Vikings vs. Redskins Preview

Look for running back Adrian Peterson
to have a big day in his first appearance
at FedEx Field since injuring
his left knee last December.

Today on Vikings Corner we will prepare you for kickoff of Vikings and Redskins at 3:25 p.m. today. Can the Vikings keep the momentum rolling against Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins? The Vikings have struggled this season on the road, losing to Indianapolis and failing to register an offensive touchdown vs. the Lions at Detroit. The Vikings will be in the nation's capital in a hostile environment and will need to be ready to play. The Redskins pass coverage has struggled this season and is one of the worst in the NFL. If we establish the run early with Adrian Peterson and attack with the tight ends often, we will dominate this contest. The key on the defense is to force the Redskins into 3rd and long situations where Griffin III is forced to look pass. Brian Robison and Jared Allen need to be ready to contain Griffin III by staying in their assignments and not allowing him to get the edge. Robert Griffin III suffered a concussion in last week's contest vs. the Atlanta Falcons and is very vulnerable. It will be very amusing to see if he freely runs outside the pocket, or if he is more conservative.

This is the Vikings first outdoor game the Vikings have played in this season. Blair Walsh will have to contend with outdoor elements for the first time in his NFL career. Will he be as consistent as in a enclosed playing field? It certainly will be a storyline to analyze after the game tonight.

As earlier mentioned,the Redskins secondary is one of the worst in league. Former Vikings Madieu Williams and Cedric Griffin are members of this secondary. Both of these players were disappointing for the Vikings and are displaying the same type of play that ran them out of Minnesota. Christian Ponder needs to look across the middle and in the seams for his tight ends. In addition, the Vikings should be able to attack the Redskins vertically down the field. Look for Jerome Simpson to have an active role if he is healthy and plays through his back/leg injury.

Vikings Corner would like to send their condolences to defensive end Everson Griffen and his family for the loss of his mother. Griffen rejoined the team on Friday and is prepared to play today. I  hope the team rallies around Griffen and he plays well for his mom. The true chemistry by our team was shown by the support they gave Everson hours after the loss of his mother. The team visited Griffen and told him to take as much time as he needed to be with his family. Look for Griffen to have a career day at FedEx Field.

Let's go on a flashback to December 24th 2011, Adrian Peterson barreled through the middle of the line of scrimmage took a hit to his left knee and was down in grieving pain. Later he suffered a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in his left knee. 10 months later Peterson is returning to FedEx Field as the Vikings starting running back. This story is one of the most remarkable recoveries in NFL history. Peterson worked as hard as anyone throughout the offseason and kept his eye on his target return of September 9th for the Viking's season opener. He accomplished this feat and proved that through hardwork you can accomplish anything in your life. Expect Peterson to register a big day as he remembers his exit in his last appearance in Washington.

If the Vikings win today, they will be in sole possession of first place in the NFC North for the first time since 2009. This is much deserved for Coach Frazier and his coaching staff who have worked tirelessly to bring this team back to championship form. There is still much more season to play out and many more situations to battle, but if the Vikings can continue to play at a high level they can be a great team in this league. The key turning point of this season will be in the second half of the season, when the Vikings get their first look at the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.

If the Vikings can accomplish the key factors I stated in this post, they will defeat the Washington Redskins 27-24.

Skol Vikings!