GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals were division rivals for more than three decades, but the history of the series is not bursting with memorable results or moments. Redskins-Cowboys, this is not.
But the Redskins did not need a sexy Week 1 matchup to leave the desert wearing smiles.
For starters, their 24-6 win over Arizona reversed the trend of four straight losses in season openers under Jay Gruden’s tenure. And quarterback Alex Smith and running back Adrian Peterson put successful team debuts in the books — crucial for both the short-term goal of winning the game and the long-term intention of having a competitive season.