Minnesota Vikings @ Washington Redskins
Posted on | September 10, 2006 | No Comments
Monday night football will debut on NBC in what should be a great game.
Last year both teams had a great finish to their regular season. The team battled for the last wildcard spot in the NFC, and Washington with a record of 10-6 made it to the playoffs, while Minnesota with a record of 9-7 just missed the playoffs.
Both team have made changes to their offense, especially Washington. They have added highly talented wide receiver Antwaan Randle El who can also kick return and be isolated a a QB in trick plays as he did in Pittsburgh. The system is going to change. The Redskins need to protect quarterback Mark Brunell and give him time to find his receivers. Look for offensive coordinator Al Saunders to use timing routes to get the ball quickly out of Brunell’s hand (3- and 5-step drops). They love to throw screen passes to speed receiver Santana Moss who was amazing last year.
The main change for Minnesota is that loss of Daunte Culpepper, who just two years ago threw 39 touchdowns. Brad Johnson will now be the permanent starter. Last year he was very efficient when Culpepper was injured, throwing nearly 2,000 yards, 12 TD’s, and only 4 interceptions. Johnson is 38 years old, but I think he’ll be o.k. Minnesota has made dramatic changes over the past few years. They used to have a high-powered offense and a horrible defense. They are now more balanced, and their defense is much improved, especially their defensive line.
In the preseason the Redskins were 0-4 and the Vikings were 2-1-1. However the Redskins star running back, Clinton Portis, suffered a dislocated left shoulder in the club’s first preseason game. Never look at the preseason to see how good teams are, it is very misleading. Last year the Colts were 0-4 in the preseason and they did pretty well.
Now it’s time for predictions. Clinton Portis, although he will play, won’t be at 100% which means Mark Brunell will have to pass more. All Minnesota has to do is double team Santana Moss, and that should shut down the passing offense. I think Minnesota won’t be able to move the ball either. Look for a low scoring game. I have a feeling this may be an overtime game, with Moss making a big play. Minnesota Vikings 17 @ Washington Redskins 20
Game can be seen on NBC at 7:00 P.M. eastern on Monday, September 11
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