No. 1: Defensive Line is as Good as Advertised

We’ve heard a lot about how good Washington’s defensive line will be in 2018. The addition of first-round pick Daron Payne to go with last year’s first rounder, Jonathan Allen, combined with Matt Ioannidis and another rookie, Tim Settle, give the Redskins plenty to be excited about.

In his brief preseason action, Payne looked like the dominant player he was advertised to be, while Settle was arguably Washington’s best defender in the preseason.

They face a tough test in stopping Cardinals running back David Johnson this weekend. This matchup will go a long way in determining which team wins this game on Sunday. While Johnson will have a few solid runs, it won’t be an easy day. He will get at least 25 touches between the running and passing games, but he won’t quite get to 100 yards on the ground.

The Redskins defensive line will also keep Bradford rattled. Washington has lacked the ability to get to opposing quarterbacks up the interior in recent seasons. That should change with Allen and Payne.

And on Sunday, each makes an impact allowing outside linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith to each get to Bradford.