Arizona Cardinals Vs Washington Redskins Analysis: Finally Preseason Is Over

The Washington Redskins in their preseason finale did not look nearly as sharp as they did against the New York Jets a week ago, and the end result reflected the difference.

Cardinals coach Ken Wisenhunt and company appeared to have full momentum and total control from the opening kick. As usual, the Cardinals aerial assault was at it's usual effectiveness.

The surprise that I got from watching this game was how the Cardinals running game was able to keep possession of the ball at the right times, including a QB scramble from Matt Hall for a touchdown late in the third quarter.

The Burgundy and Gold did not seem to have a solid answer for anything, literally, thrown their way.

The only person seeming to have a rough night against the Skins defense was rookie QB John Skelton who missed all three pass attempts and threw an interception. The other three quarterbacks for the Cardinals went a combined 12 for 17 passing for 187 yards.

Which in any case is a respectable night for a passing game and will normally keep your team close in any match up.

Particularly impressive, though, was how the Redskins two quarterbacks were able to pass the ball against a team known for it's secondary prowess.

Coming on the heels of signing his two year extension, John Beck had the worse night of the two, even if he did throw for more yards.  Beck went 11 for 21 passing for 132 yards, 0 TD and 1 INT.

Richard Bartel, making the most of his audition for another team, more than likely, had an impressive night, going 12 of 14 passing for 125 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT. Do not forget that this is the second week in a row that Bartel has thrown a fourth quarter touchdown pass.

I am sure after this game the Redskins front office are saying, "Did we resign the correct player?"

Another good glimmer of hope to come out of this game is seeing that Devin Thomas is starting to make a name for himself as a kick returner.

Listening to the telecast on ESPN980 radio 94.3FM, Sam Huff and Sonny Jurgenson were raving about how Thomas could become a great returner if "He learned to pick his angles correctly" because he has the explosiveness needed for that position. I could not agree more.

Overall, the Redskins gained some confidence with their second teamers and the return game did show some signs of life for the first time this offseason.

Now it is time for my favorite part of the article, here are my...Gameday Grades!

QB: B

If John Beck had not gotten the stats he did and this was based solely on Richard Bartel this would have been graded an A+.

RB: B+

Even though the yards per carry average was not that high, Willie Parker and company showed some explosiveness and ability to hit the holes that have not been seen much this preseason.

WR: A

The ball was spread around well and most of the receivers were able to make great adjustments.  For many of them, this was a great dress rehearsal for other teams .

TE: C+

Although they spent much of the game blocking, the blocking technique could have been better.

OL: C+

The Hogs were able to keep the sack total to three. During a regular length season only giving up three sacks a game would equal 48 total sacks per season which is not great but not horrible.

DL: B

Glad to see Haynesworth finally show up with his 3.5 tackles.

LB: C+

Covering the middle could have been better. The Cardinals slant routes cut them apart.

CB/S: C

Cutting off the routes and wrapping up completely would have gotten them a higher grade.

K: B

Last week's "MVP" missed a field goal but still showed some power nailing a 50-yard field goal after a holding penalty pushed them back.

P: C

I am still not impressed with Josh Bidwell's ability to pin the ball deep.

Return Game: B+

Only because Devin Thomas showed great flashes of ability. Note to Brandon Banks, if you want to make the team, you must catch the punt before running.

Overall: C+

Picking up blitzes on offense to get bigger gains and protect the quarterback would be what I'd stress in team meetings this week.

Gaining more penetration and cutting off receiver routes would be topics of interest for defense team meetings. Special teams meetings would be simple, hold onto the ball and run downhill while allowing your blocks to form.

Preseason auditions are over, the regular season is on the horizon and I, for one, am grateful. Have a great season. I will see you after the Dallas game for more Gameday Grades.