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NFL · Week 1 · September 8, 2002 · 12 min read

Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Commanders: 2002 Week 1 Recap

Commanders defeat Cardinals 31–23 in Week 1

R.Gardner led Fantasy Impact as Commanders prevailed in a 23–31 Week 1 finish.

Arizona Cardinals 23 0–1
Final 23–31
Washington Commanders 31 1–0 Winner
Winner
Washington Commanders
Final score
23–31
Halftime
Arizona Cardinals 13–10 Washington Commanders
Top passer
S. Matthews
FantasyHQ MVP
R.Gardner
Game date
September 8, 2002

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

  • Denzel Boston 7 REC · 138 YDS · 1 TD +7.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Jack Plummer
    Jack Plummer 14/39 · 198 YDS · 2 TD +1.7 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Jenkins 1 REC · 18 YDS +1.2 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

  • R.Gardner 7 REC · 131 YDS · 1 TD +12.0 Fantasy Impact
  • S.Matthews 28/42 · 320 YDS · 3 TD +6.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Darwin Thompson
    Darwin Thompson 4 REC · 45 YDS · 1 TD +5.2 Fantasy Impact
View Cardinals vs Commanders box score View all 2002 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Washington Commanders
Final score
Washington Commanders 31–23 Arizona Cardinals
Halftime
Arizona Cardinals 13–10 Washington Commanders at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
R. Gardner
Top passer
S. Matthews
Biggest EPA play
(1:10) 6-S.Matthews pass INTERCEPTED by 92-B.Tanner at WAS 25. 92-B.Tanner to WAS 8 for 17…
Game date
2002-09-08

Game summary

The Washington Commanders beat the Arizona Cardinals 31–23 on 2002-09-08, overcoming Arizona Cardinals's 13–10 halftime lead. R. Gardner posted a game-high +12.02 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 17 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Arizona Cardinals10337023
Washington Commanders37147031

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

ARIArizona Cardinals
WASWashington Commanders

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

16 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. WASWashington Commanders
    Q1 8:48FG
    BCB. Conway

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 18
    Score
    0-3

    (8:48) 5-B.Conway 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.

  2. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 3:03FG
    BGB. Gramatica

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 18
    Score
    3-3

    (3:03) 7-B.Gramatica 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.

  3. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 0:22TD
    Jack Plummer

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 7
    Score
    9-3

    (:22) 16-J.Plummer scrambles right end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 0:10XP
    BGB. Gramatica

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 2
    Score
    10-3

    7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.

  5. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 10:16TD
    KLK. Lockett

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 26
    Score
    10-9

    (10:16) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 83-K.Lockett for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 10:10XP
    BCB. Conway

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 2
    Score
    10-10

    5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.

  7. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 3:49FG
    BGB. Gramatica

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 2
    Score
    13-10

    (3:49) 7-B.Gramatica 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.

  8. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 9:55TD
    Shaquan Davis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 3
    Score
    13-16

    (9:55) 48-S.Davis left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 9:51XP
    BCB. Conway

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 2
    Score
    13-17

    5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.

  10. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q3 8:26FG
    BGB. Gramatica

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 21
    Score
    16-17

    (8:26) 7-B.Gramatica 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.

  11. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 6:35TD
    RGR. Gardner

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 43
    Score
    16-23

    (6:35) 6-S.Matthews pass to 87-R.Gardner for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 6:28XP
    BCB. Conway

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 2
    Score
    16-24

    5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.

  13. WASWashington Commanders
    Q4 12:21TD
    Darwin Thompson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 17
    Score
    16-30

    (12:21) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 88-D.Thompson for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. WASWashington Commanders
    Q4 12:08XP
    BCB. Conway

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 2
    Score
    16-31

    5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.

  15. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 10:52TD
    DBDenzel Boston

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 29
    Score
    22-31

    (10:52) 16-J.Plummer pass to 89-D.Boston for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  16. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 10:39XP
    BGB. Gramatica

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 2
    Score
    23-31

    7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1R. Gardner · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +12.02 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.50 EPA/play
  2. 2Denzel Boston · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +7.77 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
  3. 3S. Matthews · Washington Commanders · Passing · +6.55 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
  4. 4Darwin ThompsonDarwin Thompson · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.17 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.29 EPA/play
  5. 5Jack PlummerJack Plummer · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +1.69 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.04 EPA/play
  6. 6Darwin ThompsonDarwin Thompson · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +1.64 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.64 EPA/play
  7. 7K. Lockett · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.61 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
  8. 8M. Jenkins · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.24 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

R. Gardner — WAS · Receiving

R. Gardner posted the highest total EPA (+12.02) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Washington Commanders. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +1.50 EPA per play.

