Daily Norseman - 2017 NFL Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Washington RedskinsThe Purple and Gold Standardhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48653/dailynorseman_fave.png2017-11-13T13:16:14-06:00http://www.dailynorseman.com/rss/stream/163830292017-11-13T13:16:14-06:002017-11-13T13:16:14-06:00Vikings at Redskins: Five Game-Changing Plays
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<figcaption>David Morgan’s touchdown showed how well Pat Shurmur is calling plays this season. | Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Looking back at the five most important plays from the Vikings’ win over the Redskins.</p> <p id="2tuafo">Well that was certainly entertaining, wasn’t it?</p>
<p id="ckMqbD">In a game where most anticipated a defensive battle—<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/9/16619898/minnesota-vikings-washington-redskins-preview-week-10-nfl-picks">including myself</a>—the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> combined for 68 points and 800 total yards on Sunday at FedExField. The teams had a total of three punts and one sack. Go figure.</p>
<p id="JQyw7Q">Meanwhile, the muddled quarterback situation in Minnesota became crystal-clear after <span>Case Keenum</span> erupted for 304 yards passing and four touchdowns. Even if <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span> is 100% healthy and looking great in practice, there’s no way that the team can bench Keenum after that sterling performance.</p>
<p id="uo3aLY">Just kidding! Even at 7-2, this is still the Vikings! Quarterback controversy is practically a prerequisite!</p>
<p id="zlwtPv">After holding a perfect quarterback rating in the second half, Keenum threw two really awful interceptions that made the game a lot closer than it needed to be down the stretch. Somehow, Keenum’s performance gave plenty of ammunition to both sides of the Case vs. Teddy argument. As of right now, it’s an argument that seems destined to rage on in perpetuity.</p>
<p id="uWStMM">But we’ll have plenty of time for that debate as the huge game against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> on Sunday gets closer. For now, let’s delve into our weekly recap of the five biggest plays from the victory in our nation’s capital.</p>
<h3 id="m13zNq">Play 1: Vikings ball, 1st & 10 on the Minnesota 47. First quarter, 9:48 remaining. C.Keenum pass deep right to S.<span>Diggs</span> pushed ob at WAS 2 for 51 yards (J.Norman).</h3>
<p id="rG1kJR">After the Redskins had marched straight down the field for a score on the opening drive, it was clear that Washington had brought their “A” game on offense. The Redskins hadn’t allowed a point on their opponents’ opening drive since Week 1. The Vikings needed an answer to avoid going down big early on the road.</p>
<p id="v3FPog">And answer they did.</p>
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<p id="VVT703">With his second pass of the game, Keenum quieted any doubters that thought having Bridgewater back might be a distraction by hitting <span>Stefon Diggs</span> in stride down the right sideline. Two plays later, <span>Latavius Murray</span> found the end zone to tie the game and the surprising shootout was on. This play was also significant because it was a preview of just how bad <span>Josh Norman</span> was going to get torched by the Vikings wide receivers all day.</p>
<h3 id="einc4y">Play 2: Redskins ball, 1st & 10 on the Washington 25. Second quarter, 1:49 remaining. (Shotgun) K.Cousins pass short middle intended for J.<span>Crowder</span> INTERCEPTED by M.Alexander at WAS 33. M.Alexander to WAS 23 for 10 yards (C.Roullier).</h3>
<p id="l4mzQa">After the offenses had spent most of the first half marching back and forth across the field, <span>Mackensie Alexander</span> chose an excellent time to get his first career interception.</p>
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<p id="Fn5XST">And we’re not talking his first professional interception either—Mack didn’t get a pick in the two years he played at Clemson. While this play was more a result of an overthrow from <span>Kirk Cousins</span>, it was indicative of the quietly effective sophomore season Alexander has been putting together. Outside of getting beat deep by <span>Jamison Crowder</span> in the third quarter, Mack had a very good game on Sunday. This deflection of a would-be touchdown pass to <span>Josh Doctson</span> was a four-point play in the Vikings’ favor.</p>
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<p id="dgojFU">Alexander’s interception couldn’t have swung the momentum heading into halftime more. Instead of Washington driving for a lead or cutting their deficit to one before the break, the Vikings had a chance to make it a two score game.</p>
<p id="CAGRgF">And they did, thanks to some great play calling.</p>
<h3 id="tXj0i4">Play 3: Vikings ball, 1st & goal at the Washington 1. Second quarter, 0:25 remaining. C.Keenum pass short middle to D.Morgan for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.</h3>
<p id="p7bXyb">To understand how great of a play call this was, we first have to go back to the game in London against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> two weeks ago. On first and goal from the 1, the Vikings split <span>Jerick McKinnon</span> out wide and quickly handed to him for an easy touchdown off the jet sweep. It was a clever play design from Pat Shurmur.</p>
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<p id="XqwdtQ">On Sunday, on first and goal from the 1 against the Redskins, the Vikings showed a very similar look. But instead of handing off to McKinnon this time—something the Redskins had surely seen on film when preparing for this game—the Vikings faked the handoff and were able to find <span>David Morgan</span> wide open for his first career touchdown right before the half.</p>
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<p id="q3BEDT">The Vikings have had their struggles finishing off drives this season, but they converted all five of their trips to the red zone into touchdowns on Sunday. Pat Shurmur put on a master class of play calling, constantly keeping Washington’s defense guessing with misdirection and unpredictability. Shurmur is doing an excellent job of maximizing his offense’s strengths this year.</p>
<p id="pczjpt">(Pretty amazing how a solid offensive line can open up the playbook, isn’t it?)</p>
<h3 id="OqrQfS">Play 4: Vikings ball, 1st & 10 at the Minnesota 39. Third quarter, 13:44 remaining. (No Huddle, Shotgun) C.Keenum pass deep middle to A.Thielen to WAS 12 for 49 yards (J.Norman). WAS-T.McClain was injured during the play.</h3>
