Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) kneels on the field after being brought down against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis (85) runs with the ball for a touchdown as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
The Bad Things
Same team player collisions. It’s bound to happen in the NFL. With all those bodies flying around and how physical the game is, collisions are going to happen. But each time there is a major collision between Vikings players, someone always seems to end up getting pretty badly hurt.
This team is very different without Captain Munnerlyn. The importance of Munnerlyn manning the slot is something that is often overlooked for the Vikings. Neither safety is great in coverage, and Washington’s strength at tight end was an easy advantage for them all day.
Robert Kelley looks like a superstar. The run defense has been bad for the Vikings. Recently, some relatively unknown players have been able to gash the Minnesota defense for huge yards and open up the passing game. Whether it is personnel, injuries, or scheme, it just isn’t working.
Trying to get an unlikely offsides penalty. When you’re playing a field position game, you can’t pretend like you’re going to go for it from your own 30 on 4th and inches. Nobody is going to buy that. And then to let the play clock expire to give the Redskins 5 free yards is not a smart thing to do when you’re struggling against tight ends.
Running the ball. Washington is statistically one of the worst teams in the NFL against the run. Sadly, the Vikings couldn’t take advantage of that all day, particularly in short yardage situation, where the Redskins had their number all day. Something needs to change in Minnesota in the run game.
