Game Preview, Week 15: Cardinals at Redskins
December 14, 2017
by Steve Thomas and Sean Conte
Sadly, a game that a month or two ago looked to be a possible stepping stone towards a Redskins playoff birth has now been reduced to a “playing for pride” event. The only critical issue Washington has left to play for at this point is earning an 8 – 8 record on the season, which is better than a losing record. That achievement requires a victory over the Cardinals. Fortunately, this is doable – the Cardinals have had their share of struggles, have some significant injuries, and must travel across three time zones for a 1:00 p.m. start. So, you can do this, Redskins, right? Right? Please don’t suck on Sunday. In particular, Kirk Cousins, please morph back into Good Kirk. Game-wise, the Cardinals are a terrible rushing team and an inefficient passing team that isn’t known for scoring a ton of point; therefore, despite the current negativity in Redskins-land, this is a very winnable matchup. Here’s our game preview.
Game time & location: Sunday, December 17, 2017,1:00 p.m. ET, Fed Ex Field, Raljon, MD; Gates open 11:00 a.m. ET; Red Zone parking lots open 8:00 a.m.; all other parking lots 9:00 a.m.
Television: Fox
Television announcers: Ronde Barber, Kenney Albert, Kristina Pink
DC-area radio: ESPN 980
Redskins radio network: http://www.redskins.com/media-gallery/radio-network.html
Cardinals radio network: http://prod.static.cardinals.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/2016/AZC_RadioBroadcasting.pdf
Satellite radio: XM: 227 (Redskins broad.) Sirius: 146 (Redskins broad); internet: 831 (Redskins broad.)
Redskins roster: http://www.redskins.com/team/roster.hml
Redskins depth chart: http://www.redskins.com/team/depth-chart.html
Cardinals roster: http://www.azcardinals.com/roster/player-roster.html
Cardinals depth chart: http://www.azcardinals.com/team/depth-chart.html
All-time head-to-head record vs Cardinals: 74 – 46 – 2 (last 10: 8 – 2)
Last meeting: L, December 4, 2016, 23 – 31
Early odds: Redskins, -4.5
SEAN’S 5 KEYS TO THE GAME
Bounce Back
Last week was one of the worst games for Kirk Cousins all season and one of the worst for the team as a whole. In fact, Kirk posted season lows in completion percentage, yards, and QB rating. But it’s not all Kirk; the defense has looked atrocious in three of its past four outings as well, giving up 30 or more points to Dallas, New Orleans, and LA. Let’s not make Blaine Gabbert look like a world beater, mmkay? Speaking of which…
Blaine Gabbert
Come on. Sure, he’s playing thoroughly OK this year, helping the Cardinals to win truly rousing 12 – 7 victories over the Titans. That’s great. Coming into this year he boasted a career record of 9 – 31, a career passer rating in the high 60’s, and…that’s enough. If Kirk wants a contract in Washington – and I find the notion that he does highly suspect – he need to come out to play this week.
It’s an Average Passing Defense
In terms of their passing D, Arizona is ranked middle of the pack in most categories, from total points allowed to yards per game. They’re much more stout against the run, but it’s not like that matters with Washington’s team of bruised and battered backups. Unfortunately, they’re good at getting interceptions (we’re even better at gifting them) and generating pressure up front, which could mean disaster.
Generate Pressure of your Own
Blaine’s taken some big sacks in the last few weeks, due in no small part to certain critical injuries along the offensive line. Mike Iupati and DJ Humphries were both lost for the season, and the guys in their places haven’t had the same impact. Arizona’s passing offense is ranked a hair above ours, but I think the statistics are a bit skewed there. Suffice to say, the Cardinals *should* not run up the score on us this week, and guys like Kerrigan should get a chance to cause havoc.
Be Wary of the Rushing Attack
Adrian Peterson hasn’t been much of a factor in Arizona, but after riding the bench the last few weeks while nursing a neck injury Kerwynn Williams has filled in admirably in his place. Williams got 97 and 73 yards respectively over the last two weeks and clearly has the hot hands. He’s a mild receiving threat, but not much, so at least there’s that in our favor.
SEAN’S 3 KEY MATCHUPS
Kirk Cousins vs. James Bettcher
If you’re asking ‘Who?’, you’re forgiven. Bettcher stepped in as the Cardinals’ DC when Todd Bowles left to take a new gig. Bettcher has overseen some top ranked defenses with the Cardinals, though they’ve slipped this year. Can Kirk outplay him and play to the pedigree of the contract he wants?
Samaje Perine vs. Arizona Front 7
Whoever takes snaps for us this week: Arizona is stronger against the run than the pass, so you have an uphill battle. Still, Jay would do Kirk and the passing game a service by staying committed to the run.
Kerwynn Williams vs. Redskins Front 7
Let’s see if we can give Kerwynn Williams a sub 50 yard game for the first time in a few weeks. If we can’t contain him, this one’s going to end quickly.
OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT (as of Friday (active roster only)) (starters in bold)
LP – limited practice FP – full practice DNP – did not practice
NIR – not injury related Q – questionable O – out
D – doubtful
| Redskins | Cardinals |
| LB Z. Brown, illness/toe/achilles/hip; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP | S B. Baker, thigh; Wed: DNP; Thurs: LP |
| T M. Moses, ankle; Wed: DNP; Thurs: LP | S A. Bethea, knee; Wed: DNP; Thurs: LP |
| S M. Nicholson, concussion; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP | LB K. Dansby, NIR; Wed: DNP; Thurs: FP |
| CB J. Norman, knee; Wed: DNP; Thurs: LP | WR L. Fitzgerald, NIR; Wed: DNP; Thurs: FP |
| T T. Williams, knee; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP | LB G. Martin, hamstring; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP |
| LB R. Anderson, ankle; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP | DL J. Mauro, ankle; Wed: DNP; Thurs: LP |
| WR R. Grant, ankle; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP | RB A. Peterson, neck; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP |
| WR M. Harris, concussion; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP | DL F. Rucker, NIR; Wed: DNP; Thurs: FP |
| DL T. McClain, toe; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP | G E. Watford, ankle; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP |
| C C. Rouiller, hand; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP | G A. Boone, back; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP |
| DL M. Ioannidis, hand; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP | WR J. Brown, toe; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP |
| LB M. Spaight, ankle; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP | LB C. Jones, hip; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP |
| DL C. Peters, ankle; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP | |
| RB K. Williams, ribs; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP | |
| TE J. Gresham, illness; Wed: not listed; Thurs: DNP |
TEAM STATISTICS
Redskins:
There just isn’t much good to say about the Redskins offense stats this week. Most numbers trended down after the horrific game against the Chargers. What was in 2016 a top-flight scoring and passing offense has become a “fair-to-middlin’ ” one this year: 17th in points scored, 14th in passing yards, no receiver or running back ranking in the top 30 in any major statistical category. In addition, the last few games have caused the sack numbers to creep up, and Washington is now ranked just 23rd in the NFL by that measure. One good thing is that the Redskins continue to be significantly better in the red zone than the 2016 team.
Defensively, the stats have gone directly in the trash can as a result of the past several weeks. The Redskins have now given up the most points in the NFL (ranked 32nd) and are just 24th in total yards surrendered. To add to the misery, red zone defense has become terrible, as well, with Washington now ranked 26th in the NFL. Fortunately, the Cardinals offense isn’t particularly capable and is one that can possibly serve as a “get-well” game. We’ll see.
Special teams: beyond horrific. The Redskins are ranked 30th in punt returns and 32nd in punt return defense. “Kotwica’s special forces” are performing more like something out of a Monty Python sketch than legitimate special forces.
Record 5 – 8 (3rd) (Home: 3 – 3; NFC: 4 – 6)
All-time franchise record: 591 – 580 – 28
Offense
| Offensive rankings | 17 (points) (trend -5) / 16 (total yards) (trend -4) / 16 (yards per game) (trend -4) / 14 (yards per play) (trend -3) / 14 (passing yards) (trend -2) / 6 (passing yards per att.) (trend -2) / 25 (rushing yards) (trend -2) / 22 (rushing yards per att.) (trend +1) |
| Points for | 285 |
| Yards per game | 338.3 |
| Passing
|
440 att (19th); 290 comp; 65.9% comp per. (7th); 7.8 Y/A; 3129 net yds; 22 TD; 9 Int |
| Passing leader | Cousins (440 att, 3440 yds (8th), 65.9% comp perc., 22 TDs / 9 Int, 97.7 QB rating (9th) |
| Receiving leader | Crowder (662 yds (37th), 85 targets (32nd), 54 rec (30th), 1 TD, 12.3 Y/C) |
| Rushing | 336 att (21st); 1269 yds; 3.8 Y/A; 97.6 Y/G (25th); 9 TD |
| Rushing leader | Perine (142 att, 510 yds (32nd), 1 TD, 3.6 Y/A (31st), long 30) |
| Sacks surrendered / rank | 37 / 23 |
| Ave time of possession / rank | 30:16 / 11 |
| 3rd down conversion rate / rank | 34.9% / 27 |
| TD percentage in red zone / rank | 57.89% / 11 |
Defense
| Defensive rankings | 32 (points) (trend -2) / 24 (total yards) (trend -5) / 24 (yards per game surrendered) (trend -5) / 23 (yards per play) (trend -5) / 18 (passing yards) (trend -5) / 25 (passing yards per att.) (trend -6) / 26 (rushing yards) (trend -7) / 23 (rushing yards per att.) (trend -4) |