<p id="pSxjiw">This play made even the most ardent Bridgewater backers temporarily exclaim, “Teddy who?”</p>
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<p id="YFgCXk">OK, probably not, but it was still pretty amazing. On the first drive of the second half, Keenum evaded the rush and tossed a rainbow right into the arms of <span>Adam Thielen</span> as he was getting smacked. Keenum would come back to earth later in the game, but up to this point he was playing as well as just about anyone. This play set up a touchdown from <span>Jarius Wright</span> and suddenly the Vikings had scored 21 straight points in just under five minutes of game time.</p>
<p id="I1PIe9">Thielen had another gigantic game on Sunday, amassing eight receptions for 166 yards and a score. I honestly don’t know where this team would be without his weekly contributions. Thielen has been the most consistent factor in an offense that has continued to thrive despite plenty of turmoil. AND DID YOU KNOW HE’S A LOCAL KID FROM DETROIT LAKES THAT PLAYED AT MINNESOTA STATE ON A $500 SCHOLARSHIP AND WORKED HIS WAY UP FROM THE PRACTICE SQUAD AND SPECIAL TEAMS?!?!</p>
<h3 id="Ac848W">Play 5: Redskins ball, 4th and 1 at the Minnesota 33. Fourth quarter, 4:48 remaining. C.<span>Thompson</span> right end to MIN 37 for -4 yards (T.Johnson).</h3>
<p id="VTfnQx">While the Case Keenum of the first two and a half quarters could seemingly do no wrong, two cringe-worthy interceptions on consecutive passes meant that the Redskins were still hanging around late in the game. Washington faced 4th and 1 with just under 5 minutes remaining trailing by 11.</p>
<p id="pmu22Q">Enter Tom Johnson.</p>
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<p id="hd5n5A">If I’m a Washington fan, I absolutely loathe that play call. The last thing you want to do on 4th and short is call a slow-developing stretch play against a Vikings defense that excels at pursuit and shutting down the outside run. Even if Johnson hadn’t blown up the play before it started, <span>Terence Newman</span> and <span>Eric Kendricks</span> were still in position to stop <span>Chris Thompson</span> short of the first down. Washington was still able to get a shot at a last-ditch onside kick at the end of the game, but this stop more or less sealed the contest.</p>
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<p id="TNq7zE">With a game this chock full of action, we could have expanded our five game-changing plays to about 50. Which do you think was the biggest play from Sunday’s win? Vote in the poll below, and let us know what we didn’t cover in the comments.</p>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/13/16643476/minnesota-vikings-washington-redskins-recap-five-game-changing-playsEric Thompson2017-11-12T20:23:47-06:002017-11-12T20:23:47-06:00Everson Griffen made call to sit out on Sunday
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>He was a game-time decision, and the decision was made by #97</p> <p id="PYosD9">One of the big stories leading up to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>’ contest against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> in Week 10 was the health of defensive end <span>Everson Griffen</span>. Griffen was injured on the final play of the Vikings’ Week 8 victory over the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> in London, and did not practice until Friday, when he was a limited participant.</p>
<p id="OdVSpn">Griffen was a game-time decision, and tested the foot during pre-game warmups. When it came <a href="http://www.twincities.com/2017/11/12/vikings-de-everson-griffen-sits-out-says-he-didnt-want-to-risk-foot-injury/">time to make the call</a>, it was made by. . .Everson Griffen, according to an interview he did with Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.</p>
<blockquote><p id="Lxd13l">“I made the decision and they agreed,’’ Griffen said. “The training staff agreed, Coach Zimmer agreed and the D-line coach (Andre Patterson) agreed. It was a hard decision, but it was a smart decision.’’</p></blockquote>
<p id="9k72SN">As it turned out, the Vikings didn’t necessarily <em>need</em> Griffen in the lineup to take down the Redskins, as they won 38-30 with Sack Daddy watching from the sidelines. But Griffen with the agreement of the coaching staff, apparently felt it to be best to take a short-term setback with an eye on the long-term future.</p>
<blockquote><p id="RgQAVm">“I was pretty close to playing but the risk was not worth it,’’ Griffen said. “We got seven more weeks to go and I got to be healthy, so I’d rather miss one game than be done for four weeks.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="kjHfZ2">It sounds like Griffen should be back at full speed for next week’s big contest at U.S. Bank Stadium against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> in a battle of 7-2 teams. Sunday showed that the Vikings <em>can</em>, potentially, win without Everson Griffen, but I’m pretty sure that the rest of Vikings fandom would enjoy it a whole lot more if he was out there.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/12/16641786/everson-griffen-made-call-sit-out-sundayChristopher Gates2017-11-12T20:01:01-06:002017-11-12T20:01:01-06:00Stock Market Report: Redskins
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<p>The Vikings beat a good Redskins team, a Prodigal Son returns, and his replacement had a career day until he didn’t.</p> <p id="r53bdS">The 2017 <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> season has been hard to define. It started out with a career performance by <span>Sam Bradford</span>, who had to relinquish the controls to <span>Case Keenum</span> after a knee injury. Keenum blew up the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>, saved the Monday Night game against the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> when Bradford tried to come back, and has arguably been the Vikings first half MVP. Keenum might not be a guy that makes a ton of big plays, but he doesn’t make boneheaded ones, either.</p>
<p id="0lU9LZ">And that’s fine, because the Vikings defense is what this team has been built around since Mike Zimmer became head coach in 2014. They don’t give up a lot of yards, or points, and you can be rest assured that you won’t need to get into a shootout to win.</p>
<p id="LAmZ0x">Of course, all that changed today, but in the end it all worked out well. And after a week off, it was nice to get back to this show that never ends with our Vikings, wasn’t it, Messrs Emerson, Lake, and Palmer?</p>
<div id="1gYiCX"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IwSTe9uit48?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="CK81uk"><em>Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends</em></p>
