In Week 2 of the 2011 NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals and the Washington Redskins face off at 1 PM EST at FedEx Field. Both teams are seeking to start the season 2-0 after surprising performances in Week 1. For Arizona, the surprise was being unable to keep Cam Newton from putting up record-setting numbers. For Washington, it was how they dismantled the New York Giants.
We already have some of the key matchups for the game, so let us look at some facts.
Former teammates Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower will be the main running threat against the other team. Wells opened up the year with an 18 carry, 90 yard performance last week and Hightower ran 25 times for 72 yards.
For Arizona, they may be without a couple of key players because of injuries. Linebacker Daryl Washington and returner LaRod Stephens-Howling are both listed as questionable going into today's game. They suffered injuries in the game against the Panthers. They did not practice this week so it will be surprising if they play today.
For both starting quarterbacks, the game represents a chance to show consistency. Rex Grossman wowed everyone last week with his 21-34 for 305 yards and two TDs. Kevin Kolb was slightly better in QB rating. He threw 18-27 completions for 309 yards and two TDs. Everyone watching Grossman is just waiting for disaster to strike. With Kolb, most are intrigued to see if he in fact can become a franchise quarterback.
Defensively, Cardinals fans will have their eyes on the defensive secondary and Adrian Wilson in particular. Wilson looked rusty against the Panthers but had a great week in practice and could break out for a great game. It would be a boost for the defense if he can look more like a Pro Bowl player.
Perhaps the biggest thing to see is whether or not the Cardinals can even compete. Over the last several years, teams from the West playing in 1PM EST starting times almost always lose.
Locally in the Phoenix area, the game will air on FOX (Ch. 10) and be broadcast on the radio on 92.3 KTAR.