Cardinals vs. Redskins: 5 Things We Learned about Washington on Sunday

The Washington Redskins continued their fine start to the 2011 season with a narrow victory over a resolute Arizona Cardinals team.

The single-point victory moves the Redskins to 2-0 and guarantees them top spot in the NFC East in the early standings.

Washington was forced to scrap for the win by a spirited Cardinals outfit, who made enough big plays to always keep themselves in touch.

But the Redskins produced enough decisive moments of their own to eventually seal the win. 

Here are five things we learned about Washington after Sunday's battling performance.

5. Ryan Kerrigan Could Be the Biggest Threat on Defense

Building on an impressive debut showing, 2011 first-round pick Ryan Kerrigan was a disruptive force against the Cardinals.

The former boilermaker was a consistent threat as an edge rusher, utilising power and hustle to puncture the pass pocket.

Kerrigan's efforts yielded the first sack of his rookie campaign, as he continues to show an encouraging penchant for the big play.

The young outside linebacker is forming a dangerous tandem with Brian Orakpo and is fast becoming an offensive coordinator's nightmare.

4. The Redskins' Passing Attack Is a Lot Better Than Anticipated

For the second straight week, the Redskins' passing attack played a significant part in the team's victory.  Orchestrated with some well-designed plays by Kyle Shanahan, Washington's passing game is fast becoming a genuine threat to opposing defenses.

Quarterback Rex Grossman has played far better than many would have anticipated, but a major portion of the credit also belongs to the receivers.

Tight end Fred Davis is rapidly emerging from Chris Cooley's shadow and becoming a feature of the offense.  But it is perhaps the wideouts who are the most pleasant surprise.

Led by the aging but still effective Santana Moss, Redskins flankers have been highly productive in the first two weeks.

Moss and free-agent Jabar Gaffney have combined to deliver some clutch receptions and make a lot of plays after the catch.

Burner Anthony Armstrong remains a genuine vertical threat, and for the first time in a long time, the Redskins possess a stable of receivers capable of exposing a defense.

3. Opportunistic Defense Can Now Win a Game

The 2011 Redskins defense seems determined to prove that last season's 31st ranked horror show was a mere aberration.

Better personnel has contributed to the unit being the driving force behind the team's fast start.  The most pleasing aspect of the defense so far, has been its knack for generating crucial turnovers.

Ryan Kerrigan's interception return against the Giants turned that game permanently in the favour of the Redskins.

Jim Haslett's group was at it again on Sunday, forcing two important turnovers against the Cardinals.  Consistent pressure on the pocket and aggressive downhill pursuit are creating plenty of opportunities for takeaways.

Washington's 3-4 front will need to continue their ball-hawking ways if the team hopes to build on its early promise.

2. Tim Hightower and Roy Helu Are Forming a Productive Backfield Combination

Former Cardinal Tim Hightower and fourth-round rookie Roy Helu are demonstrating the potential to be a potent rushing duo for the Redskins this season.

Hightower is showing that he can grind out the yards and control the clock.  It would be nice to see his 3.7 average improve, but Hightower is still also capable of breaking away for long gains.

Youngster Helu is providing the ideal complement.  His quickness and elusive moves have led to an impressive 6.9 yards per carry average.  The first year back is proving to be a useful change of pace option, particularly late in games. 

Washington's backfield mates need to continue producing and put Rex Grossman in manageable down and distance situations.

1. There's a Newfound Spirit and Determination To Achieve Victory

After Larry Fitzgerald shredded the secondary for a 70-plus yard score to give the Cardinals a late edge, the fear existed that the Redskins would simply fold.

In recent seasons, that would have been the norm for the team.  But already in 2011, the Redskins have shown a very encouraging desire and hunger for victory.

In both of their opening games, Washington has overcome early deficits, and Mike Shanahan's team managed a late comeback to snatch the win from the Cardinals.

On both sides of the ball, the Redskins are fighting to find ways to make the plays when it matters the most.

This kind of tenacity bodes well for the rest of the campaign and is a refreshing change from the regular capitulations witnessed under the previous regime.

There are plenty of reasons for optimism about the Redskins after the first two weeks of the season.  Both sides of the ball are producing better than anticipated results.

The patchwork secondary and calamitous special teams continue to be a worry, but so far, the rest of the team has worked pick up the slack.

A 2-0 start is more than many Redskins fans may have hoped for.  The victories may have come at home and sterner tests do lie ahead, but the atmosphere surrounding the franchise is genuinely positive for the first time in a long while.