<p id="GuEZmP"><em>We're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside</em></p>
<p id="ZWa4mR"><em>There behind a glass stands a real blade of grass</em></p>
<p id="FBaAJS"><em>Be careful as you pass. Move along, move along</em></p>
<p id="9kqanh"><em>Come inside, the show's about to start! </em></p>
<p id="uMFvtz"><em>Guaranteed to blow your head apart</em></p>
<p id="7QME6S"><em>Rest assured you'll get your money's worth</em></p>
<p id="EOrOEq"><em>Greatest show in Heaven, Hell or Earth!</em></p>
<p id="Hxfp2Z"><em>You've got to see the show. It's a dynamo!</em></p>
<p id="np4BQO"><em>You've got to see the show. It's rock and roll!</em></p>
<p id="Ve9ypC"><em>Right before your eyes we pull laughter from the skies</em></p>
<p id="Ddk8Jt"><em>And he laughs until he cries, then he dies, then he dies</em></p>
<p id="CLBixV"><em>Come inside, the show's about to start</em></p>
<p id="hDUdgg"><em>Guaranteed to blow your head apart!</em></p>
<p id="Fkm2hi"><em>You've got to see the show. It's a dynamo!</em></p>
<p id="wCTOpv"><em>You've got to see the show. It's rock and roll!</em></p>
<p id="E0mYzU">The SMR that can’t cover <span>Adam Thielen</span>, either, follows.</p>
<h4 id="JscPjV">Blue Chip Stocks:</h4>
<p id="yvYbVt"><em><strong>Adam Thielen, WR:</strong></em> I have no idea how Thielen does what he does. He doesn’t seem blazing speed fast. He isn’t a foot taller than the guys that are trying to defend him. So how in the world does he get so wide open? Part of it is his route running, which is some of the best in the NFL. Every time a Vikings QB looks his way, he seems to be so wide open that your first thought is a blown coverage. And if someone is on him like a blanket, he just dips his hands in Super Glue, and catches everything. His TD reception was an amazing display of athleticism, and his stat line was an eye popping 8 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown. But his biggest catch might have been his shortest. It was a two yard reception on 3rd and 1 in the 4th quarter that kept what would be a field goal scoring drive alive, and that essentially put the game out of reach.</p>
<p id="38o7ZC">What’s that? Thielen just caught another pass? Yeah, I believe it.</p>
<p id="Ao4Yx3"><span><em><strong>Andrew Sendejo</strong></em></span><em><strong>, S: </strong></em>You can accurately say that for about 3-4 seasons Andrew Sendejo was the weak link in the VIkings secondary. You cannot say that any longer. Sendejo had a great game against Washington, breaking up two potential touchdown throws by <span>Kirk Cousins</span>, one of which forced the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a> to kick a field goal as opposed to getting six. And if a Cousins touchdown was actually a fumble, he has a 100 yard fumble return for a TD. Sendejo can still be a guided missile with no guidance sometimes, but to call him the weak link is not longer an accurate description of him.</p>
<p id="22GC5F"><span><em><strong>Kai Forbath</strong></em></span><em><strong>, K:</strong></em> Forbath has been an adventure on extra points this year...well, since he came to Minnesota last year, actually...but he was money today, going 5-5 on extra points (wait 5-5 hoo boy that’s a lot). he also drilled a 53 yard field goal in the 4th quarter that gave the Vikings a two score lead after the lead got unnecessarily close.</p>
<p id="hGFlUo"><span><em><strong>Teddy Bridgewater</strong></em></span><em><strong>, QB: </strong></em>This has nothing to do with Bridgewater’s play, obviously. This also isn’t a backhanded dig at Case Keenum, either. This is just a celebration for him coming back and suiting up, when there was a very real possibility he would never play again. Teddy has gone from, literally, minutes from losing his leg to being on the active roster and ready to play if needed or called upon in about 15 months. Look, we can have a legitimate argument (and God knows, we have and we will) about whether or not Teddy Bridgewater is the answer for the Vikings. But people just don’t come back from these injuries, and he did. You don’t think it wasn’t emotional?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a moment.<br><br>Teddy Bridgewater was emotional in his first game back since his horrific knee injury. <a href="https://t.co/6sXIZ7BGJT">pic.twitter.com/6sXIZ7BGJT</a></p>— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/929777950441979904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a>
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<p id="Odamk6">Welcome back, Teddy. We’ve missed you.</p>
<h4 id="c66N2n">Solid Investments:</h4>
<p id="sr3V2c"><span><em><strong>Mackensie Alexander</strong></em></span><em><strong>, CB: </strong></em>The Vikings have been criticized with their development of CB’s Trae Waynes and Alexander, and for awhile it seemed that criticism was warranted. Their play is still up and down at times, but it feels like Alexander turned a corner today, in some respects. He had his first career interception, on his birthday no less, and broke up two passes. he gave up a big completion, but Kirk Cousins is a good quarterback, and he’s going to make some plays. Alexander made more today, and it was a good game against one of the better QB’s in the NFL. </p>
<p id="KvfmY5"><span><em><strong>Latavius Murray</strong></em></span><em><strong>, RB: </strong></em>Murray had a really good, if under rated day. He made solid runs all afternoon, had a touchdown on the goal line, and was solid in pass protection as well. It wasn’t his best game as a Viking, but he hit holes with authority and always put the offense in better position when his play was over. On a day when the Vikings passing offense took center stage, you can’t ask for much more than that.</p>
<p id="QV458N"><em><strong>Case Keenum, QB:</strong></em> Keenum had, in many respects, even a better game than he did against Tampa Bay. He threw for less yards, but threw for four TD’s. The Redskins were matching the Vikings score for score early on, so the offense had little room for error. In the first half, the Keenum led offense matched, and then exceeded, the Redskins score for score, taking a 28-17 lead in to halftime. Then they opened a 35-17 lead after the Vikings scored on a <span>Jarius Wright</span> screen pass to start the third quarter.</p>
<p id="NHFUYg">But then Keenum faltered, throwing interceptions on consecutive passes. The first one ended up not harming the Vikings as the defense stopped Washington on 4th down from the Minnesota 32. His second interception, though, was brutal. DJ Swearinger made me do just that when Keenum telegraphed an out route to <span>Kyle Rudolph</span>, and Swearinger jumped the route and returned it to the one. Two plays later Cousins scored, and what had been a 4th quarter 35-20 lead with the Vikings on offense and moving the ball was now a 35-27 game with a full quarter to play, and Captain Comeback on the other sideline.</p>
