No. 1: Sam Bradford throws for 300-plus yards and no picks in debut
Over the course of his career, quarterback Sam Bradford is often called one of the most accurate passers in the NFL. But over that same time the big “if he’s healthy” lingers, as well.
The last time Bradford was able to play most of the regular season was in 2016 — he played 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings.
Although the Vikings went 7-8 in those games, Bradford had a career year for himself. He threw for 3,877 yards, 20 touchdowns to only five interceptions, all while setting the NFL single-season record for completion percentage (71.6).
“Every time he’s healthy, he’s a very accurate, precise quarterback,” Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said, via USA Today Sports. “Nobody can doubt that his arm is very talented. And something we have to do is figure out ways to disrupt his timing for us to have a chance.”
While everyone can focus on Bradford’s left knee, there’s no questioning the abilities of his right arm. Mix in the fact that he’ll be handing the ball off to All-Pro running back David Johnson and throwing to Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals can make some noise if he stays healthy.
The Redskins ranked 21st in total defense in 2017. Ninth against the run, 32nd (last) against the pass, respectively.
They do still have an elite pass-rusher in Ryan Kerrigan, who totaled 13 sacks during the 2017 campaign. Couple that with a great cornerback in Josh Norman, and Bradford and Co. could have their hands full with this defense if the protection does not hold up.
Bradford seems poised and ready to let let his skill players go to work after distributing the ball to them.
“We’ve got a lot of pieces and we feel comfortable with getting a number of guys the football on Sunday,” he said. “I’m going to go out there and try to play to the best of my ability, just get it in their hands and let them make plays, and if I can do that, I think we’ve got a chance to be pretty good.”
Should the running game look as good as it did in the preseason and Bradford is able to get the ball out quick, Bradford will be able to put on a show in front of the home crowd in his Cardinal debut.
Look for a 300-yard day, one touchdown pass and no picks for the accurate veteran.