Cardinals keys to victory: 1. Protect the quarterback: This is especially true if Kurt Warner is in the game. One slight hit could cause a fumble. One big hit could end Warner’s season and maybe the Cards’ as well.
Kickoff: 10 a.m.
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Md.
TV/Announcers: Ch. 10/Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan
Radio: KTAR (620 AM, 92.3 FM)
Records: Cardinals, 3-3; Redskins, 3-2
Series: Dating back to 1937, the Redskins lead 68-42-1, including 42-18 at home.
Line: Redskins by 8 1/2
Cardinals keys to victory:
1. Protect the quarterback: This is especially true if Kurt Warner is in the game. One slight hit could cause a fumble. One big hit could end Warner’s season and maybe the Cards’ as well. And if Tim Rattay goes out, that could put the Cardinals down to their fourth QB this season. Then their season almost certainly would be done.
2. Be disciplined on defense: The Cardinals have to stay in their lanes to prevent big runs by Clinton Portis or Ladell Betts. One or two big plays could be the difference.
3. Win the kick return game: The Redskins are known for solid special-teams play. The The Cardinals must match or exceed them. This figures to be a low-scoring game. The team that has better field position to start drives has a leg up in putting together precious scoring drives.
THE INTRIGUE
These two appear to be about as average as you can get, even in a league that traditionally emphasizes averageness. The Cardinals looked better than that until their quarterback drama unfolded, but now their fortunes seem to change weekly. This is a critical game. A win would give them a 4-3 record heading into their bye week. The Redskins also are a mystery. Their 3-2 record includes a squeaker over the hapless Dolphins. But their defense has been outstanding, their special teams are well regarded and they have a rising young quarterback in Jason Campbell. This may be the year when Joe Gibbs makes a decision on whether to keep his NFL return going for a while.
INJURY REPORT
Arizona
Out: S Aaron Francisco (knee), LB Karlos Dansby (knee) Questionable: QB Kurt Warner (elbow), DE Joe Tafoya (hamstring), S Adrian Wilson (hamstring) Probable: WR Anquan Boldin (hip), T Levi Brown (ankle), WR Sean Morey (concussion).
washington
Out: G Randy Thomas (triceps) Questionable: T Stephon Heyer (hamstring), CB Shawn Springs (personal), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring) Probable: G Pete Kendall (hamstring), WR Santana Moss (hamstring), T Todd Wade (groin), C Casey Rabach (groin).
WHEN THE CARDINALS HAVE THE BALL
The mystery will be who will step in at quarterback and for how long. Maybe Tim Rattay will start, relieved by Kurt Warner in the hurry-up offense. Then again, maybe Warner will start, though that would prompt the question of whether Warner can stay healthy. In any case, the Cards will be boosted by the return of Anquan Boldin at receiver. They’ll face a Redskins defense that tries to take away the deep pass.
Cardinals offense
WR: 11 Larry Fitzgerald
LT: 69 Mike Gandy
LG: 74 Reggie Wells
C: 50 Al Johnson
RG: 76 Deuce Lutui
RT: 75 Levi Brown
TE: 82 Leonard Pope
WR: 81 Anquan Boldin
QB: 13 Kurt Warner
RB: 32 Edgerrin James
FB: 45 Terrelle Smith
Redskins defense
LE: 93 Phillip Daniels
LT: 96 Cornelius Griffin
RT: 94 Anthony Montgomery
RE: 99 Andre Carter
SLB: 53 Marcus Washington
MLB: 59 London Fletcher
WLB: 52 Rocky McIntosh
LCB: 24 Shawn Springs
RCB: 21 Carlos Rogers
SS: 30 LaRon Landry
FS: 21 Sean Taylor
WHEN THE REDSKINS HAVE THE BALL
Campbell is big and strong and thus able to shake off defenders and make plays while moving out of the pocket. He can hand off to either Clinton Portis or LaDell Betts. His favorite targets are wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and tight end Chris Cooley. They’ll face a Cardinals defense that likely will be without standout linebacker Karlos Dansby.
Redskins offense
WR: 89 Santana Moss
LT: 60 Chris Samuels
LG: 66 Pete Kendall
C: 61 Casey Rabach
RG: 77 Rick Delmulling
RT: 69 Jason Fabini
TE: 47 Chris Cooley
WR: 82 Antwaan Randle El
QB: 17 Jason Campbell
RB: 26 Clinton Portis
FB: 45 Mike Sellers
Cardinals defense
LDE: 94 Antonio Smith
NT: 98 Gabe Watson
DT: 90 Darnell Dockett
RDE: 92 Bertrand Berry
SLB: 97 Calvin Pace
MLB: 54 Gerald Hayes
WLB: 50 Monty Beisel
LCB: 26 Rod Hood
RCB: 25 Eric Green
SS: 24 Adrian Wilson
FS: 42 Terrence Holt