<p id="DYjWB1">To his credit though, he put those mistakes behind him and led the Vikings on a clutch field goal drive to give them a 38-27 lead, including a couple of big time third down throws to keep the ball moving, get points on the board, keep the clock running, and put the game out of reach. This offense doesn’t make that drive last year. They just don’t.</p>
<p id="s0vGyv"><span><em><strong>Stefon Diggs</strong></em></span><em><strong>, WR:</strong></em> Diggs was fairly quiet compared to Thielen, but he started off strong, hauling in a 51 yard pass on the Vikings first scoring drive and then catching a three yard TD pass on their second scoring drive.</p>
<h4 id="BgUi8z">Junk Bonds:</h4>
<p id="w5fb9X"><span><em><strong>Eric Kendricks</strong></em></span><em><strong>, LB:</strong></em> On a day when the defense didn’t bring their A game, <span>Kendricks</span> was kind of the guy that stood out the most. He wasn’t good in coverage, missed a couple tackles, and just seemed a step off for most of the afternoon. Like almost everyone else in the front seven.</p>
<h4 id="zXEbUC">Buy/Sell/Hold:</h4>
<p id="xCxgLE"><em><strong>Buy: The Vikings offensive line is the main difference between the 2016 and 2017 offense.</strong></em> We really haven’t talked about the offensive line a lot, and that’s my fault. This line, from left to right, to a man, has been the main reason this team is 7-2. Yeah, the defense is elite, I get it, and the running game and receivers have evolved, I get it, but it all starts with this offensive line. They are opening holes for the running backs, and it’s actually surprising when a Vikings quarterback gets pressured, much less sacked. Speaking of that, Vikings quarterbacks have only been sacked 10 times in nine games this year. Four of them came in one game, when a mostly defenseless Sam Bradford was sacked four times against the Bears back in week three. It’s a remarkable reversal, and for all the grief we have (rightly) given GM Rick Spielman for assembling a really bad o-line the last 3-4 years, he deserves credit for making moves in free agency and the draft to fix the problem.</p>
<p id="KhmrkY"><em><strong>Sell: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Mike Remmers</strong></em></span><em><strong> can come back at any time, though.</strong></em> As good as the starters have been, the backups have played very well when called upon. <span>Jeremiah Sirles</span>, <span>Danny Isidora</span>, and <span>Rashod Hill</span> have been more than adequate back ups, and the depth is something that’s just as impressive. Still, we don’t need to have a repeat of ‘hey you in the fifth row can you play on the offensive line’ level of injuries again. it was good to see <span>Nick Easton</span> back in the starting lineup today, and Mike Remmers can return any time he wants to. </p>
<p id="1MrnKq"><em><strong>Buy: Teddy Bridgewater is going to play, soon. </strong></em>I think everyone was happy to see Teddy in uniform today, whether he played or not. There were rumors before the game that he might get a series or two, but it didn’t work out that way. I thought when the Vikings went up 35-17 to open the half, he might have come in for a series if the defense had held Washington on their first second half series, and later in the 4th quarter he put his helmet on and started warming up, but Keenum went wire to wire. But Bridgewater will play, sooner rather than later.</p>
<p id="P2vIzI"><em><strong>Sell: Teddy Bridgewater should have come in to play today.</strong></em> As much as I want to see him on the field, it made sense not to put him in today. It really had nothing to do with the opponent or the turf (like seriously did Washington hire the Soldier Field ground crew my goodness), but the game situation. I thought if 35-17 had stayed 35-17 we’re not having this conversation, but 35-20 is still a two score game, and I get Keenum coming back out to try and put the game away. He did the opposite, coughing it up twice and letting Washington back to within one score, and then, barring injury, there was no way Teddy was coming back in unless Keenum completely fell apart. </p>
<p id="WPpjxv"><em><strong>Buy: The Adam Thielen ‘Leap Frog’ TD celebration.</strong></em> We have a new contender for the best TD celebration of the year. The leader at the turn was Duk Duck Gray Duck, but the celebration after Thielen’s TD might have...wait for it...leapfrogged the duck.</p>
<p id="uACGRo"><em><strong>Sell: The </strong></em><span><em><strong>Stefon Diggs</strong></em></span><em><strong> ‘Hug The Goal Post’ Celebration. </strong></em>Diggs has had some creative TD celebrations, but today’s? Yeah, not so good. You can’t use the goal post as a prop, Diggs did, and it cost the Vikings 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff. That improved field position set the Redskins up to start their drive, and they scored a touchdown.</p>
<p id="ZiwlpW"><em><strong>Hold: The David Morgan ‘Classic’ TD celebration.</strong></em> When Morgan scored and spiked the ball I tweeted something to the effect that it was a Dollar General celebration, but it was quickly pointed out to me that the spike is an all time classic celebration. And it is. You can’t go wrong with the spike, and when you only score once or twice a year, celebrate however you want. As long as you don’t use the goal post for a prop.</p>
<p id="4w5yeD">So the 7-2 Vikings return home to face the 7-2 Los Angeles Rams, and the inside track to the second seed in the NFC and a first round playoff bye is on the line.</p>
<p id="c8G6zR">Just as the ancient scrolls and prophets foretold.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/12/16640442/stock-market-report-redskinsTed Glover2017-11-12T15:18:31-06:002017-11-12T15:18:31-06:00Minnesota Vikings 38, Washington Redskins 30: Vikings hold on for fifth straight win
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Washington Redskins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GtecUEvc1z9QB2uKSnabviwwmns=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57573085/873326900.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It was a wild one, but the purple came out on top</p> <p id="Rk0G0t">For much of the week, the focus of the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> was on the return of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. On Sunday, the focus shifted. . .for better and worse. . .to the guy that currently occupies the Vikings’ starting quarterback spot.</p>
