ANALYSIS/OPINION:
There was a lot to like about Washington’s season-opening victory Sunday against Arizona.
The Cardinals were squashed and held scoreless for 54 minutes before finally cracking the end zone against a prevent defense to create the final margin, 24-6.
Washington’s key starters returning from injury — offensive tackle Trent Williams, halfback Chris Thompson and tight end Jordan Reed — resembled their old selves.
Newcomer Adrian Peterson looked nearly as good as ever, gaining 96 yards rushing and 70 yards receiving in his debut as the team’s starting halfback.
Then there was new quarterback Alex Smith, turning in a tidy performance of 255 yards with a 70 percent completion rate for two touchdowns and no interceptions.