GLENDALE, Ariz. — Up and down the field on Sunday afternoon, the Redskins pushed, shoved and abused the Arizona Cardinals, leading to a 24-6 win in Week 1.

For much of the game, the scene unfolded like a middle school bully collecting lunch money.

Washington ran the ball at will, piling up more than 180 yards on the ground. Alex Smith was near flawless, with two touchdowns and no turnovers.

The Washington defense almost delivered a shutout, and held Sam Bradford and the Cardinals offense to only five first downs the first three quarters of the game.

It was a wildly impressive effort from the Redskins. But in a twisted way, the result also brings questions about Arizona.

Namely, are the Cardinals any good?

Let's start with the very clear fact that Arizona has some elite talent. Cornerback Patrick Peterson and pass rusher Chandler Jones are two of the best defenders in the NFL.

Peterson was largely effective, as the Redskins receivers didn't get much going, and almost nothing downfield. Jamison Crowder, Paul Richardson and Josh Doctson combined for less than 70 receiving yards, and Peterson deserves at least some credit for that.

Jones, however, was neutralized. He might have led the NFL in sacks in 2017, but in Week 1 of 2018, Trent Williams and Morgan Moses protected Smith from all sides.

The Arizona defense is likely going to finish the season better than what got shown against the Redskins.

While it might be hard for supporters of the Burgundy and Gold to process it just yet, this team might be for real.

With good health, which is hardly a given, Sunday's game plan seems replicable. Run the ball and stop the run.

About that last part: While Arizona will probably have better showings on defense, it's entirely possible the Cardinals offense is not good.

In his first game back from a 2017 wrist injury, running back David Johnson couldn't even muscle out 40 yards rushing. Credit the Redskins defense.

Future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald had seven catches, but nothing of note. Credit the Redskins defense.

Cards' QB Sam Bradford posted pedestrian numbers, at best. Credit the Redskins defense.

Some of that credit should be measured though. The Arizona offensive line is a humble group.

Like the Redskins showed, if the offensive line is plowing defenders off spots, the team will look good. Arizona never did that.

Arizona got steamrolled. They might be better than the Week 1 result, time will tell. But they also seem like a team that might be turning to rookie QB Josh Rosen sooner than later.

Regardless of the Cardinals offensive inadequacies, the Redskins went to the desert and pounded out a victory. That was the task, and the team managed it quite well.

How good are the 'Skins?

Washington has serious weapons on offense.

They have talent on defense, and the reality is Sunday's game did not seem like a fluke.

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