<p id="80gup3"><span>Case Keenum</span> threw a career-high four touchdown passes. . .along with two awful interceptions. . .and the Vikings held the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> off at the end to leave the nation’s capital with a 38-30 victory.</p>
<p id="O51e4U">Washington got on the board first, finding the end zone on their first possession. The score came courtesy of a 36-yard touchdown pass from <span>Kirk Cousins</span> to <span>Maurice Harris</span> on a play where Harris made a ridiculous catch despite perfect coverage from Trae Waynes. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the Redskins challenged and the call was (correctly) overturned to give the Redskins a touchdown.</p>
<p id="fZ9AtX">Minnesota answered quickly with a touchdown of their own. On their third play from scrimmage, Case Keenum dropped back and found <span>Stefon Diggs</span> down the right sideline for a 51-yard gain to the Redskins’ 2-yard line. Two plays later, <span>Latavius Murray</span> punched it in from a yard out, and <span>Kai Forbath</span> put home the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 midway through the first quarter.</p>
<p id="I1Ir1g"><span>Nick Rose</span> gave Washington the lead back with a 28-yard field goal before the end of the first quarter to make it 10-7. Minnesota took the lead for the first time early in the second quarter, as Keenum found Diggs for a 3-yard score, with Forbath’s extra point giving the Vikings a 14-10 advantage.</p>
<p id="Rupk4X">Washington took the lead back later in the second quarter, thanks to a. . .we’ll call it “questionable”. . .quarterback sneak by Kirk Cousins for a touchdown. Cousins appeared to be stopped short of the goal line, but the officials continued to let the play go and Cousins eventually got across. That gave the Redskins a 17-14 lead.</p>
<p id="5Wlkim">Minnesota answered right back, though, thanks to a 7-yard touchdown pass from Keenum to <span>Adam Thielen</span>. Thielen had three big catches on the drive as Minnesota took the lead back by a score of 21-17 just after the two-minute warning.</p>
<p id="9OYz2l">Cousins then threw an interception to <span>Mackensie Alexander</span> on the first play of Washington’s next possession, and the Vikings were set up at the Washington 23-yard line. Three plays later, Keenum found <span>David Morgan</span> for his first NFL touchdown to give the Vikings a 28-17 lead going into the locker room at halftime.</p>
<p id="55v0iu">Minnesota kept the momentum going on their first drive of the second half, as they marched down the field, highlighted by another huge pass from Keenum to Thielen. The 49-yard bomb put the Vikings inside the Washington red zone, and three plays later <span>Jarius Wright</span>. . .yeah, Jarius Wright. . .went into the end zone on a seven-yard reception, with Forbath’s extra point making it 35-17 early in the third.</p>
<p id="CtvrhJ">Washington cut it to 35-20 on a 21-yard field goal by Rose midway through the third quarter. After an interception from Keenum, Washington pushed into Minnesota territory near the end of the third quarter, but turned the ball over on downs after a fourth down attempt failed.</p>
<p id="2ccY4W">After Keenum’s second interception in as many possessions, the Redskins took advantage, as Kirk Cousins went in on a keeper from two yards out. With the extra point from Nick Rose, the Redskins found themselves within one score at 35-27.</p>
<p id="QmHAxc">“Cobra” Kai Forbath swept the leg on a long field goal, a 53-yarder, to put the Vikings back up by 11 midway through the fourth quarter, 38-27. Nick Rose buried a 56-yarder to make it 38-30 with just over a minute remaining, but the Vikings recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to pick up their fifth straight victory.</p>
<p id="TzPi9w">Case Keenum was amazing for <em>most</em> of the afternoon. His final stats show that he completed 21-of-29 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions to keep the Redskins in the ballgame later. Adam Thielen was the big beneficiary of Keenum’s big game, as he had 166 yards and a touchdown on eight catches. <span>Stefon Diggs</span> had four catches for 78 yards and a score. <span>Kyle Rudolph</span> chipped in with five catches for 37 yards, and <span>Jerick McKinnon</span> had two catches for 16 yards. Jarius Wright and David Morgan each had one catch. . .and one touchdown each as well, Wright’s from seven yards, Morgan’s from a yard out.</p>
<p id="UHI12E">Minnesota run game did a decent job today, as Latavius Murray had 68 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while McKinnon had ten carries for 32 yards. <span>C.J. Ham</span> also had a three-yard carry.</p>
<p id="uw15FL">Minnesota moves their record to 7-2, and will host the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> next week at U.S. Bank Stadium. Washington falls to 4-5 on the season, and will travel to New Orleans next week to take on the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>.</p>
<p id="3UsrXW">The Vikings hold on for their fifth consecutive victory, holding on to win by a score of 38-30 at FedEx Field. Thanks to everyone that got their coverage of today’s game right here at The Daily Norseman!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/12/16639844/minnesota-vikings-38-washington-redskins-30-vikings-hold-on-for-fifth-straight-winChristopher Gates2017-11-12T14:27:53-06:002017-11-12T14:27:53-06:00Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins: Fourth Quarter Open Thread
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<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Washington Redskins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dPkK-b0Em5d5MBQlHPKVHy6VD2Y=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57572711/873320638.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Minnesota is up by 15 as we move to the fourth quarter.</p> <p id="LfbcPv">Holding a 28-17 halftime lead over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> got to receive the second half kickoff. The kickoff from <span>Nick Rose</span> went to <span>Marcus Sherels</span>, and Sherels brought the ball to the Minnesota 28-yard line to start the first Vikings’ drive of the second half. After picking up an initial first down, <span>Case Keenum</span> once again found <span>Adam Thielen</span> deep, hitting him for a 49-yard gain down to the Washington 12-yard line. Three plays later, Keenum found <span>Jarius Wright</span>. . .yeah, Jarius Wright. . .for a 7-yard touchdown pass. That was Keenum’s fourth touchdown pass of the afternoon, and the Vikings extended their lead to 18 points at 35-17 early in the third.</p>
