Here are some initial observations as the Redskins start preparations to play the Cardinals in the desert on Sunday.

—The season preview on the official Cardinals site is titled “The quest to reload”. The coach and quarterback who led them during a recent five-year run that saw them post double-digit wins three times and make the NFC championship game in 2015 have retired. Former Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks replaces Bruce Arians, and Sam Bradford will be behind center instead of Carson Palmer. The Redskins, of course, did some reloading of their own, bringing in Alex Smith at quarterback.

—Despite the fact that they only had 2017 All-Pro running back David Johnson for only part of their first game last year, the Cardinals finished 8-8. They won three of their last four games with the one loss coming by a score of 20-15 at FedEx Field in Week 15. The Redskins took at 14-3 lead, but they couldn’t put away a Cardinals team that didn’t score a touchdown. Blaine Gabbert led a late drive that reached the Washington 21 before four straight incompletions ended it.

—The Redskins spent the offseason trying to improve their rushing defense with the efforts continuing this week when they released pass-rushing specialist DE Anthony Lanier and replace him with DE Caleb Brantley, who should be less of a liability against the run. That revamped defense will be tested by Johnson, who racked up 1,239 yards rushing in 2016. He missed last season with a wrist injury, so there should be nothing wrong with his legs. Johnson also is a major threat catching passes out of the backfield, with 80 receptions for nearly 900 yards two years ago.

—As a side note, the player who led the Cardinals in rushing last year will be playing for the other team. Adrian Peterson gained 448 yards in six games with Arizona. His season in the desert started late after he was traded from the Saints to the Cardinals in Week 6 and ended early when he went to injured reserve with a neck injury in Week 14.

—Johnson’s comeback may be hampered by an offensive line that was among the worst in the league last year. They lost their best (least bad?) O-lineman to injury when center A.Q. Shipley suffered a torn ACL in training camp. They get back G Mike Iupati, who missed most of last year with a triceps injury. He should be an upgrade, but he is far removed from his days of being a perennial Pro Bowler with the 49ers. The other guard will be Justin Pugh, who was part of the problem on a bad Giants line last year. The last time Sam Bradford played a full season he took 37 sacks with the 2016 Vikings, so Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, and company could have some opportunities to make some plays.

—On the other hand, the Cardinals defense could be a handful. They were fourth in defensive DVOA last year and they have some All-Pro talents in CB Patrick Peterson and DE Chandler Jones (17 sacks last year). Linebacker Deone Bucannon is very active and can make some plays and Budda Baker, who is listed on the depth chart as a safety but could end up playing slot corner, could emerge into a star player in his second NFL season.

MORE REDSKINS NEWS:

-Season preview: Five pivotal games

-Roster moves: Redskins waive Lanier, add Brantley

Stay up to date on the Redskins. Rich Tandler covers the team 365 days a year. Like his Facebook page, Facebook.com/TandlerNBCS and follow him on Twitter @TandlerNBCS and on Instagram @RichTandler.