It definitely wasn't even close to pretty at times, but the Minnesota Vikings avoided the worst start to franchise history and got their first win on U.S. soil as they topped the Washington Redskins 34-27 at the Metrodome. Initially it looked like the Vikings were in for a rough night after the first half, as the defense allowed a scoring drive on every Redskins possession in the first 30 minutes of play. However, as the second half came the Vikings defensive line stepped up and started applying more pressure to Redskins' quarterback Robert Griffin III, getting four sacks and forcing a lot more punts. Perhaps most importantly, the Washington Redskins got the ball back down a touchdown with about three and a half minutes remaining, and the same thought crept through every Vikings' fans mind: we've seen this movie before. Already the Vikings two minute defense had failed them three times this season, including just last week against the Cowboys. The Redskins were able to drive all the way onto the doorstep on the Vikings goal line, before RGIII's last past floated too far out of the corner of the end zone, and the Vikings defense held to give this team its second win of the season. As always, here's the grades for all the different position groups after the Vikings win:
Offense: B+
Even with limited possessions, the Vikings offense got it done today. In fact, even with multiple quarterbacks in the game for the first time all season this offense was able to keep chewing up yards and putting up points. Even when missing their starting tight end and two starting offensive lineman this team put out a great offensive performance and was able to outscore the opposition, the offense's primary job each game. Players at different positions stepped it up for this team, and that's why the Vikings are coming out of this game with their second "W."
Quarterbacks: B+
For the first time this season, the Vikings had to put in two quarterbacks to a football game as Christian Ponder had to leave with a shoulder injury on a goal line scramble. The injury was very unfortunate as Ponder was putting out his best performance of the season, as he was leading the Vikings on a comeback drive. Ponder was confidently leading the Vikings down the field and really had only one disastrous throw all night, when he made a bad decision on a long third down throw that was intercepted. After Ponder wsa taken out, Matt Cassel came in for the rest of the game and on his first play under center the Vikings reached the end zone. Cassel was able to take advantage of solid field position the rest of the game to lead the Vikings to scores, and his ability to lead the team off the bench was crucial to this team getting the win.
Running Back: A-
Time and time again, Adrian Peterson is still Adrian Peterson, even if the statistics don't necessarily show it. The important thing was that Peterson was still able to churn out yards for this offense, and threw in a couple of amazing runs to boot. Peterson's power and ability to push through tiny holes is still the best in the NFL, and there's still not a better running back to build an offense around.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A
The receivers and tight ends continue to step up no matter who is under center, not making big "wow" plays but producing despite subpar people throwing them the ball. The big hero of the day was tight end John Carlson, who caught seven passes for 98 yards on the day, starting for the injured Kyle Rudolph. Carlson had ten catches for 104 yards coming into this game as a Viking, so needless to say this performance was both unexpected and impressive. Carlson should be receiving a game ball in that locker room. Cordarrelle Patterson also caught his first offensive touchdown pass as a pro football player, and though the rookie still isn't involved that much in the offense he still impresses in his action.
Offensive Line: B-
The offensive line had its up and down moments today, but with two new starters this week this line has to be complimented for allowing the skill positions to make plays, which is there job. The Vikings' pass protection wasn't perfect, but Ponder and Cassel were given a chance on every play except for one first half Ponder sack. Right tackle J'Marcus Webb also missed a big block on a screen pass that was almost intercepted. In terms of run blocking, the line performed below average, but with Adrian Peterson the line only needs to let him slip through the line a few times in order to get big gains. The line could still be playing better, but they certainly didn't hold this offense back today.
Defense: C+
After the first half, this defense was about to get a giant F, but a second half redemption allowed this unit to salvage its grade and get the win. Four sacks on Robert Griffin III and plenty of pressure helped the Vikings slow down the Washington attack in the last 30 minutes. The defensive line took over the game after being disappointing for most of the year by slowing down the Washington rushing attack and giving help to the other levels of the defense. Not to mention, this defense was finally able to step it up at the end of the game. That's progress people!
Defensive Line: B
The defensive line looked like they were in rough shape in the first half, as while they were able to pressure RGIII they weren't able to bring him down, and the Redskins run game with running back Alfred Morris was churning up yards on the ground. In the second half though, Alfred Morris had a lot less room to run and the Vikings finally started getting home. The MVP of this line today has to be Kevin Williams, who tallied 2.5 sacks, his first multi-sack game since 2009. That second half was the kind of performance the Vikings need to see from this defensive line, as this team goes the way the line goes much of the time.
Linebackers: C-
The Vikings linebackers are still nothing to write home about, even though each of them made some really nice plays during the game today pressuring RGIII. Their problems came when they were asked to tackle in space, as there were plenty of times where Alfred Morris would be able to shrug off a tackle too easily or RGIII would be able to dart around the outside. Play-fakes also continue to give this unit trouble, as the linebackers bit hard on several different looks by RGIII that led to some big plays over the middle for the Redskin offense.
Secondary: C+
The Vikings' secondary still leaves plenty to be desired, but for the second game in a row these guys didn't play bad football despite having three of their opening day starters out due to injury. Andrew Sendejo could be seen around the ball frequently all night, but he as well as many other secondary members failed to wrap up Alfred Morris on a few separate occasions. Communication with this unit seems to be much improved across the board, as they only play where people seemed wildly out of position was a late first half touchdown for the Redskins, where multiple people were open in the back of the end zone. Hopefully that's a sign that some of the young guys on this squad are starting to grow up.
Coaching: B
The coaching staff overall has not done a tremendous job this season, but a win is a win and this staff deserves to bask in some credit over the course of this long week. The biggest thing the coaches did was activating this defensive line at halftime. Whether that was due to motivational factors or adjustment in scheme I don't know, but whatever they did worked. Leslie Fraizer will also be questioned for using a timeout late in the game, but really he shouldn't receive any flak for that move, because clearly it worked. I actually think a timeout there was very beneficial, as the Redskins were going to have plenty of time to run their last plays no matter what (they were already in a goal to go situation so had only so many plays they could run) and the defense looked tired (the Vikings only had 44 players dressed due to injuries). Plus, the defense was likely thinking about not wanting to blow another late lead. The timeout really seemed to calm the players down and the result: goal line stand. Ball game.
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