<p id="f8Xt2g"><span>Chris Thompson</span> took the kickoff from Forbath and returned it to the Washington 28-yard line for the Redskins’ first possession of the second half. <span>Kirk Cousins</span> got a big third down conversion, finding <span>Vernon Davis</span> to move the chains. <span>Chris Thompson</span> then took a handoff into Minnesota territory for a 14-yard gain to the 45. Cousins then found <span>Jamison Crowder</span> for a big 35-yard completion down to the Minnesota 4-yard line, and the Redskins found themselves with a first-and-goal. Fortunately, thanks to <span>Crowder</span> dropping a couple of passes, the Redskins had to settle for a 21-yard field goal from Nick Rose to cut the lead to 35-20.</p>
<p id="pnOVQB">Rose’s kickoff went for a touchback, giving the Vikings the ball at their own 25. Minnesota got a big third-down conversion as Keenum found <span>Stefon Diggs</span> for a 16-yard gain to the Minnesota 45, and <span>Jerick McKinnon</span> then carried the ball into Washington territory for nine more yards. Minnesota then got another nice third down conversion thanks to Thielen, who took a quick screen for nine yards. On the next third down, however, Keenum made his first big mistake of the afternoon, as he floated one for. . .somebody. . .and it wound up in the hands of Washington safety <span>D.J. Swearinger</span> for an interception. Honestly, I have no idea where Keenum was throwing the pass, as it wasn’t anywhere near a Viking. The turnover gave the Redskins the ball at their own 20-yard line.</p>
<p id="HJ9ZR4">Washington quickly moved into Minnesota territory on a pass to <span>Samaje Perine</span> that took them to the Minnesota 36. Minnesota then pushed the Redskins to a 4th-and-6 from the Minnesota 32, and Washington lined up to go for it again. However, <span>Brian Robison</span> got a hand on the football, and it fell harmlessly to the turf for a turnover on downs.</p>
<p id="4fdhqS">As we move to the fourth quarter of play, the Vikings are looking at a 2nd-and-10 from their own 32-yard line.</p>
<p id="GYqFe5">Fifteen minutes of football left at FedEx Field, and the Minnesota Vikings hold a 35-20 lead over the Washington Redskins. Can they hold on for their fifth consecutive victory?</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/12/16639838/minnesota-vikings-washington-redskins-fourth-quarter-open-threadChristopher Gates2017-11-12T13:38:52-06:002017-11-12T13:38:52-06:00Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins: Third Quarter Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Washington Redskins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GEIoPtQM2G4zaIb2Se-34h_YZ8E=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57572373/873298430.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After a wild second quarter, the Vikings take a 11-point lead into the locker room</p> <p id="jqMULK">Trailing the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> by a score of 10-7, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> found themselves with a first down at their own 37-yard line. After <span>Case Keenum</span> was nearly intercepted on the first play of the quarter, he found <span>Adam Thielen</span> for a huge 38-yard catch-and-run to put the Vikings into Washington territory at the 19-yard line. Two plays later, <span>Jerick McKinnon</span> took a handoff and blasted for 10 yards down to the Washington 5. Three plays later, Keenum rolled to his left and found <span>Stefon Diggs</span> in the end zone for a three-yard touchdown pass to give the Vikings the lead. Forbath hit the extra point, and the Vikings found themselves on top by a score of 14-10.</p>
<p id="rGql41">With the Vikings kicking off from the 20 after Diggs was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on his touchdown celebration, <span>Maurice Harris</span>. . .who scored the Redskins’ touchdown in the first quarter. . .brought the return to the Washington 40-yard line. Two carries by <span>Samaje Perine</span> later, the Redskins were into Minnesota territory with a first down to the Vikings’ 47-yard line. The Redskins stuck with the run, and three plays later picked up another first down at the Minnesota 36.</p>
<p id="OcPz00">After a holding penalty on the Redskins, <span>Kirk Cousins</span> found a wide open <span>Jamison Crowder</span> for a big 32-yard gain to the Minnesota 14-yard line. A pass from Cousins to <span>Vernon Davis</span> pushed the Redskins down to the 4-yard line, and after a challenge of a spot by Mike Zimmer, it was ruled that Davis had come up short, bringing up 4th-and-short. Perine converted on a handoff to take the ball down to the 1-yard line. After a couple of plays, Cousins took it in on a quarterback sneak to give the Redskins the lead back. <span>Nick Rose</span> hit the extra point, and Washington went up 17-14.</p>
<p id="NiEMoa"><span>Marcus Sherels</span> took the kick from Nick Rose and returned it out to the Minnesota 29-yard line to set up Minnesota’s next possession. <span>Latavius Murray</span> carried the ball twice and got the Vikings a first down to the 40-yard line. Keenum then found Adam Thielen for another huge play, this one a 38-yard pass to the Washington 22, and then found Thielen again for another big play to the Redskins’ 5 for 17 more as we hit the two-minute warning.</p>
<p id="0NN2hc">Jerick McKinnon was then dropped for a loss on first-and-goal, and on second down Keenum found Thielen for a 7-yard touchdown reception! Forbath added the extra point, and the Vikings took a 21-17 lead.</p>
<p id="M2Z3Xc">On Washington’s first offensive play of the next drive, Cousins overthrew his intended receiver, and the ball landed in the hands of <span>Mackensie Alexander</span> for his first career interception. Alexander brought the ball back to the Washington 23-yard line, and the Vikings were threatening once again. Keenum then hit Murray for 9 on a screen pass, and Latavius Murray carried it down to the 1 to set up first and goal. On first-and-goal, Keenum threw his third touchdown pass of the afternoon, finding <span>David Morgan</span> for a 1-yard score, and Forbath’s extra point put the Vikings up by a score of 28-17 just before halftime. That’s how they went into the locker room at FedEx Field.</p>
<p id="AXDDsq">Case Keenum has been on fire in the first half, posting a perfect QB rating of 158.3 in the first half. He has completed 11-of-14 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns. Thielen has been the main beneficiary, as he’s hauled in four passes for exactly 100 yards and a touchdown. <span>Stefon Diggs</span> has three catches for 62 yards and a score, and <span>Kyle Rudolph</span> has 16 yards on two receptions. Jerick McKinnon has a 9-yard reception, and Morgan has his 1-yard score.</p>