R. Gardner's top snap (+3.90 EPA): (6:35) 6-S.Matthews pass to 87-R.Gardner for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-6.69 EPA): S. Matthews — (1:10) 6-S.Matthews pass INTERCEPTED by 92-B.Tanner at WAS 25. 92-B.Tanner to WAS 8 for 17 yards (76-J.Jansen). Penalty on WAS-66-B.Stai, Illegal Touch Pass, declined.

Quarterback report card

S. Matthews led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • S. Matthews (Washington Commanders) · 42 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +0.16 EPA/play · +6.55 total EPA
  • Jack PlummerJack Plummer (Arizona Cardinals) · 39 dropbacks · 35.9% completion · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.69 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatArizona CardinalsWashington Commanders
Offensive EPA/play+0.073+0.096
Offensive success rate42.7%46.9%
Pass EPA/play+0.043+0.156
Rush EPA/play-0.031+0.097
Defensive EPA/play-0.096-0.073
Defensive success rate53.1%57.3%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Arizona Cardinals +0.07, Washington Commanders +0.10) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Arizona Cardinals: +0.07 EPA/play (69th percentile vs. 2002 team-game averages)
  • Washington Commanders: +0.10 EPA/play (76th percentile vs. 2002 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: 12 drives, +5.47 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Washington Commanders: 13 drives, +9.25 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Jack PlummerArizona Cardinals — Jack Plummer (Q1 0:22)
  • Washington Commanders — K. Lockett (S. Matthews pass) (Q2 10:16)
  • Shaquan DavisWashington Commanders — Shaquan Davis (Q3 9:55)
  • Washington Commanders — R. Gardner (S. Matthews pass) (Q3 6:35)
  • Darwin ThompsonWashington Commanders — Darwin Thompson (S. Matthews pass) (Q4 12:21)
  • Arizona Cardinals — Denzel Boston (Jack Plummer pass) (Q4 10:52)

Field goals

  • Washington Commanders — B. Conway (Q1 8:48)
  • Arizona Cardinals — B. Gramatica (Q1 3:03)
  • Arizona Cardinals — B. Gramatica (Q2 3:49)
  • Arizona Cardinals — B. Gramatica (Q3 8:26)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–3. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ARI 18 (Q1 8:48) — (8:48) 5-B.Conway 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the WAS 18 (Q1 3:03) — (3:03) 7-B.Gramatica 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the WAS 7 (Q1 0:22) — (:22) 16-J.Plummer scrambles right end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q1 0:10) — 7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..

