he opted to land with the Cleveland Browns, and their recent trade for him suggests they've had their eye on him. I think they vastly overrated Colt McCoy's arm in the offseason and that came to an ugly fruition during training camp. The biggest advantage Dobbs has over fifth-round rookie Clayton Tune is years of experience in the NFL and knowledge of the playbook thanks to prior experience with OC Drew Petzing back in Cleveland. Simply put, if Arizona was really sold on Tune to play in Week 1, they would have named him the starter over McCoy and not acquired Dobbs.
2. Who is one player on the Cardinals offense that the Commanders should keep an eye on?
Obvious answers will be guys such as Marquise Brown and James Conner, but let me put you on rookie receiver Michael Wilson. Wilson has been nothing short of impressive since arriving to the desert and his 6-2 frame mixed with route running and sure hands have quickly made him a starter opposite of Brown. Though young, Wilson has an opportunity to make a big impact after impressing all through the offseason.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
3. Who is one player on the Cardinals defense that the Commanders should keep an eye on?
There's not many bright spots on this defense, and Budda Baker is far and away the best player so let's discuss ILB Kyzir White. After Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis arrived from Philadelphia, White was a priority for them in free agency thanks to his familiarity with the system - it also likely helps he had the best year of his career under their watch in 2022. White is everything you look for in a linebacker - big, fast and can get sideline to sideline. More importantly for a Cardinals defense that hit the reset, he'll be in the middle of the chaos with the coveted green dot and will be communicating the play calls to his teammates. Any success on that side of the ball will depend on White anchoring the middle of the field and organizing his troops.
4. If the Cardinals win on Sunday, what is the reason why?
They're fairly set on trying to establish the rushing attack in what now appears to be a more traditional offense under Petzing. I imagine if they win, they will have controlled the clock and worn Washington's defense down through the tenure of four quarters. Offensively, playing mistake free football will be absolute paramount. On the flip side, Arizona's defense will have to somehow get multiple turnovers out of the Commanders to give themselves a chance here. If Sam Howell can play up to potential, the Cardinals will need a mistake or two to prevent guys such as Terry McLaurin and a strong backfield from taking over the game.
5. What's your prediction for the game?
The Commanders are touchdown favorites this week, and rightfully so. Playing at home with advantages on both sides of the ball, *if* things go as expected, Washington will leave with a victory. Could the Cardinals pull off the upset? Absolutely, especially during an opening week where there's so much unknown. I believe Terry McLaurin will be set for a nice day and the Cardinals won't have enough juice to match.
WAS 24, AZ 13
