Keys to victory 1 Help Smith » Undrafted free agent left tackle Willie Smith has showed a little promise after two outings, but he also has shown he has a long way to go to become a legitimate starter. There’s nothing wrong with that; it’s why he was undrafted. But it does mean that he’ll need help vs. Jared Allen on Saturday. Allen enters with 17.5 sacks and will give anyone fits. The Redskins must have the running backs chip and tight ends help often.
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2 Beware the playmakers » Minnesota hasn’t had a lot of success offensively, ranking 19th in points scored. But the Vikings do have running back Adrian Peterson, who averages 4.8 yards per carry and returned last week after missing the previous three games with an injured left ankle. And receiver Percy Harvin can hurt teams as a receiver (787 yards), runner (293) yards and kick returner (36.4 yards on 13 returns). The question is: Will rookie quarterback Christian Ponder be aggressive enough?
3 Attack the secondary » The Redskins probably don’t need to be reminded to do this considering they like doing it already. However, Minnesota ranks 30th in passing yards allowed and has surrendered an NFL-high 13 receptions of 40 yards or more. With cornerback Antoine Winfield out for the season, they lack a legitimate starter in the secondary. The Vikings have gone nine games without intercepting a pass, though Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman has thrown one in 10 straight games.
Matchups to watch
PR Brandon Banks
He has been quiet the past four games and for most of the season. That could change.
vs.
P Chris Kluwe
He ranks 25th in net average thanks to poor coverage. Minnesota ranks 29th covering punts.
RT Jammal Brown
He’s expected to return after missing the past two games with a groin injury.
vs.
OLB Chad Greenway
He’s excellent against the run, one reason Minnesota is sixth in yards per carry allowed.
DE Stephen Bowen
He’s continuing to improve as a pass rusher and could harass Ponder.
vs.
LG Joe Berger
He will replace Steve Hutchinson if he can’t play because of a concussion. Mismatch.
Expert’s Take
“What scares you about Adrian Peterson is when he gets to the second level if you’re a defensive back. That’s when he gets his pads square. He has a couple things going for him. He has lateral ability, he has a stiff-arm and he can lower his pads and put a shot right on you. The hardest thing is tackling him. You can’t try to cut his legs out and throw your shoulder at him. That’s not good enough. You have to wrap up on this guy, and it will hurt when you to tackle him. It’s not fun.”
– Ex-Redskins safety Matt Bowen, now a columnist for National Football Post.
Examiner predicts …
Was last week the start of a good finish or a one-game blip? This game will reveal the answer. We’ll take the momentum.
Redskins 23, Vikings 17
