Commanders Over Cardinals

Yesterday's Commanders win was a good one in a bugaboo game against a well-coached and passionate Arizona squad thankfully undefeated by the overwhelmingly obnoxious disrepect they had to endure for months previous to the contest.

Arizona is on film now. This was their best chance to surprise people. The element of surprise will get more rare as their season goes along. But if they can teach themselves to practice and play as hard as they did against Washington, they can be a headache THIS year. And if they get their QB back, who knows?

Washington's concerns about the offensive line were not dispensed with. Arizona sacked Sam six times. It was a glaring stat. The Broncos no doubt took note.

Got to back that rush off with the run. That's why they call it run-pass-option. There has to be a run threat. Can't wring hands about what they should have done with offensive line personnel. It is still an open question. But if they can't get better it will be tough on Quarterback room. You can't expect your QBs to withstand six sacks a game.

You have to understand, fairly or unfairly, you are training your quarterback to panic when you give up that many sacks. This is a particularly resilient young man at QB for Washington. So maybe you won't see it in his face. But make no mistake. He got the message. Don't ignore basic psychology.

Sam did not have his best game. He tried to do too much on the fumble that burped up an Arizona defensive TD. The Cardinals did what good defenses do against young QBs. They attacked. They got in the throwing lanes. They put their hands up after two seconds. Sam faced a team that had a plan for him for the first time this year. Maybe in his career.

He has to know Denver will copy what worked against him. 

But I would characterize his game Sunday as Kilmeresque. Billy Kilmer would have up and down days but when push came to shove he would win the ballgame for you. He was the Rooster Cogburn of NFL Quarterbacking. Perhaps not coincidentally, Bill Kilmer oversaw the proceedings in the Owner's Box with Josh Harris and Sonny.

After Sam suffered his setbacks, he showed True Grit and he put the ball in the end zone. Just like Billy.

Montez Sweat played like a monster. Abdullah Anderson had some plays. Jamin Davis was intense. Ridgeway was at the bottom of the pile again. Forbes broke up the last desparation heave by the Cardinals. The Legal Team of Payne and Allen laid down the law. 

The Defense carried the team. Sam was all the offense there was. The tight ends need to be more of a presence. Robinson, Gibson, and C-Rod need more touches. Gibson had that first down on a well-executed screen. Sam was not good on those throws to B-Rob in the flat. Don't make B-Rob go acrobatic to catch the ball. Gives the defense a chance to close.

If you are going to hit snags, it is best to hit them in a win. And in an early win. When there is a whole lot ground left to cover.