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Examiners offer insights in Week 2 battle between the Cardinals and Redskins

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Arizona Cardinals Examiner
The Phoenix area is blessed to have a pair of Examiners covering the local football scene. Scott Jones is the Arizona Cardinals Examiner covering the team exclusively while Mike May is the Arizona Football Examiner who covers all things football (NFL, Arizona State, Arizona, NAU) in the Phoenix area. The pair got together this week to preview Sunday's game. Here's each responded to questions based on the Week 1 win over Carolina.
 
1. Is there concern about the Cardinals defense which gave up huge yards to Cam Newton last week?
(Scott Jones, Arizona Cardinals Examiner): I think there IS cause for concern but NOT cause for panic. The Cardinals allowed a rookie to put up 422 yards on them last week, however they won the game. Patrick Peterson played like a rookie and made a few mistakes. Veteran Adrian Wilson was a bit rusty - even his coach said it looked like he hadn't been on the field in a while. BUT, the Cardinals did come up with the big stops when they had to. Paris Lenon saved the game with his stop near the goal line, Daryl Washington is playing like an All-Pro in his second season and Peterson showed everyone he has MANY talents. Concern yes, panic, no.
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(Mike May, Arizona Football Examiner): I have to agree with the concern but not panic take. First of all, let's not take anything away from Cam Newton, he played surprisingly well, perhaps even surprising the Cardinals secondary. A couple of key stats to keep in mind, the Cardinals managed to sack the very mobile Newton 4 times, and hurried or knocked down Newton more times than that. They also held the Panthers to 74 yards rushing on 27 attempts. While the breakdowns in the secondary hurt, there is still reason for optimism with this defense. Peterson was playing his first game as a pro and Adrian Wilson is seeing his first action of the 2011 season. I stress patience to the fans, this will come together, just give it time. Plenty to be optimistic about. (Note, Grossman last week was also sacked 4 times)
 
 
2. Who do we think is going to win the Hightower/Beanie battle this week?
(Scott Jones) This is going to be one of the interesting story lines of the week. Beanie Wells ran for 90 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers last week, while former Cardinal RB Tim Hightower racked up 72 yards and a short TD run himself. The Redskins under Mike Shanahan have always been known as a running team and I don't see that changing much. The Cardinals on the other hand have been trying to get a running game established for years. Sunday, I think it's going to be a matter of pride for the Cardinals to run the ball AND try and contain Hightower defensively. Will they have success? I think Hightower will still get some yards, as will Beanie. But as Herm Edwards has said many times before, "You play to WIN the game." Statistics are for Fantasy Football enthusiasts - Sunday, Hightower may get the better of the match-up, but look for the Cardinals to leave Washington with the win.

(Mike May) Tim Hightower rushed the ball last week 25 times for 72 yards where as Wells rushed the ball 18 times for 90 yards. Both teams showed a level of commitment to the run, Arizona last week ran the ball 25 times out of 54 plays (4 rushes by Kolb) where as Washington rushed the ball 26 times out of 64 plays.

My first reaction is that Washington commits to the run this week more than Arizona. I'm not sure how long in a season Rex Grossman can carry a team (without the Bears defense behind him anyway) where as Arizona may open the playbook a bit more for Kolb and allow him to take some more shots down the field. In the rushing yards catagory, Hightower likely wins the battle. Wells is on a potential playoff team and wins the war Sunday with a victory.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE CARDINALS COVERAGE FROM EXAMINER.COM

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells will be the center of attention Sunday in Washington in a Week 2 matchup with the Redskins.
Cardinals RB Beanie Wells will be the center of attention Sunday in Washington in a Week 2 matchup with the Redskins.
Photo credit: 
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

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, Arizona Cardinals Examiner

Phoenix-resident Scott D. Jones has been writing about sports on various levels for more than 20 years. He has covered football on all levels including Southern California high schools, Division I college football and the National Football League. His articles have appeared in various NFL...

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