5 Minnesota Vikings players to watch vs. the Washington Redskins

Xavier Rhodes – CB

Xavier Rhodes was not good last Sunday against the Lions and that is something the Redskins will see on film and are sure to exploit. Rhodes has struggled the last few weeks and his game against the Lions was easily his worst of the season.

Rhodes was sloppy in coverage and was beaten multiple times by Marvin Jones and something called Marvin Hall. When he was close to his man and in position to make a tackle he whiffed and the receiver would pick up extra yardage until the reinforcements came in.

Whatever is going on with Rhodes it has definitely gone beyond the point of just being a physical issue. After seeing the way he reacted after Marvin Jones’ 16th touchdown (okay maybe it was his fourth) of the day, it was clear the frustration is at an all-time high with him.

He knows he isn’t playing up anywhere close to his normal standards, and he may be getting to the point of understanding that he may not get back to it. That happens as players age, but Rhodes needs to figure out how to be successful with the skill set he has now.

Mike Zimmer will need to make adjustments with Rhodes and help him get his confidence back. This game against a poor team like the Redskins is a good place to start.