In 2019, Kliff Kingsbury began his NFL journey with the Arizona Cardinals, charged with molding Heisman Trophy-winning rookie Kyler Murray. Fast forward five years, and Kingsbury is now invigorating the offense for the Washington Commanders, once again guiding another Heisman Trophy-winning rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
This Sunday, the Cardinals (1-2) will host the Commanders (2-1), bringing together Kingsbury’s past and present proteges in a highly anticipated clash.
The synergy between Kingsbury and Daniels has been electrifying, culminating in a standout performance this past Monday night in Cincinnati. In a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Bengals, Daniels was spectacular, completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. One of his completions was a game-winning 27-yard strike to Terry McLaurin, even while absorbing a fierce hit from Bengals’ safety Geno Stone.
“Sometimes the bigger the challenge, the bigger the smile,” remarked Washington coach Dan Quinn regarding Daniels’ composure under pressure. “He’s the answer,” echoed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Daniels’ remarkable completion rate of 91.3% is now etched in history as the highest ever for a rookie quarterback. The second overall pick in the 2024 draft, Daniels is proving to be a cornerstone for the Commanders as they head to Arizona. Opting for focus and continuity, Quinn decided the team would fly directly from Cincinnati to avoid distractions.
Quinn noted the difficulty of maintaining an even keel for a young team, stating, “One of the biggest challenges for a young team is not riding a roller coaster. It’s not easy because roller coasters are so much fun,” he said. “You can’t ride the highs and lows because they can both be equally dangerous.”
Awaiting the Commanders is a formidable challenge: the dynamic duo of Kyler Murray and rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison has quickly become a favored target, collecting three of Murray’s five touchdown passes, including a stunning touchdown on the Cardinals’ opening drive in their 20-13 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Despite this offensive prowess, Arizona struggled to maintain momentum, managing just two field goals over their remaining ten possessions. However, the Cardinals might have ample opportunities against a Washington defense that ranks last in the NFL in defensive passer rating (127.6) and has conceded more passing touchdowns (nine) than any other team.
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon is bracing for a challenging matchup, acknowledging, “They played really well on Monday night. They’re 2-1 for a reason. It’s a very important test.”
Washington’s offense will lack the talents of running back Austin Ekeler, who suffered a concussion, and defensive back Clelin Ferrell (knee), both ruled out by Quinn on Wednesday. Additionally, guard Sam Cosmi (Achilles) did not practice.
On the Cardinals’ injury front, defensive lineman Justin Jones (triceps) will miss the rest of the season, with Naquan Jones stepping in from the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. Tight end Trey McBride (concussion) and defensive end Khyiris Tonga (knee) were also sidelined in practice. Meanwhile, limited players included safety Budda Baker (quadriceps), offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (hamstring), linebacker Dennis Gardeck (finger), defensive tackle Dante Stills (shoulder), and Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps).
Prepare for an exhilarating showdown as past and present NFL stars collide in what promises to be a game filled with passion and high stakes!
– Field Level Average
