Following the Redskins’ loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday, safety D.J. Swearinger made it clear that the team’s lack of execution was a direct result of their preparation the previous week. It was, simply, unsatisfactory he said, and the results showed on the field.
A week later, Swearinger wore a smile on his face -- along with a gold necklace, sunglasses and hat – an indication of his sunnier disposition after the Redskins’ hard-fought, sometimes sloppy and persistently resilient 20-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at FedExField.
From the very first defensive series, which ended with an Anthony Lanier strip sack that linebacker Preston Smith landed on at the Arizona six-yard line, the re-dedicated focus and preparation from the practice week translated early and set the tone for the rest of the game.