Arizona Cardinals: Defense will be in constant pursuit of Alex Smith

Expect the Arizona Cardinals defense to constantly pressure the Washington Redskins quarterback in Week 1.

The Steve Wilks era opens against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Wilks brings a defensive mindset to the Arizona Cardinals head coaching job. Expect the Cardinals defense to put extreme pressure on the Redskins’ Alex Smith.

Smith is the ultimate game manager as a quarterback. Arizona will have to fluster Smith into mistakes. The Cardinals front four on defense will have to unleash constant pursuit on him.

Arizona has a very good secondary. Patrick Peterson will have full lock down on any receiver in his general area of the field. The Cardinals will be able to prevent the vertical passing game but Smith is really good at dump off passes.

The Arizona linebackers will have to cover the backs coming out on pass routes. They will have to control the Washington running attack. Stopping Adrian Peterson will force Smith to throw. Wilks might put a spy on Smith to contain him from moving the chains with his feet.

The key to the game is upfront in the trenches. Arizona has to win the war of the linemen, on defense and offense. The Cardinals defensive front must play disciplined and not get pushed off the ball.

Last season, the Redskins offensive line gave up 41 sacks. They were ranked as the 24th line in pass protection according to Football Outsiders. Washington addressed the left guard spot by signing free agent Shawn Lauvao.

The Cardinals must get penetration to prevent Washington from finding its offensive rhythm. This is going to be a close game where turnovers are the difference in winning and losing. Arizona must create turnovers and score touchdowns.

Expect a Cardinals victory at newly named State Farm Stadium. Arizona needs a victory in week one before facing the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. Mark it down, expect the Wilks era to open 1-0 as the Cardinals win, 21-20 — let’s hope.