<p id="rlG3eT">Minnesota has also had some success running the ball, as Murray has carried the ball eight times for 43 yards and a touchdown, while Jerick McKinnon has 16 yards on four carries.</p>
<p id="7Kkk5M">We’re at halftime at FedEx Field, and the Minnesota Vikings’ offense is on fire, leading the Washington Redskins by a score of 28-17. The second half of action will be kicking off here soon.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/12/16639832/minnesota-vikings-washington-redskins-third-quarter-open-threadChristopher Gates2017-11-12T12:47:24-06:002017-11-12T12:47:24-06:00Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins: Second Quarter Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="Winnipeg Jets v Minnesota Wild" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MzWv9Qy6B-3iwqOhSXmGRF9ZDLM=/0x0:2301x1534/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57572017/868784828.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>No pictures of the game yet, so here’s Stefon Diggs at a recent Wild game. | Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Minnesota trails by a field goal after one quarter of play at FedEx Field</p> <p id="eCSaTi">To start the Week 10 matchup between the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> at FedEx Field, the Vikings won the coin toss and chose to defer to the second half, giving the home team the football first. <span>Kai Forbath</span> and company kicked the ball deep for a touchback, giving the Redskins a start at their own 25-yard line.</p>
<p id="Kj1Bfb">Washington picked up a first down two plays in on a pass from <span>Kirk Cousins</span> to <span>Ryan Grant</span>, and a couple of plays later found themselves in Minnesota territory at the 47. A couple of plays later, Cousins dropped back and lofted a long pass to <span>Maurice Harris</span>, who made a ridiculous one-handed catch at the goal line. It was initially ruled an incomplete pass, but the Redskins challenged and the call was overturned for a Washington touchdown. The pass covered 36 yards, and with the extra point from <span>Nick Rose</span> the Redskins staked themselves to an early 7-0 lead.</p>
<p id="26wRWR">The kickoff from Rose went into the end zone for a touchback, giving the Vikings a start at their own 25-yard line for their first possession. The Vikings got a couple of quick chunks of yardage on an 8-yard pass from <span>Case Keenum</span> to <span>Stefon Diggs</span> and a 14-yard run from Latavius Murray. Then, Keenum dropped back and found <span>Diggs</span> for a huge 51-yard gain to the Washington 2-yard line, and two plays later, Murray punched it in from a yard out for a Minnesota touchdown. Forbath added the extra point, and we were tied at 7-7 midway through the first quarter.</p>
<p id="cB3Ubt">Forbath then booted a bit of a squib kick on the kickoff, and <span>Samaje Perine</span> returned it to the 30-yard line to start the Redskins’ second possession of the afternoon. This drive went much better for Minnesota, as they forced the Redskins into a three-and-out and forced a punt from Tress Way. Way’s punt went to <span>Marcus Sherels</span>, who returned it to the Minnesota 18-yard line.</p>
<p id="eHWO2c">Unfortunately, all the Vikings could do was go three-and-out themselves, as Keenum was hit as he attempted to throw on third down. <span>Ryan Quigley</span> punted it away, and <span>Jamison Crowder</span> called for a fair catch at the Washington 38-yard line.</p>
<p id="aSumGT">The Vikings appeared to have another three-and-out, but <span>Linval Joseph</span> was called for roughing the passer on Cousins on a third down pass that fell incomplete to extend Washington’s drive into Minnesota territory. Washington then pushed themselves to a 4th-and-2 from the Minnesota 35-yard line, and Jay Gruden elected to go for it. Cousins took a snap and found running back <span>Chris Thompson</span> for a 27-yard gain down to the Vikings’ 8-yard line. On first-and-goal, Cousins handed off to <span>Rob Kelley</span>, and it appeared that <span>Eric Kendricks</span> had forced a fumble that the Vikings recovered. Unfortunately for the Vikings, the call was reversed and the Redskins kept possession at the Minnesota 10-yard line. After that, the Vikings’ defense stood up once again, and forced a 28-yard field goal attempt for Rose, who split the uprights to make it 10-7.</p>
<p id="KZc19I">Rose’s kickoff went down to Marcus Sherels in the end zone, who took a knee for a touchback. As we go to the second quarter of play, the Vikings are looking at a 1st-and-10 from their own 37-yard line.</p>
<p id="VVrXMD">After one quarter of play, the Washington Redskins lead the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 10-7. Come join us for the second quarter of play, won’t you?</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/12/16639826/minnesota-vikings-washington-redskins-second-quarter-open-threadChristopher Gates2017-11-12T11:00:04-06:002017-11-12T11:00:04-06:00Vikings at Redskins: First Quarter Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MhEIBSRoVWK6xEa1JbO41esyoYI=/0x879:2108x2284/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57569083/GettyImages-867867874.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Naomi Baker/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<table width="454" align="center" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" border="1" bgcolor="#ffffff" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><tbody> <tr align="center"> <td width="192" bgcolor="#3b2764"><font color="#e8b451"><strong>MINNESOTA VIKINGS (6-2)</strong></font></td> <td width="70" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><strong>WK 10</strong></font></td> <td width="192" bgcolor="#7A1E34"><font color="#E9BE4B"><strong>WASHINGTON REDSKINS (4-4)</strong></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="192" align="center"><img width="250" height="200" style="vertical-align: middle;" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo/65/large_Daily_Norseman_Full.81869.png"></td> <td width="70" align="center" bgcolor="#d4d4d4" style="vertical-align: middle;"><h1>@</h1></td> <td width="192" align="center"><img width="250" height="200" style="vertical-align: middle;" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo/61/large_Hogs_Haven_Full.86644.png"></td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<table width="546" height="146" align="center" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" border="1" bgcolor="#ffffff" style="margin-top: 