VIKINGS (5-3) VS. REDSKINS (4-3-1)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, FEDEXFIELD, LANDOVER, MD. uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 712
Announcers: Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman, Kristina Pink
About the Vikings: Minnesota’s stunning 5-0 start seems a long time ago after Sunday’s heartbreaking overtime loss to the Detroit Lions extended the Vikings’ losing streak to three games and left them just a half-game up on the Lions in the suddenly tight NFC North. An offense that has battled to overcome gigantic injury issues, a shaky line and a feeble running attack had to shift gears in midstream after the surprise resignation of coordinatorquarterback whisperer Norv Turner last week. The defense hasn’t been shabby lately, but neither has it been the impenetrable force that carried the Vikings through a red-hot start.
About the Redskins: Washington didn’t play last week, but they had a loss. In this case it was LT the Redskins’ most accomplished and decorated blocker, who was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. The impact is potentially huge for a team seeking to break a two-game winless streak and take a step forward in the NFC East race as it enters the toughest part of its schedule. With Williams, the offense has been clicking lately, rising to No. 4 in the league in total offense and third in passing offense. Those rankings are directly related to the fact that
has been sacked just 11 times, tied for fewest in the NFL among quarterbacks who play regularly.
Williams’ suspension thrusts 6-8, 335-pound Nsekhe into the crucial role of Cousins’ blindside protector, but the Redskins say they aren’t Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams was suspended for four games.
overly concerned. In training camp, general manager said Nsekhe could start for “more than half the teams in the league right now” and was held back only because his competition was a four-time Pro Bowler. In fact, Nsekhe has played in every game this season and been solid, and when LG
was injured, he took over at left tackle while Williams was shifted to guard. Nsekhe will have to be more than solid against
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Griffen, who leads the Vikings with six sacks.
The star of Minnesota’s secondary has earned acclaim as a shutdown corner, but he has been battling a calf injury and had his struggles Sunday, most notably with two third-down penalties that led to touchdowns and a missed tackle on Detroit’s winning TD.
Through five games, the Vikings terrorized quarterbacks with 19 sacks (3.8 a game). That same group has managed two sacks in the last three games (0.7 a game), both by Griffen.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. New approach. Turner’s exit put Minnesota’s offense in the hands of tight ends coach who worked with QB
as offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles. His influence was seen immediately, as the Vikings focused on getting the ball out quicker in the passing game to protect Bradford, who had been pounded for 11 sacks in the previous two games. That could be critical against a pass rush that has 11 sacks in its last three games.
Minnesota K has missed four field goals and three extra points this season. After opening 12for-12, Washington’s has missed four of his last 10 field goal tries.
RB has been the Redskins’ featured back since the start of camp, but has been powerful and effective in a backup role. Jones’ tendency to fumble more gives Kelley an edge.
Andy Friedlander