Vikings vs. Redskins: 5 Takes and a Prediction

It’s do or die time on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium, where the Minnesota Vikings (3-5) and the Washington Redskins (3-5) battle to inch closer to the playoff race. Here are some keys to the game I will be watching for.

RG Speed

Oct 6, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback

III (10) walks on the field prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Scheming for Robert Griffin III and scheming for Colt McCoy are two very different things. Both quarterbacks have their strengths, but RGIII is the without a doubt the more dangerous QB. His ridiculous wheels have killed us in the past and the Vikings will have to keep that in mind while dealing with a core of speedy receivers and a powerful running back in Alfred Morris. This is a big week for our linebackers, who will need to keep an eye on RGIII at all times. It will be a challenge but the speedy Vikings defense is just the squad for the job. I’m feeling another big game for Anthony Barr.

It’s Teddy Time

This is a huge week for our favorite rookie Teddy Bridgewater. A win would keep the season alive. A loss doesn’t exactly kill the Vikings, but definitely puts them on life support. It’s time for Teddy to get this offense rolling. Ben Roethlisberger threw for more touchdowns LAST WEEK than the Vikings have ALL SEASON. Yes, you read that right. Winning the field position battle is huge, which the Vikings have done as of late, but it’s time to start putting some points on the board. Averaging 17 points per game won’t get you anything but a nice draft pick.

Finish the game

In the last couple games, the team’s defense has played very well for about 90% of the game. Unfortunately, that other ten percent cost us one game and nearly cost us another. The Vikings have struggled mightily against two-minute offenses at the end of games. Who knows if this game will come down to a final drive, but I think it is very important for the defense to put together a complete game. If the offense isn’t going to put the game away, the defense has to.

Keep it up, Everson

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The Viking Age

Everson Griffen has been nothing short of a beast and it’s not just his eight sacks through as many games. His speed, faster than a lot of running backs, eliminates a lot of edge rushes and screen passes to his side. It’s important for Everson to stay the course, prepare well and bring it like he has all season. A bad game can ruin confidence just as fast as a good game can raise it. He is a leader on this defense and we need him to bring it week in and week out. 

Darren Sproles 2.0?

Vikings fans know very well how much an established running game benefits the offense. There were some serious question marks surrounding the RB position when Adrian Peterson was suspended. But Jerick McKinnon is doing his best to erase those. The diminutive speedster that many thought was a third-round steal in the draft has been fun to watch. He’s a perfect check-down for our young QB and has a particularly impressive speed burst out of his cuts. Also, Norv Turner has lots of experience with backs like McKinnon. Let’s see how he progresses in this offense, as he might be a staple on this team for years to come.

Prediction

I am predicting a close game with a low score. With both teams at 3-5, you can bet each will put it all out on the line. In another defensive battle, the Vikings win 21-17.

Oct 12, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of TCF Bank Stadium during the third quarter between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. The Lions defeated the Vikings 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports