Cardinals vs. Commanders GAMEDAY Preview: The Sam Howell Era Begins

The wait is over to see new Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in action with Sam Howell leading the team at quarterback against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Washington Commanders kick off the 2023 season (and a new ownership era) against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field.

This matchup is highlighted by a lot of new faces for both teams. The wait is over to see new Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in action with Sam Howell leading the team at quarterback. At Howell's disposal are offensive playmakers Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson Jr., Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.

Sunday will be the debut for Arizona's head coach Jonathan Gannon, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers. 

The Commanders defense looks to get after quarterback Josh Dobbs or rookie Clayton Tune, as the Cardinals are still without Kyler Murray.

Washington's defense looks to bounce back after finishing bottom 5 in interceptions (9) and 26th in takeaways (18) last season. 

Washington is looking for its first winning season since 2015. 

INJURY UPDATE: Defensive end Chase Young is out with a neck stinger and may not be back until Week 3.

RECORDS: Arizona Cardinals (0-0) vs. Washington Commanders (0-0)

ODDS: Washington is a 7-point favorite vs. the Cardinals.

GAME TIME: Sunday, September 10th, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET

LOCATION: FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

TV/RADIO: Fox, BIG 100.3 FM 

THE FINAL WORD: Howell on extra motivation after being drafted in the fifth round in 2022:

"Obviously there's a little bit," Howell told Commander Country. "I felt like I should've been drafted earlier but at the same time I really don't put too much stock into that because it is what it is...at the end of the day I'm fortunate to be in the situation I'm in."

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