The Washington Redskins thrilling win over the Dallas Cowboys — on Monday Night Football, no less — is why we all watch sports, especially the NFL. It can’t be scripted. Every media pundit, every blog, even this website and writer, expected a Redskins loss. It was the perfect storm: Dallas was on a six game winning streak. Washington, though they had won the week before, started journeyman quarterback Colt McCoy on Monday night football in Jerry World. The odds were stacked against this team, and they responded in a big way.
In Monday night’s overtime victory, Washington showed more guts and heart than we have seen since the last time the Redskins bested the Cowboys in the 2012 NFC East division championship game. In addition to McCoy’s heroics, each phase of the game was able to contribute to the victory. Andre Roberts set the tone on special teams early with a huge punt return. Brandon Meriweather, Bashaud Breeland, and Keenan Robinson all showed the league that they were forces to be reckoned with. Even Perry Riley, who has experienced a rough season so far, was able to contribute in a big way to the team victory.
Now it’s the last game before the bye, and the Redskins are anticipating the return this week of their franchise quarterback. Quarterback Robert Griffin III has healed from his week 2 ankle injury and has been deemed cleared to play against Minnesota. As we said back in week 2, it will be important for Griffin to utilize his legs as much as his arm in order to be successful. In addition, though he got going late last week, running back Alfred Morris stands to benefit from Griffin’s return. Morris has been much more effective when the defense has had to keep an eye on Griffin as a run threat as well. If utilized correctly, and if he truly is 100%, Griffin can be a powerful addition to an offense that seems to be finding its stride for the 3-5 Redskins.
Minnesota is also 3-5 and coming off an overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although it seems that the victory was more about what Tampa Bay didn’t do, rather than what Minnesota did. Minnesota is still without Adrian Peterson and rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has struggled early in his NFL career. The bright spot for Minnesota is that they have been posting solid defensive numbers, keeping the team in the game when the offense has done so little. If Minnesota is going to beat the Redskins, they will need to take advantage of possible rust with Robert Griffin III.
Keys to the game
RG3, not Robert Griffin
There was a moment early in the week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars that ESPN 980 sideline reporter and Redskins legend Rick “Doc” Walker exclaimed the return of RG3 after a read option quarterback keeper. It is so true. The “RG3″ moniker paints memories of the dynamic Baylor quarterback we became infatuated with and the dynamic Redskins rookie, who carried a team on his back, that we fell in love with. He must return and immediately return to this style of offense. He is not yet a pocket passer, so they must utilize his speed to their advantage.
Intensity and heart
These are the attributes the Redskins defense and special teams played with on Monday night in Dallas. It’s important, because the talent isn’t quite there yet. Minnesota is dreadful on offense, but if the defense comes out stale, Bridgewater could quickly turn on his career against a marginally talented defense. If the unit comes out motivated for a win, this one could be over early.
Limit mistakes
Minnesota’s defense has been very opportune this year. Last week, their overtime victory was the result of a defensive touchdown. Still, Robert Griffin III takes care of the ball for the most part.
Our Predictions
Skins will win this one pretty easily, and we’ll be spending the bye week dreaming of playoff scenarios as the team will be 4-5 with Tampa off the bye. Redskins 28, Vikings 10
I expect RGIII to be a bit rusty, yet show enough of the things we want to see from him to inspire confidence in the future. I just don’t think the Redskins rebound on the short week to go on the road again after the hangover from the big win at Dallas. Vikings 24, Redskins 20
The Vikings are a struggling team to say the least. They have a rookie quarterback with few weapons around him and an average defense. The Redskins should win this game as long as they do not have too many penalties and/or turnovers. The key matchup in the game will be Murphy/Kerrigan versus Kalil/Loadholt; if we can win that matchup this should be no-contest. Redskins 27, Vikings 13
With Robert Griffin III back, the offense will be rejuvenated and ready to take on a Viking defense that gives up just over 21 points a game. On offense, Minnesota just doesn’t win when they score less than 20 and the Redskin defense will be able to hold rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater at bay. Redskins 28, Vikings 13
This game will come down to how well RG3 plays coming back after missing the last 6+ games. The Vikings defense is pretty good but I imagine it’s been tough for them this week to prepare for a Griffin-led offense, seeing as how he’s played in less than five quarters this season; not a lot of film to go off of. Tough to get a clear picture of what this offense will look like with him at the helm since he obviously brings greater mobility and big play ability to the offense than do Cousins and McCoy. Even with Griffin rusty, I think the offense still puts up points and the defense does fairly well coming off their best performance of the year. Redskins 27, Vikings 17