A new era of Washington football kicks off Sunday as the Commanders host the Arizona Cardinals from FedEx Field. It’s the first game for Washington’s new ownership group, led by managing partner Josh Harris, and the excitement surrounding the franchise is at a fever pitch.
The Commanders will play in front of a sellout crowd and are welcoming back multiple franchise legends, including some who were estranged from the team due to former ownership.
Buy Commanders TicketsWhile the Commanders opened as big favorites for this game — they are the second-largest favorite for Week 1 — they aren’t taking the Cardinals lightly. Washington has a lot to prove in 2023.
What do the Commanders need to do to ensure they come out victorious in Week 1?
We’ve identified three keys to a Washington victory.
Manage the emotion
FedEx Field is sold out. Many legends will be in attendance. Fans are as excited as they’ve been in a decade or more. Expectations are high — perhaps too high. With so much emotion on Sunday, head coach Ron Rivera must not allow his team to have another slow start. The slow starts have been a recurring theme under Rivera. The Cardinals could be the worst team in the NFL in 2023, but they are still an NFL team. Washington can’t allow Arizona to keep the game close into the fourth quarter because fans have seen how that movie ends far too often.
How embarrassing would it be for Washington to lose this game after all Josh Harris and the new ownership group have done to create this type of excitement? It would be a horrendous look for Rivera. He needs to make sure his team stays focused for four quarters.
Stay balanced on offense
This is a big game for offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. We saw glimpses of what his offense could do in the preseason. Thus far, Bieniemy has pushed all the right buttons since taking over in February. Bieniemy can’t lose focus of the opponent and get too pass-happy against the Cardinals. Yes, there is excitement surrounding quarterback Sam Howell and the passing game, but Bieniemy should stay balanced with his play-calling and keep running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson involved. Bieniemy has a lot he wants to prove in 2023. Winning convincingly in Week 1 would be a great start.
Eliminate the Cardinals' running game
Joshua Dobbs is expected to start at quarterback for the Cardinals. Rookie Clayton Tune could play, too. Regardless, it’s not the ideal quarterback situation, as Dobbs has only been with the team for a couple of weeks. The Commanders should focus on making the Cardinals one-dimensional. Eliminate running back James Conner by stacking the box and making Dobbs beat you. If he does, you can adjust.
But Washington can’t allow Conner to have a big game, which would help the Cardinals control the clock and keep them in the game. The Commanders should make Arizona throw the football as often as possible. That also allows Washington’s talented defensive line the opportunity to get to Dobbs.