0px;"><tbody> <tr align="center" bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td width="100" bgcolor="#d4d4d4"><strong>Date:</strong></td> <td width="159">12 November 2017<br> </td> <td width="106" bgcolor="#d4d4d4"><strong>Location:</strong></td> <td width="127">Washington, DC</td> </tr> <tr align="center" bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td width="100" bgcolor="#d4d4d4"><strong>Time:</strong></td> <td width="159">12:00 PM Central</td> <td width="106" bgcolor="#d4d4d4"><strong>Stadium:</strong></td> <td width="127">FedEx Field</td> </tr> <tr align="center" bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td width="100" bgcolor="#d4d4d4" style="vertical-align: middle;"><strong>TV:</strong></td> <td width="159" style="vertical-align: middle;">FOX<br>DirecTV Ch 709</td> <td width="106" bgcolor="#d4d4d4" style="vertical-align: middle;"><strong>Radio:</strong></td> <td width="127"> <a href="http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/radio.html" target="_blank">Vikings Radio Network</a><br>XM Ch 225 (WAS)<br>Sirius Ch 103</td> </tr> <tr align="center" bgcolor="#eeeeee"> <td width="100" bgcolor="#d4d4d4" style="vertical-align: middle;"><strong>TV Announcers:</strong></td> <td width="159" style="vertical-align: middle;">Kevin Burkhardt<br>Charles Davis</td> <td width="106" bgcolor="#d4d4d4" style="vertical-align: middle;"><strong>Know Thy Foe:</strong></td> <td width="127" style="vertical-align: middle;"><a href="http://www.hogshaven.com" target="_blank">Hogs Haven</a></td> </tr> <tr align="center"></tr> <tr align="center"> <td width="100" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><strong>Weather:</strong></font></td> <td bgcolor="#000000" colspan="3"><font color="#ffffff"><strong>46 degrees, winds from SE at 5 MPH, 0% chance of rain</strong></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100" bgcolor="#ffffff" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Line:</strong></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><strong>Minnesota -1.5, Over/Under 40.5 (Thanks to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds" target="_blank">SB Nation odds page</a>)</strong></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td width="100" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><strong>Chris' Prediction:</strong></font></td> <td bgcolor="#000000" colspan="3"><font color="#ffffff"><strong>Vikings 24, Redskins 17</strong></font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td width="100" bgcolor="#ffffff"><strong>Final Score:</strong></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" colspan="3"></td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<p>Here are the ground rules for the Game Threads:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>-Thou shalt not link illegal feeds of today's game, or I shall kick thy arse to the curb until the game is over. Do not promote then, do not mention them, do not even hint at them. Thou hast been warned.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>-Thou shalt make an attempt to keep the swearing to a minimum. Understandable that it will slip occasionally, but do try to limit it. If you really feel the need to curse, use the spoiler tags to keep it covered up. We'll get the sentiment.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>-Thou shalt not feed the trolls. Rather, thou shall simply point them out, and they shall be banished to the fires of Mordor. Or Wisconsin. Whichever we feel is more harsh at the time.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>-Thou shalt not engage in racist, sexist, or other such insulting rhetoric. Somebody disagreeing with you does not make them racist or sexist. It means they disagree with you. Talk it out like adults.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>-Thou shalt not bait the fans of other teams into trolling.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>-Basically, thou shalt not be a jackwagon in the game thread.</em></strong></p>
<p>We are officially back off of the bye week, ladies and gentlemen, and not a moment too soon. Yes, we are set to kick off Week 10 action from FedEx Field in Washington, D.C., as your <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> get ready to take on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a>.</p>
<p>So, what do the Vikings need to do in order to emerge victorious from the nation's capital and start off a stretch of four road games in five weeks on the right foot?</p>
<p><em style="font-weight: bold;">1) Take advantage of Washington's banged up offensive line</em> - If you're an offensive lineman for the Redskins, you're probably on the injury report this week. It's gotten so bad in Washington that the home team might have to start <span>T.J. Clemmings</span> at left tackle. . .on purpose. Whoever the Redskins start up front, they're going to be banged up, and the Vikings' offensive line is going to have to take advantage of that to not only get after <span>Kirk Cousins</span>, but to slow down <span>Chris Thompson</span> and <span>Rob Kelley</span> in the run game as well.</p>
<p><em style="font-weight: bold;">2) Play mistake-free football</em> - Even with the injury issues, the Washington offense is pretty explosive. <span>Case Keenum</span> is going to have to not turn the ball over as he has in recent weeks (he has one interception in each of the Vikings' last three games), and this team is going to have to sustain drives and give the defense a chance to rest. If the Vikings can keep themselves from giving Washington a short field, the defense should give Washington a very difficult time in this one.</p>
<p><em style="font-weight: bold;">3) Be inspired</em> - While he might not be starting. . .not yet, anyway. . .it has to be a great feeling for the Vikings' players to look over to the sidelines and see quarterback <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span> back in uniform. Bridgewater's comeback has got to be a huge inspiration to his teammates, and hopefully they can use that to give themselves a serious burst and win this one in his first real game since January of 2016. That doesn't mean go out and play out of control, but I'd have to imagine that this would give anyone in purple a little extra bounce in their step.</p>
<p>We are less than an hour away from kickoff at FedEx Field, ladies and gentlemen. As always, we will have an Open Thread that gets underway at the start of each quarter, so keep an eye out for that.</p>
<p>SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/11/12/16639302/minnesota-vikings-at-washington-redskins-first-quarter-open-threadChristopher Gates