The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–3. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ARI 26 (Q2 10:16) — (10:16) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 83-K.Lockett for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 10:10) — 5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the WAS 2 (Q2 3:49) — (3:49) 7-B.Gramatica 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 14–3. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ARI 3 (Q3 9:55) — (9:55) 48-S.Davis left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 9:51) — 5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the WAS 21 (Q3 8:26) — (8:26) 7-B.Gramatica 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ARI 43 (Q3 6:35) — (6:35) 6-S.Matthews pass to 87-R.Gardner for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 6:28) — 5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ARI 17 (Q4 12:21) — (12:21) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 88-D.Thompson for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 12:08) — 5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the WAS 29 (Q4 10:52) — (10:52) 16-J.Plummer pass to 89-D.Boston for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q4 10:39) — 7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Washington Commanders (Q1 1:10) — (1:10) 6-S.Matthews pass INTERCEPTED by 92-B.Tanner at WAS 25. 92-B.Tanner to WAS 8 for 17 yards (76-J.Jansen). Penalty on WAS-66-B.Stai, Illegal Touch Pass, declined. [WPA -17.8% · EPA -6.69]
  • Washington Commanders (Q2 10:16) — (10:16) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 83-K.Lockett for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +3.93]
  • Washington Commanders (Q3 6:35) — (6:35) 6-S.Matthews pass to 87-R.Gardner for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.9% · EPA +3.90]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q3 9:44) — (9:44) 16-J.Plummer pass to 89-D.Boston to WAS 26 for 34 yards (54-J.Trotter). [WPA +11.4% · EPA +2.60]
  • Washington Commanders (Q2 0:44) — (:44) 6-S.Matthews pass incomplete to 89-Z.Flemister. [WPA -10.8% · EPA -1.68]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Washington Commanders (Q1 1:10) — (1:10) 6-S.Matthews pass INTERCEPTED by 92-B.Tanner at WAS 25. 92-B.Tanner to WAS 8 for 17 yards (76-J.Jansen). Penalty on WAS-66-B.Stai, Illegal Touch Pass, declined. [WPA -17.8% · EPA -6.69]
  • Washington Commanders (Q2 10:16) — (10:16) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 83-K.Lockett for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +3.93]
  • Washington Commanders (Q3 6:35) — (6:35) 6-S.Matthews pass to 87-R.Gardner for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.9% · EPA +3.90]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 10:52) — (10:52) 16-J.Plummer pass to 89-D.Boston for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +3.7% · EPA +3.45]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 8:48 · ARI 18 · Score 0-3
    (8:48) 5-B.Conway 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
  2. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q1 3:03 · WAS 18 · Score 3-3
    (3:03) 7-B.Gramatica 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  3. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 0:22 · WAS 7 · Score 9-3
    (:22) 16-J.Plummer scrambles right end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 0:10 · WAS 2 · Score 10-3
    7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  5. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 10:16 · ARI 26 · Score 10-9
    (10:16) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 83-K.Lockett for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 10:10 · ARI 2 · Score 10-10
    5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
  7. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 3:49 · WAS 2 · Score 13-10
    (3:49) 7-B.Gramatica 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  8. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 9:55 · ARI 3 · Score 13-16
    (9:55) 48-S.Davis left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 9:51 · ARI 2 · Score 13-17
    5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
  10. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q3 8:26 · WAS 21 · Score 16-17
    (8:26) 7-B.Gramatica 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  11. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 6:35 · ARI 43 · Score 16-23
    (6:35) 6-S.Matthews pass to 87-R.Gardner for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 6:28 · ARI 2 · Score 16-24
    5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
  13. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 12:21 · ARI 17 · Score 16-30
    (12:21) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 88-D.Thompson for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 12:08 · ARI 2 · Score 16-31
    5-B.Conway extra point is GOOD, Center-77-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
  15. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 10:52 · WAS 29 · Score 22-31
    (10:52) 16-J.Plummer pass to 89-D.Boston for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  16. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 10:39 · WAS 2 · Score 23-31
    7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Washington Commanders earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • R. Gardner (Washington Commanders) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders on 2002-09-08?

The Washington Commanders beat the Arizona Cardinals 31-23 in Week 1, 2002.

What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

Q1: Arizona Cardinals 10, Washington Commanders 3; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 3, Washington Commanders 7; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 3, Washington Commanders 14; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 7, Washington Commanders 7; Final: Arizona Cardinals 23, Washington Commanders 31.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

Arizona Cardinals touchdown — J. Plummer (Q1 0:22) Washington Commanders touchdown — K. Lockett (S. Matthews pass) (Q2 10:16) Washington Commanders touchdown — S. Davis (Q3 9:55) Washington Commanders touchdown — R. Gardner (S. Matthews pass) (Q3 6:35) Washington Commanders touchdown — D. Thompson (S. Matthews pass) (Q4 12:21) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — D. Boston (J. Plummer pass) (Q4 10:52) Washington Commanders field goal — B. Conway (Q1 8:48, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — B. Gramatica (Q1 3:03, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — B. Gramatica (Q2 3:49, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — B. Gramatica (Q3 8:26, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

S. Matthews (Washington Commanders), 66.7% completion, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +6.55 total passing EPA. Jack Plummer (Arizona Cardinals), 35.9% completion, +0.04 EPA per dropback, +1.69 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Commanders?

R. Gardner (Washington Commanders) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +12.02 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 8 snaps. Their top snap (+3.90 EPA): (6:35) 6-S.Matthews pass to 87-R.Gardner for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Arizona Cardinals

Now 0-1 L

Washington Commanders

Now 1-0 W

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