Redskins at Cardinals stream, odds, pick and prediction
By James Dudko
Payne has been added to a Washington D-line already improved by the return from injury of last year’s first-round pick Jonathan Allen. The former Alabama teammates will face their first stern test in the form of Cardinals workhorse back David Johnson.
A wrist injury kept No. 31 on the shelf for most of 2017, but now the all-purpose weapon is back with a point to prove as free agency awaits next year.
Johnson is like a bulldozing version of former Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams great Marshall Faulk. He can wear a defense down with power between the tackles, break big runs with sudden speed and pose matchup nightmares out in space as a move receiver.
The edge is Arizona’s in this game as long as Johnson sees the ball early and often. Fortunately, new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is a creative play-caller who should maximize his best weapons in the desert.
McCoy can also exploit his talented wide receivers against Washington’s revamped cornerback rotation. Ageing but still effective Larry Fitzgerald and rookie second-rounder Christian Kirk can work over a unit weaker following the loss of Bashaud Breeland and the decision to trade Kendall Fuller to the Kansas City Chiefs as part of the Smith deal.
Losing Fuller was a blow even if Washington finally stabilized football’s most important position after a few years of franchise tag-confusion involving Kirk Cousins.
Smith is more capable and athletic than his game-manager reputation would indicate. He’ll need his ability to make plays with his feet if the Redskins’ front five can’t keep Jones, last season’s sack leader, at bay.
Jones should still be effective in the version of the 4-3 Wilks brought with him from the Carolina Panthers. The scheme may also finally help the light go on for Robert Nkemdiche, who looks like a natural 3-technique for an ‘Under’ front.
Arizona’s front four can punish Smith and Peterson, while a Cardinals O-line bolstered by the free-agent captures of Justin Pugh and Andre Smith must keep the brittle Bradford upright. If he gets time, the hosts will edge a tight contest in the fourth quarter.
Pick/prediction: Redskins 20-24 Cardinals