The hype train of the Washington Football Team was brought down several notches after a embarrassing 30-15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The score was a lot closer than the game actually was.
Arizona beat Washington in all three facades of the game. The Cardinals offense throttled the Washington defense for much of the game. The Washington offense never got going until the outcome of the game was essentially settled.
The loss proved to be a reality check for Washington, who may have been flying high after a surprising Week 1 win against Philadelphia.
Here’s the top takeaways:
1. Player of the Game: Kyler Murray
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was the best player on the field in Arizona Sunday. He threw for 286 yards and a touchdown. He added 67 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. His only hiccup of the game was an interception to Washington safety Landon Collins on the second drive of the game.
Otherwise, Murray dominated the game. Washington’s vaunted defensive line was unable to rattle Murray the entire game. He completed 26-of-38 passes; was 8-of-9 targeting DeAndre Hopkins for 68 yards and a touchdown; and 7-of-7 to Larry Fitzgerald.
2. Another slow start for Washington’s offense
Week 2 was a repeat of Week 1 for Washington’s offense in the first half. They couldn’t get anything going. Dwayne Haskins was pressured early and often. Washington’s receivers struggled to get open against man coverage and Haskins missed multiple throws.
As a result, Washington fell behind 20-0 by halftime. By the time Haskins found some success, ultimately hitting Terry McLaurin for a 24-yard touchdown, the game was no longer in doubt. Washington was behind 27-9 in the fourth quarter.
Learning curves for Scott Turner’s offense are evident and has led Washington being outscored 37-7 in the first half so far this season.
3. Washington defense couldn’t contain Murray
Murray’s big day was predicated by Washington’s inability to apply pressure on him. Last week Washington defense sacked Carson Wentz eight times. Sunday, they got to Murray three times for just eight yards. He just commanded the pocket and when it wasn’t there extended plays with his legs.
Washington’s defensive line is good, but Murray was just better. Thus, the entire defense goes as the defensive goes for Washington. When they get to the QB, the cornerbacks can be aggressive and challenge throws. When the defensive line doesn’t, the secondary is exposed in space much like Murray was able to do this week.
4. Dwayne Haskins wasn’t good, but not to blame for all
In Washington, it’s favorable to blame the quarterback for any lack of success for the offense — and team for that matter. Reality is Haskins wasn’t good Sunday, completing 19-of-33 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown. He missed several throws. But, it’s not all on him.
Haskins can’t get comfortable with an offensive line that cannot protect him consistently. Wide receivers aren’t winning one-on-one matchups to alleviate the pressure from the second-year QB. The run game isn’t nearly as explosive as it can potentially be.
Throw in the fact, tight end Logan Thomas has yet to win a 50/50 ball this season. Altogether, the offense’s deficiencies don’t help Hakskins. And he is not developed enough to overcome those challenges. While, it may be clear Haskins has a long way to go. One cannot blame him entirely.
5. Brandon Scherff could be biggest loss this week
Sunday’s loss showed Washington has growing pains to endure for its long-term success.However, the loss of right guard Brandon Scherff could potentially be bigger. The three-time Pro Bowler had to be helped off the field in the second quarter with a knee injury. He did not return to the game.
Scherff was injured when teammate right tackle Morgan Moses blocked a Cardinals pass rusher into his leg. An injury to its best offensive lineman is something Washington’s O-line cannot sustain. Washington has struggled to protect Haskins, especially on the left side.
Losing Scherff for any extended left of time, could be detrimental for an already inept offense.
