Long-term success is the goal

It only took two games to see the best and worst of Washington.

- RICK SNIDER

The touted defensive line looked so good against Philadelphia with eight sacks overall. It was neutralized by Arizona. So explains the 1-1 start.

The biggest surprise of the young season was how effectively Arizona stopped Washington’s defensive line. Sure, Washington managed three sacks that in most games is a good number. But the pressure just wasn’t there. Washington gained little push back. Arizona stood like a stone wall on many plays. That was impressive.

Sure, Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray danced past Washington for two rushing touchdowns. He’s going to do that to everyone. A very talented player who may be the NFL’s Most Valuable Player this year while the Cardinals are a legit Super Bowl contender. So, don’t hate the line completely because these days will happen.

But you saw what happens when the line with five first-rounders doesn’t dominate. The secondary looks very ordinary. With cornerback Kendall Fuller missing the first two games, it is an ordinary group still learning a new system. Overall, the young ones are playing well, but without pass pressure, they are naked and afraid at times.