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War Room Preview
Joe Theismann's Sunday night spotlight
Why to watch:
This NFC East clash pits one of the league's most pleasant surprises against one of the early season's biggest disappointments. The Redskins, with the NFL's highest-scoring offense, are looking to maintain a share of first place in the NFC East. Coming off its bye week, Washington is only one fourth-quarter collapse -- the 'Skins blew a 35-14 lead against Dallas in their opener -- away from a 4-0 record. The Cardinals are feeling the weight of lofty expectations following last season's run to the NFC divisional playoffs. Expected to be an up-and-comer, Arizona instead got off to a disappointing start as third-year QB Jake Plummer struggled. However, the Cards got a much-needed victory over the punchless Giants last week as Plummer played his first error-free game of the season.
Who to watch:
Redskins RB Stephen Davis has rushed for 400 yards in his first four games, and he faces a Cardinals run defense that ranks 27th in the NFL. Redskins QB Brad Johnson has thrown nine TD passes and no interceptions. Expect Johnson to use a three-receiver set, throwing to WRs Michael Westbrook, Albert Connell and veteran Irving Fryar, who has finally had some time to learn the offense. Redskins CBs Darrell Green and rookie Champ Bailey must shore up a poor pass defense. After throwing 12 interceptions in his first four starts, Plummer was not picked off last week. The Cardinals QB is expected to play despite an injured hip suffered last week. Cardinals RB Adrian Murrell has failed to provide much ground support, averaging an ugly 2.3 yards per carry. Cardinals rookie WR David Boston broke out last week with eight catches for 101 yards and his first career TD catch. Plummer says the kid is "now a definite weapon." Cards DE Simeon Rice has collected five sacks.
Redskins' numbers to know:
Washington ranks second in the NFL in total offense and last in total defense. The 'Skins are averaging 37.5 points and 412.5 yards per contest. (Washington ranked No. 1 in yards before Green Bay moved up to 414 per contest during Week 4.) Although the Redskins' offensive yardage totals are impressive, their dismal defense is actually allowing more yards than the team is gaining. The 'Skins are giving up 433.5 yards per game, including a league-worst 292 passing.
Cardinals' numbers to know:
Arizona has been outscored 52-0 in the first quarter this season. The Cardinals must avoid falling behind early or they might get buried quickly by the Redskins' high-octane attack. Washington has led at halftime in three of its four games, including a 33-point explosion in the first half of a 50-21 Week 2 rout of the Giants.
What it means:
Washington is tied with Dallas for first place in the NFC East, so the 'Skins will be looking to keep pace in the division race. With an upset of the 'Skins, Arizona could take a huge step toward climbing back into that race. These two teams played two thrillers in 1998, with the Cardinals winning a 45-42 shootout in Washington and a 29-27 decision in Tempe.
Sean Salisbury's breakdown
Redskins' game plan:
Washington should just let quarterback Brad Johnson run the offensive show. I don't think they should change a thing they have done. They will throw on first down and run play-action. They will give Stephen Davis his 18-20 carries and get production from the running game. As usual, that will open up the play-action passing game for Johnson.
The Redskins should go after the Arizona defense through the air. The key for Johnson will be to get rid of the ball quickly and use a lot of play-action. Keep an eye on tight end Stephen Alexander this week.
The Redskins have had a lot of problems on defense. The key will be for them to stop the run first and win on first down. They have been getting pushed around too much. Bill Arnsparger and Mike Nolan need to get the players lined up right. They need to fix the defensive holes because they have enough offense to win it all.
Against Arizona, it starts with stopping Adrian Murrell. If they keep Jake Plummer throwing out of long-yardage situations, that will force Plummer to make mistakes. And the Redskins need to cause turnovers early. If they allow Plummer to stay in the game mentally throughout, don't bet against him, because he could get the ball last and be dangerous.
Cardinals' game plan:
Plummer is one of the best talents in the league, but he has struggled by trying to make too many plays. However, he put it together last week and found a nice weapon in rookie David Boston, who had his first big game. The Cardinals need to exploit the Redskins' defense, which is giving up nearly as many points as the team is scoring.
The Redskins have the worst pass defense in the NFL, and they have been nearly as bad against the run. The Cardinals should try to get Murrell untracked first, establishing some kind of running game. That will allow offensive coordinator Marc Trestman to run the balanced attack he prefers. Soften up the Redskins with Murrell and then challenge the Redskins' secondary with Boston and Frank Sanders.
I don't think the Arizona defense will be able to stop Johnson. They will have to do some special things defensively. They can't let Johnson get his yards, plus allow Davis to rush for 100 yards. They need to make a commitment one way or other. I would take my chances stopping Johnson and the receiving corps rather than Davis. Johnson's ability to throw gives Davis room to run. The Cards' defense should hang back and be patient.
If the Cardinals play an eight-man front, the Redskins will beat them with their talented receivers. They might have to play a lot of two-deep coverages and maybe bring a safety down to get in on the tackle and slow down the run. They can't sell out on defense to the point where they are giving up on stopping the run. They have to keep a safety in a position to play zone defense and also help support against the run.
Pivotal Player:
Plummer. He needs to come out in rhythm and be hot. If he throws interceptions in the first half, the game will be a rout.
