Redskins vs. Cardinals Predictions Non-Troll Version

[DarthMonk]

My worry is looking ahead to Dallas. Even the Patriots are capable of such a thing. Working Monday was a good sign.

We should be able to contain Fitz by playing a corner under and a safety over the top.

I expect a balanced attack from us. I like us for 3 TDs and 2 FGs. How does 28-13 sound with maybe a late backdoor TD from the bad guys for a final of 28-20?

DarthMonk

[Red_One43]

I feel that we are going to run on these guys and score a TD within our first two drives. The running game is going to open up a couple of big pass plays (they were there last week - either Grossman didn't connect or the DB made a great play). I am Thinking Atogwe gets a pick or two.

Redskins 34 - 17. I think the first half will be close, but we pull away in the second half like last week.

[HarleyHog]

Redskins win 38-28
Orakpo 5 tackles, 1 sack
Hightower 137 yds 2 TD
Gomes int
Hall int TD
Kerrigan 2 sacks

NO MO TROLL


Dancing in the streets

[SprintRightOption]

I'll go with the Redskins 35 Cardinals 17. I'm staying with the high scoring until they do otherwise.

[Red_One43]

Look's like a bunch of us are still sipping some of that Boss Hog Kool Aid - Ummm, it tastes darn good!

[DarthMonk]

I meant 27-13. 3 TDs, 3 PATs, and 2 FGs make 27.

My worry is looking ahead to Dallas. Even the Patriots are capable of such a thing. Working Monday was a good sign.

We should be able to contain Fitz by playing a corner under and a safety over the top.

I expect a balanced attack from us. I like us for 3 TDs and 2 FGs. How does 28-13 sound with maybe a late backdoor TD from the bad guys for a final of 28-20?

DarthMonk

[HarleyHog]

Drinking Burgundy
Smoking Gold
It's all good

[Burgundy&Wha?]

Skins by 21.

[Slay Goodbye]

The best thing going for the Skins in this game is that the Cardinals are travelling from the West to the East. That is really tough on teams playing early games. Therefore, it becomes a must win game for the Skins. After all, good football teams win the games where they have such advantage.

Unfortunately, it's also the reason this game is not a great test for the Skins to evaluate where they are this year.

That being said, I can't remember a time when the Skins blew the Cards out of the water.. so predictions of 21+ points with Rex at the helm seem overly optimistic. I'm also fairly sure the Cards will elect to shut-down the run game as they did with Carolina- which means Rex is going to have to exploit the young depleted Cards backfield.

Keep in mind the Cardinals generated the most offense in the pre-season (take that with a grain of salt of course) and scored 28 points last week, while missing a chip-shot field goal, fumbling a walk-in touchdown and losing an interception in enemy territory on a bad call ( so if things had gone well it could have been a 42-14 win over the Panthers). So holding them under 21 is gonna be tough- but that is where the Skins really shine... On D.

[andyjens89]

24-20 skins

[langleyparkjoe]

I'm predicting that I'll have a serious headache from all the drinking and celebrating our win

[Scottskins]

Skins 31-17

[yupchagee]

I expect a shootout. They can pass but can't defend the pass. 35-24.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Kolb is over rated 30-10 Skins rough him up for 4 sacks 2 picks and a lot of hurries/knock downs
Our O I predict good run game opens up the air attack. Hope they can keep the momentum goin into dallas

[Deadskins]

Pain!

[Sir_Monk]

I think the Skins will win in a close game, something like 23-20....

[Red_One43]

The best thing going for the Skins in this game is that the Cardinals are travelling from the West to the East. That is really tough on teams playing early games. Therefore, it becomes a must win game for the Skins. After all, good football teams win the games where they have such advantage.

Good Point!

Unfortunately, it's also the reason this game is not a great test for the Skins to evaluate where they are this year.

I think that it is a good test because for the last couple of years, we lose to teams that we should beat. A one turnover or less win would say a lot for evaluating the team atmosphere. I do agree that we still won't know how good we are, but it will confirm that we are moving beyond the issues of the past. A loss here, would not be devastating to the team, but the fan base will take it hard because we have been here so many times. Beat or play well against a team we shouldn't beat and lose to a team we are expected to beat. We need to get past that tomorrow.

That being said, I can't remember a time when the Skins blew the Cards out of the water.. so predictions of 21+ points with Rex at the helm seem overly optimistic. I'm also fairly sure the Cards will elect to shut-down the run game as they did with Carolina- which means Rex is going to have to exploit the young depleted Cards backfield.

You just had to bring this fact up. You are correct; however, I made my 34-17 prediction knowing this fact and I am going to stand by it because I think that we can run against these guys. They play a 3-4 base. In preseason (I know it was preseason, but against the starters ...) we did well against the 3-4 Steelers and Ravens. Since you have history backing you up saying that a 21+ point win is overally optimistic is a fair assessment. I am going to remain overally optimistic.

