Cardinals Finally Capitalize in Capital : NFC: Phoenix defeats Washington, 17-10, for franchise’s first victory at RFK Stadium since 1978.

After stumbling to 4-12 records in each of the past two seasons, Phoenix Coach Joe Bugel was given a preseason ultimatum by Cardinal management: finish with a winning record or prepare to seek work elsewhere.

The Cardinals took a step in that direction Sunday, defeating the Washington Redskins, 17-10, for the franchise’s first victory in Washington since 1978.

“This is the week we turned it around. . .,” Bugel said. “We’re tired of losing. This is the start.”

The Cardinals (1-1) were well on their way to victory when Washington quarterback Mark Rypien left the game with a sprained knee. The Redskins tried to rally in the second half behind Cary Conklin, but all they could do was cut the Cardinals’ 17-0 halftime lead to 17-10.

Bugel, the Redskins’ chief offensive assistant for nine years before going to Phoenix, said the Cardinals felt bitter after last week’s 23-17 loss in Philadelphia--a game they might have won except for a pair of bad punt snaps, nearly a dozen dropped passes and a questionable officiating call.

Johnny Bailey returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown and Greg Davis kicked a team-record 53-yard field goal for the Cardinals before Rypien was injured in the second quarter after scrambling.

“I got flipped over like a pancake,” Rypien said. “I heard it plop. I did the same thing in college. I’ll miss only two or three weeks, hopefully.”

The Cardinals controlled the game from the outset, driving to the Washington one before the Redskins staged a goal-line stand. That only served to set up Bailey’s punt return four plays later.

Bailey went untouched after taking the 54-yard punt from Reggie Roby. Roby was making his debut for the Redskins after 10 years with the Miami Dolphins.