NFL 2011: Washington Redskins' Keys for Victory in Week 2

In an emotional Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants, the Washington Redskins had one goal in mind: keep the game close, and try to come out a winner in the end.

What happened, though, was far different. The Redskins put together a complete team effort and cruised to a surprisingly easy 28-14 victory against a team that has owned them in the past couple of seasons.

It is important that the Redskins try to avoid a letdown against a very potent Cardinals team that defeated the Carolina Panthers 28-21 this past Sunday.  The Cardinals were not given too much credit for their win, since most of the attention following the game was diverted towards the Panthers' rookie quarterback Cam Newton, who torched Arizona's secondary for 422 yards.

Lost in the final score was the solid performance of new Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb, who threw for 309 yards while leading a comeback to win the game.

How can the Redskins defeat the Cards in Week 2?  Here are five keys that will ensure victory:

1. Run the ball well consistently.  The Redskins got away with this in Week 1.  While they did run the ball consistently, they didn't necessarily leave fans in awe of the performance.  Tim Hightower had a gritty 72 yards on 25 carries and played very well in the first half before disappearing in the second.  

The Redskins can't rely on their passing game every week, so it is absolutely imperative that they establish a dominant ground game.

2. Eliminate Larry Fitzgerald.  Trying to name another legitimate receiver in the Cardinals lineup other than Fitzgerald is tough.  

He is really the only option Arizona has in terms of a consistent, week-to-week star at receiver. If the Redskins take him out of the game and make him a non-factor, the Cardinals should have a tough time getting the ball downfield.

3. Win the turnover battle.  It feels almost pointless to make this a key to the game because teams always want to win the turnover battle.  But the Redskins have not been a very good turnover-forcing team the last couple of years, and against a great offense, it is important to take the ball out of the opposition's hands.

The Redskins forced one turnover against the Giants (returned for a touchdown by rookie linebacker Ryan Kerrigan) and should aim to force at least two against Arizona in order to slow the Cards' offense down.  Pressuring Kevin Kolb will be the best way to force errant throws.

4. Find the end zone in the red zone.  In the preseason, it seemed as though the Redskins could do anything they wanted on offense, except score touchdowns once they got inside the 20-yard line.  

Against the Giants the Redskins were superb, scoring touchdowns three times in four chances in the red zone.  Part of the reason Washington won so convincingly was because they scored six instead of settling for a field goal. Against a team that will put up points like Arizona, the Redskins must make sure that they score touchdowns inside the 20.

5. It's all about Rex.  Of course I was going to mention Rex Grossman as a key to the game.

He surprised nearly everyone last week by shredding the Giants for 305 yards and winning the game instead of simply managing it.  Grossman will be under pressure to have a big day against a Cardinals secondary that looked nothing short of awful against a rookie quarterback in Week 1.  

Of note: Grossman only has four 300-yard passing games in his career; he has three of them in his last four games as a Redskin, to go along with nine touchdowns and four interceptions.