5 Things To Know About The Vikings vs Redskins Game
By Adam Carlson
Oct 14, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) passes the ball under pressure from Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight, the Minnesota Vikings will be taking on the Washington Redskins live on Thursday Night Football. The game will be hosted by the Vikings.
Here are five things to know about tonight’s contest:
September 27, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; NFL reporter Alex Flanagan prior to the Baltimore Ravens game against the Cleveland Browns at M
The game will be called by Mike Mayock and Brad Nessler with Alex Flanagan. Like all Thursday Night Football on NFL Network games, the usual staff will be calling it. Mayock is a former safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. Nessler is a graduate of Minnesota State University – Mankato who got his start in 1984 calling basketball games for AM radio stations.
Dec 9, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Referee Ed Hochuli (85) makes a call during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Ed Hochuli will act as the head referee for the game. Hochuli earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UTEP in 1972, which is also where he played football as a linebacker. He is likely the most recognizable NFL referee due to his history of officiating high profile games coupled with his muscular arms while gesturing on penalty explanations. When not acting as an official, he is a trial lawyer and a partner in the Arizona law firm of Jones, Skelton and Hochuli, P.L.C. since it was founded in 1983.
Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier celebrates after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT
Vikings Leslie Frazier got his first head coaching win against the Redskins. While Leslie Frazier’s time with the Vikings hasn’t been the most successful, he has provided the team with some exciting moments. One of those was on December 24, 2011 when Minnesota traveled to play against the Washington Redskins. Backup quarterback Joe Webb led the team to the team’s third and final win of the year while completing four of his five pass attempts for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) returns a kickoff against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers win 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
If the Vikings win, this would be their first victory on American soil this season. Yes, the Vikings have one win this year, but that one win came against the Pittsburgh Steelers in London, England. Minnesota’s strong suit in the past has been their play at home, where the team went 7-1 last season. In order for the Vikings to not be one of the three worst teams in the league, they need a win on Thursday night.
Nov 3, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs off the field after the game against the San Diego Chargers at FedEx Field. The Washington Redskins won 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Redskins won the last head-to-head contest. Last year, Minnesota and Washington had a very exciting and competitive game. Although the Vikings came up on the short end of the stick that week, Robert Griffin III capped off the game with a 76 yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach for Minnesota. Hopefully the Vikings do a better job containing him this week.
On a personal note, I will be attending this game. I’m so excited to see two of the most exciting teams go head-to-head in a prime time contest. But if you can’t be there in person, you can catch the action on NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football.