| Points against | 344 |
| Yards per game surrendered | 351.5 |
| Opponent’s passing | 424 att (4th); 258 comp; 60.8% comp perc. (13th); 7.5 Y/A; 2983 net yds; 22 TDs; QB Rating 88.5 (16th) |
| Opponent’s rushing | 365 att (23rd); 1586 yds; 4.3 Y/A; 10 TD; 117.7 Y/G (22nd) |
| Sacks / rank / Sack leader | 31 / 16 / Kerrigan (9.0) |
| Tackles leader | Brown (84) |
| Int / rank / Int leader | 13 / 7 / Fuller (4) |
| Opponent 3rd down conv rate / rank | 40.23% / 20 |
| Opponent TD percentage in red zone / rank | 60.0% / 26 |
Special Teams
| Kick returns | 20.5 Y/R (23rd), 26 returns, long 35 yards, 0 TDs |
| Punt returns | 5.0 Y/R (30th), 23 returns, long 18 yards (31st), 0 TD |
| Kick return defense | 19.7 Y/R (6th), 20 returns, 0 TD |
| Punt return defense | 13.3 Y/R (32nd), 26 returns, 1 TD |
| Punting | 44.5 Y/P (22nd) |
Turnovers (lost by O / recv’d by D / net / rank): 21 / 17 / -4 / 22
Penalties (total accepted # / rank): 75 / 5
Cardinals:
There are two things that should jump out of the page at you about the Cardinals offense: (1) they are a terrible rushing team (32nd in rushing yards per attempt), worse than the Redskins, and (2) they are in inefficient passing team (58.8% completion despite throwing the 4th-most passes in the NFL). Those two concepts add up to a low scoring offense, which is what Arizona is (25th in points). WR Larry Fitzgerald continues to be Old Man River, posting 922 yards on 123 targets despite being over-the-hill by NFL receiver standards and having a backup quarterback playing in place of the even more over-the-hill Carson Palmer. The Cardinals have surrendered 44 sacks (ranked 31st) and have been bad in the red zone (ranked 27th), both of which contribute to the low point total.
The Cardinal defense is a different story: it is ranked poorly in points (25th), but has done well, statistically, particularly in run defense (7th in rushing yards surrendered; 4th in rushing yards per attempt). The Redskins, of course, are mostly terrible running, so don’t expect a big game from the Redskins in that area. Also of note: again, despite a fairly high number of points scored, Arizona is ranked 5th in yards per play.
Record: 6 – 7 (3rd) (Away: 2 – 4; NFC: 3 – 6)
Offense
| Offensive rankings | 25 (points) / 20 (total yards) / 20 (yards per game) / 25 (yards per play) / 13 (passing yards) / 16 (passing yards per att.) / 30 (rushing yards) / 32 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points for | 231 |
| Yards per game | 322.5 |
| Passing | 488 att (4th); 287 comp; 58.8% comp per. (28th); 7.0 Y/A; 3137 net yds; 18 TDs; 14 Int |
| Passing leader | Palmer (267 att, 1978 yds (28th), 61.4% comp per., 9 TDs / 7 Int, 84.4 QB rating (23rd)); Gabbert (130 att, 897 yds, 60.8% comp per., 6 TDs / 5 Int, 80.8 QB rating |
| Reception leader | Fitzgerald (922 yds (11th), 123 targets (7th), 87 rec (4th), 5 TD, 10.6 Y/C) |
| Rushing | 315 att (26th); 1055 yds; 3.3 Y/A; 81.2 Y/G (30th); 5 TDs |
| Rushing leader | Peterson (129 att, 448/529 yds (30th), 2 TDs, 3.5/3.4 Y/A (40th), long 27 yds) |
| Sacks surrendered / rank | 44 / 31 |
| Ave time of possession / rank | 30:14 / 12 |
| 3rd down conversion rate / rank | 37.1% / 22 |
| TD percentage in red zone / rank | 44.74% / 27 |
Defense
| Defensive rankings | 25 (points) / 8 (total yards) / 8 (yards per game surrendered) / 5 (yards per play) / 15 (passing yards) / 7 (passing yards per att.) / 7 (rushing yards) / 4 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points against | 317 |
| Yards per game surrendered | 320.6 |
| Opponent’s passing | 464 att (27th); 280 comp; 60.3% comp per. (9th); 6.7 Y/A; 2909 net yds; 20 TD; QB Rating 83.0 10th) |
| Opponent’s rushing | 344 att (13th); 1259 yds; 3.7 Y/A; 12 TD |
| Sacks / rank / Sack leader | 31 / 16 / Jones (14.0) |
| Tackles leader | Dansby (62) |
| Int / rank / Int leader | 13 / 7 / Mathieu, Williams (2) |
| Opponent 3rd down conv rate / rank | 40.74% / 23 |
| Opponent TD percentage in red zone / rank | 60.98% / 27 |
Special Teams
| Kick returns | 19.3 Y/R (28th), 24 returns, long 32 yards, 0 TDs |
| Punt returns | 6.7 Y/R (23rd), 33 returns, long 20 yards (27th), 0 TDs |
| Kick return defense | 20.0 Y/R (10th), 28 returns, 0 TDs |
| Punt return defense | 11.0 Y/R (27th), 39 returns, 0 TDs |
| Punting | 46.6 Y/P (11th) |
Turnovers (lost by O / recv’d by D / net / rank): 20 / 17 / -3 / 20
Penalties (total accepted # / rank): 93 / 22
* Statistics courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com, www.nflpenalties.com, www.nfl.com, www.teamrankings.com, www.espn.com, www.sportingcharts.com