Keep in mind the Cardinals generated the most offense in the pre-season (take that with a grain of salt of course) and scored 28 points last week, while missing a chip-shot field goal, fumbling a walk-in touchdown and losing an interception in enemy territory on a bad call ( so if things had gone well it could have been a 42-14 win over the Panthers). So holding them under 21 is gonna be tough- but that is where the Skins really shine... On D.

I think the coaches would agree with your analysis.

My take is the Cards are better than their close win against the Panthers, but Panthers aren't better than the Giants either, so I am basing my prediction on the Panthers being a lousy team and that had the mistake prone Cards on the ropes. The Cards are still learning their D.

One factor that does concern me is Cam Newton made plays with his feet to escape the blitzing and Rex.... Well... we better have that running game going and get some great protection for Rex or it will be a low scoring game.

[KazooSkinsFan]

Tight first half, we pull away in the second, LuckRules56 goes away. Well, he goes back to his redskin fanatic account anyway. A solid weekend nonetheless...

[DarthMonk]

Drinking Burgundy
Smoking Gold
It's all good

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

DarthMonk

[Red_One43]

I meant 27-13. 3 TDs, 3 PATs, and 2 FGs make 27.

My worry is looking ahead to Dallas. Even the Patriots are capable of such a thing. Working Monday was a good sign.

We should be able to contain Fitz by playing a corner under and a safety over the top.

I expect a balanced attack from us. I like us for 3 TDs and 2 FGs. How does 28-13 sound with maybe a late backdoor TD from the bad guys for a final of 28-20?

DarthMonk

I wasn't going to say anything about the 1 point error - Didn't want you to get fired from your new paid gig.

[Redskins_Fanatic]

I'll be in my seat at Goodbar in Boston tomorrow by kickoff time. Hopefully we'll have another good turnout (about 30 people last week) to watch the Washington Redskins BEAT the Arizona Cardinals: 31-17

[Manchester_Redskin]

another win for the skins

[Oldprofan]

The best thing going for the Skins in this game is that the Cardinals are travelling from the West to the East. That is really tough on teams playing early games. Therefore, it becomes a must win game for the Skins. After all, good football teams win the games where they have such advantage.

Good Point!

Unfortunately, it's also the reason this game is not a great test for the Skins to evaluate where they are this year.

I think that it is a good test because for the last couple of years, we lose to teams that we should beat. A one turnover or less win would say a lot for evaluating the team atmosphere. I do agree that we still won't know how good we are, but it will confirm that we are moving beyond the issues of the past. A loss here, would not be devastating to the team, but the fan base will take it hard because we have been here so many times. Beat or play well against a team we shouldn't beat and lose to a team we are expected to beat. We need to get past that tomorrow.

That being said, I can't remember a time when the Skins blew the Cards out of the water.. so predictions of 21+ points with Rex at the helm seem overly optimistic. I'm also fairly sure the Cards will elect to shut-down the run game as they did with Carolina- which means Rex is going to have to exploit the young depleted Cards backfield.

You just had to bring this fact up. You are correct; however, I made my 34-17 prediction knowing this fact and I am going to stand by it because I think that we can run against these guys. They play a 3-4 base. In preseason (I know it was preseason, but against the starters ...) we did well against the 3-4 Steelers and Ravens. Since you have history backing you up saying that a 21+ point win is overally optimistic is a fair assessment. I am going to remain overally optimistic.

Keep in mind the Cardinals generated the most offense in the pre-season (take that with a grain of salt of course) and scored 28 points last week, while missing a chip-shot field goal, fumbling a walk-in touchdown and losing an interception in enemy territory on a bad call ( so if things had gone well it could have been a 42-14 win over the Panthers). So holding them under 21 is gonna be tough- but that is where the Skins really shine... On D.

I think the coaches would agree with your analysis.

My take is the Cards are better than their close win against the Panthers, but Panthers aren't better than the Giants either, so I am basing my prediction on the Panthers being a lousy team and that had the mistake prone Cards on the ropes. The Cards are still learning their D.

One factor that does concern me is Cam Newton made plays with his feet to escape the blitzing and Rex.... Well... we better have that running game going and get some great protection for Rex or it will be a low scoring game.

As a pro fan with some familiarity with both teams I think this is a good post with some balance. Always hard to predict how the ball will actually bounce. But Skins fans don't seem to know a lot about the Cards. They don't have Kurt Warner anymore so they are less likely to have the quick drives and scores. But their running game looks a lot better than what they had under KW. They are still learning their D and the shortened season really hurt them having a new DC and all. But they have talent on their defense and offense too so don't sell them short because of new CBs that were pressed into service due to injuries and a trade. Their DL is actually pretty good with a Pro Bowler on it and maybe another in the making. It may not be so easy to run on them. Much better to rely more on passing because that is their weakness now. I am sure that the coaches will not take them lightly. Shanahan visited the Cards when he took the job with Washingon to learn about running the 3 - 4 defense so he may know somethings about their defense other than what's on film.

