The optimism surrounding Sam Bradford disappeared quickly in his first game back on the field Sunday.
The Cardinals’ new quarterback did not have any issues with his surgically repaired knee after missing 14 games last year, but there was a lack of efficiency with his arm in the 24-6 season-opening loss to the Redskins at State Farm Stadium. Bradford had only 11 passing yards at halftime as the Cardinals fell behind by 21 points and he finished 20-of-34 for 153 yards with an interception.
“Obviously no one wants to start the season like this,” Bradford said. “We felt like we were in a much better position. We felt like we were going to come out here and play much better than we did.”
The passing game style was quick-strike as expected, as Bradford made decisive choices. However, more throws than desired hit the ground, as he completed only 35 percent of his passes through three quarters before finding a groove in the fourth.
“I’ll have to look for the (reason on Monday),” Bradford said. “It could have been footwork. It could have been bad timing. Obviously that’s a little bit uncharacteristic of my game, so I’ll definitely watch the film tomorrow and figure out where that came from.”
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was a reliable target, catching seven passes for 76 yards, but Christian Kirk had only one reception for four yards while Chad Williams didn’t catch a pass on three targets.
“We have to push through it, man,” Williams said. “We know all the time, all the hours, the dedication and work we’ve put into this. For us to come out and display what we did, we just know we’re much, much better than what we displayed. It’s a long season, long road. We’ll get back to the drawing board Monday. That’s the game. You take wins and you take losses. You get knocked down, it’s just, are you going to get up? We’ll get up this week.”
The Cardinals only had the ball for a total of 14 plays in the first half, and the final one was a kneeldown. They gained 32 yards on their first drive but then went three-and-out on back-to-back possessions while Washington built up its lead.
“All night we were playing catch up,” coach Steve Wilks said. “I think that was really the issue, that we couldn’t really get into a rhythm when we got behind.”
Fitzgerald said play-calling was not an issue in the passing game, and that the players must do a better job executing. He waved off the idea that a lack of time together in the preseason contributed to the opening-game struggles.
“I don’t need to play in the preseason,” Fitzgerald said. “I know how to play the game. I played it my entire life. Nobody played in the preseason. I don’t think that has anything to do with it.”
While Bradford is likely to take a lot of the heat, Fitzgerald saw the same player he has practiced with throughout the offseason.
“Sam is what we’ve known he is,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s a pinpoint passer, very intelligent, he makes great reads. He can make the throws. We’ve got to do a good job of creating separation and making his job easier.”
The players are eager to get back to the drawing board and flush away the negative emotions from the ineffective performance.
“We can’t let this game beat us twice,” Bradford said.
Images from the regular season opener at State Farm Stadium
Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) is hit by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is tripped as Washington Redskins defensive back Deshazor Everett (22) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks argues a call with referee Greg Gautreaux (80) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) slips past Washington Redskins linebacker Zach Brown (53) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals fans Edgar Balenzuela and Michael Clayton, right, toss beanbags priot to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) throws against the Washington Redskins during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Big Red before the game
Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, embraces Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill prior to an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Washington RB Adrian Peterson (left) and Cardinals RB David Johnson
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals fan Craig Trainor shows his Arizona Cardinals shoes prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals fan Rob Greer tailgates prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
LB Deone Bucannon wraps up Redskins QB Alex Smith
Cindy McCain, wife of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., embraces Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11), Patrick Peterson (21), Corey Peters (98) and Chandler Jones (55) as an honorary team captain during the coin toss prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins , Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Redskins QB Alex Smith is hit by Cardinals S Antoine Bethea.
Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford
Redskins running back Adrian Peterson scores a touchdown as Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon defends.
Cardinals RB David Johnson bursts up the hole
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald pulls in a catch.
Redskins wide receiver Paul Richardson extends as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Jamar Taylor defends.
Redskins running back Chris Thompson is hit by Cardinals defensive back Tre Boston.
Redskins QB Alex Smith pressured in the backfield
Cardinals running back David Johnson
Washington CB Quinton Dunbar (23) is hit by Cardinals TE Ricky Seals-Jones (86) after incepting a pass.
Larry Fitzgerald goes up for the catch
Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford attempts to escape the pressure.
Cardinals wide receiver gets wrapped up by the Redskins defense.
Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray performs at halftime
Redskins running back Adrian Peterson hurdles over the Cardinals defense.
Redskins quarterback Alex Smith gets a pass off as he is hit by Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is hit by Redskins linebacker Mason Foster.
Cardinals running back David Johnson on the carry.
Sam Bradford
Redskins defensive back Josh Norman breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones.
Cardinals safety Rudy Ford wraps up Redskins running back Chris Thompson.
Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk attempts to make the catch.
Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks (left) greets Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden after the game on Sunday.
