After a first quarter that saw the Arizona Cardinals take a 7-0 lead, the Washington Redskins went back to what works best: a power running game. Former Cardinal Tim Hightower ran the ball 15 times for 83 yards in the first half, providing a much-needed boost to the Redskins offense after Rex Grossman threw two interceptions early on.
Neither Grossman or Kevin Kolb could get anything going on the passing front, even though Washington was able to run 41 offensive plays in the first half. The time of possession was skewed heavily in the Redskins' favor, and their defense proved to be quite effective at stopping the Cardinals' offense in their tracks.
Jeff King was the leading receiver for Arizona in the first half, catching two passes for 36 yards, including one that went for Arizona's only score.
The Skins brought a strong pass rush all half, rushing Kolb at every opportunity and limiting the team to only 85 net offensive yards through the first two quarters.
Washington got on the board with a 26-yard field goal, taking the lead with a touchdown pass from Grossman to Fred Davis, who was wide open in the back of the end zone.
Calais Campbell provided a big boost to the Cards at the end of the second half, blocking a Graham Gano field goal attempt to keep the score within a field goal.
At the half, the Cardinals trail 10-7. Ken Whisenhunt must account for the strong pass rush in order to give Kolb and his talented skill players a chance to work.