I have visited the Cards forums a few times and to sum it up and generalize: there are the usual fans who are predicting victory, but several are cautious or even doubtful about winning. They worry most about their defensive backfield after seeing last week's performance, the effect of traveling to the East Coast, and if their starting inside LB Daryl Washington will be able to play, he is a force. They are not worried about your running game or in general being able to score points although Kolb still has to be a question mark for them even after last week's competent performance.

[Red_One43]

As a pro fan with some familiarity with both teams I think this is a good post with some balance. Always hard to predict how the ball will actually bounce.

I would say it is impossible to predict and key injuries as well. We all know that on "Any Given Sunday... so I don't think that one needs to mention about unpredictable balls bouncing. Unless some fans are related to Karnak

But Skins fans don't seem to know a lot about the Cards.

And Cards fans don't know a lot of the Skins. I have no ideas about the intangibles concerning the Cards, but I do know about a key intangible about the Skins - this isn't last year's Skins - not just in personel but in attitude - they have Shanny's attitude - Day off? No, we will practice - says Fletcher.

They don't have Kurt Warner anymore so they are less likely to have the quick drives and scores.

We do know this and not having Warner was one of the reasons that they were horrible last year.

But their running game looks a lot better than what they had under KW.

Against the Panthers? To early too tell. but like you said I don't know everything about the Cards such as how they looked in preseason against starters. Our D line is clearly improved just by looking at a man for man comparison - Carriker was coming of a missed season because of an injury - he is better than the 2010 version. Bowen vs Golston. Cofiled vs Kemoeatu.

They are still learning their D and the shortened season really hurt them having a new DC and all.

We know that that is like to have a season still learning the D. It was bad enough for a regular off season. It was blown assignments that cost the Cards dearly last week

But they have talent on their defense and offense too so don't sell them short because of new CBs that were pressed into service due to injuries and a trade.

If Warner hadn't have retired before last year, the Cards might have contended for the play-offs. Their coach is solid. It was not his fault that they didn't have a QB to replace Warner - thank the Bidwells for not listening to him. No reason to believe that the Cards will not be one of the most improved teams this year.

Their DL is actually pretty good with a Pro Bowler on it and maybe another in the making.

Them are ex Steelers on that coaching staff! They know what they are doing with the D.

It may not be so easy to run on them.

It may not be easy to run on them, but we will. Why do I say that, our guys pushed around the Steelers and the Ravens starters - that doesn't prove that we will do it tomorrow, but this is just a fan talking here not an expert. What fans saw against RAvens and Steelers starters gives a reason to believe that it can be done. Does zone blocking executed to precision work better against 3-4 linemen? I don't have the time to do that research, so I am going to say yes with the shred of evidence I have.

Much better to rely more on passing because that is their weakness now.

Yeah, but Grossman can't run around and buy time from the blitz like Cam can, so I would prefer that Grossman rarely throw because we have to. When that running game gets going, the heat of the blitzers with diminish.

I am sure that the coaches will not take them lightly. Shanahan visited the Cards when he took the job with Washingon to learn about running the 3 - 4 defense so he may know somethings about their defense other than what's on film.

You have my guarantee that Shanny is not taking the Cards lightly. They now run a D very similar to the Steelers which happens to be a defense like ours - very similar to the Steelers. Shanny knows something about their D, but they know something about ours as well.

I have visited the Cards forums a few times and to sum it up and generalize: there are the usual fans who are predicting victory,

That's what fans do.

but several are cautious or even doubtful about winning.

Looking at who the Cards beat and who the Skins beat and how they beat them and that it is a 1:00pm East Coast game, they should be cautious or even doubtful about winning.

They worry most about their defensive backfield after seeing last week's performance, the effect of traveling to the East Coast, and if their starting inside LB Daryl Washington will be able to play, he is a force.

All the more reason to be cautious or even doubtful

They are not worried about your running game

The fans aren't worried about our running game but I bet the coaches are. The Giant coached didn't put 8 in the box because they weren't worried about. They knew that the preseason film was no fluke. The contained our running game, but paid for through the air.

Another thing the Card coaches mentioned is Orakpo and Kerrigan coming off the ends. They didn't get sacks last week, but they are renlentless pass rushers - Rak forced Manning to step up when Neild got one of his sacks.

or in general being able to score points although Kolb still has to be a question mark for them even after last week's competent performance.

The probably saw highlights of Reed Doughty biting on that double move.

They also haven't forgotten that #11 is on their team.

[skinsfan27563]

I don't think this has been brought up but given AZ's defense, we might be better served if Shannahan started John Beck today. I feel that we are in the enviable position to play whichever QB has the best potential against whichever opponent. I really like Beck's bootleg mobility. Just saying. !