Week 12 Scouting Report: Minnesota Vikings (Injuries, Stats, Analysis)

[KDawg]

Minnesota Vikings (3-7) @ Washington Redskins (5-5)

FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

1 PM

FOX

Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff:

Head Coach: Leslie Frazier

Offensive Coordinator: Darrell Bevell

Defensive Coordinator: Leslie Frazier

Special Teams Coordinator: Brian Murphy

Team Stats:

Skins:

Offensive 3rd down Conversions: 25.19%

Defensive 3rd down Conversions: 34%

Yards Per Play: 5.5

Yards Per Rush: 4.1

Yards Per Pass: 7.4

Sacks Allowed: 28

Sacks by Team: 20

Field Goals: 19/26

ToP: 29:34

Turnover Ratio: +6

Vikings:

Offensive 3rd down Conversions: 35%

Defensive 3rd down Conversions: 43%

Yards Per Play: 5.5

Yards Per Rush: 4.5

Yards Per Pass: 6.9

Sacks Allowed: 20

Sacks by Team: 17

Field Goals: 11/12

ToP: 30:25

Turnover Ratio: -13

Statistical Leaders:

Passing

Skins:

Donovan McNabb: 206/358, 2642 yards, 10 TD, 12 INT

Vikings:

Brett Favre: 197/327, 2274 yards, 10 TD, 17 INT

Rushing:

Skins:

Ryan Torain: 91 carries, 391 yards, 3 TD

Vikings:

Adrian Peterson: 211 carries, 980 yards, 7 TD

Receiving:

Skins:

Santana Moss: 57 receptions, 738 yards, 3 TD

Chris Cooley: 49 receptions, 554 yards, 2 TD

Anthony Armstrong: 23 receptions, 492 yards, 1 TD

Vikings:

Percy Harvin: 46 receptions, 595 yards, 4 TD

Adrian Peterson: 31 receptions, 297 yards, 1 TD

Visanthe Shiancoe: 30 receptions, 366 yards, 2 TD

Tackles:

Skins:

LaRon Landry: 85 tackles (19 assists)

London Fletcher: 92 tackles (32 assists)

DeAngelo Hall: 73 tackles (26 sassists)

Vikings:

Chad Greenway: 99 tackles (23 assists)

EJ Henderson: 71 tackles (23 assists)

Antoine Winfield: 57 tackles (10 assists)

Sacks:

Skins:

Brian Orakpo: 7.5 sacks

Vikings:

Jared Allen: 6.5 sacks

Interceptions:

Skins:

DeAngelo Hall: 6 picks, 1 TD

Vikings:

EJ Henderson/Husain Abdullah: 2 picks

Minnesota Vikings Key Players:

Jared Allen, DE: Allen is a high motor guy who has been relatively quiet this season... Well, as quiet as you can be while registering 6.5 sacks. Should be an interesting matchup versus our offensive tackles, who seem to have been tested week after week.

Brett Favre, QB: Favre has been pretty bad thus far this season, but Leslie Frazier has opted to stay with him for this week. Favre still has his moments of greatness, but he's thrown more interceptions than touchdowns this year. I'm hoping we can take advantage of that.

Chad Greenway, LB: Greenway is all over the field and is a pretty good tackler. He's their version of London Fletcher, even if he's not quite what London is. Isn't going to wow you with amazing statistics but will get tons of tackles and be in on almost every play.

Percy Harvin, WR: Their playmaker. Has speed and is strong. He leads their team in receptions and yards and has been Favre's go to guy for big plays the last two seasons. He must be contained.

Bryant McKinney, OT: A pillar of a man. he and Phil Loadholt are a pretty good tackle tandem. We must find ways to get Orakpo free off the edge. He's been pretty quiet the last two weeks and these two won't make waking him up any easier.

Adrian Peterson, RB: It seems like we talk about a dual threat back each and every week and this week is no different. Last week Chris Johnson averaged 6.5 yards per carry. Johnson is a shiftier back than Peterson, but Peterson is very fast and very strong. Runs through tackles often. We have to get to him before he gets going.

Sidney Rice, WR: Just coming off of injury, Rice and Harvin against a depleted secondary could be an issue for us if Favre can get them the football. Possession receiver that can make big plays.

Visanthe Shiancoe, TE: When all else fails, Favre finds Shiancoe. Shiancoe has proven to be a reliable player with pretty good hands.

Kevin Williams/Pat Williams, DT: I'm not sure who will be starting at the guards/center position for us, but this is the best defensive line we've faced all year. These two will cause chaos up front if we're not able to find a way to slow them down. Doubling them will probably have to occur and that leaves Allen one on one on the edge.

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report:

Per rotoworld.com

Bernard Berrian, WR (groin) Game-Time Decision

Anthony Herara, G (knee) {out for season}

Cedric Griffin, DB (knee) {out for season}

Analysis:

The encouraging, yet scary aspect of this game is the turmoil the Vikings currently are in. Favre has been a disaster this year and the team virtually quit on their former head coach, Brad Childress. The turmoil is good and bad for the Redskins. The good is that the Vikings have a major distraction on their hands. The bad is that the Vikings are in a similar spot the Skins were going into last week’s game versus Tennessee. They just got dismembered by a rival. Now with the Vikings having Leslie Frazier as their interim coach, the team will play hard to help Frazier.

Favre, despite his struggles, is always capable of orchestrating a good game. And with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin on his flanks, the opportunity for big plays is amplified in the passing game against a depleted Redskins secondary. If Landry and Rogers can’t go for the second week in a row, we’ll see Doughty and Buchanon start in their place. They did an admirable job last week against a head case in Young and a rookie in Rusty Smith. Hopefully they can continue and pick apart Favre.

The real issue against the Vikings is their running game. Peterson can catch the ball out of the backfield and is a horse. Probably the biggest genetic freak of a running back in the NFL. He runs hard and runs through tackles, which makes him a huge threat. Our rush defense has been horrendous this year, and this is where I feel the Vikings game plan will lie; On the shoulder of Adrian Peterson. He needs just 20 yards to eclipse the 1000 yard mark. Their offensive line is solid, however the loss of guard Anthony Herrara for the season could be of huge benefit for us. But let’s not begin to think that Peterson won’t get his. The key to this game is placing pressure on Favre and making him make mistakes. If we can cause some key turnovers we’ll force the Vikings into throw mode. If Favre stays true to 2010 form, that means good things for the Redskins.

As far as offensively for the Skins, we need to pick on their right cornerback, whether it’s Asher Allen or Chris Cook, who was benched last week for ineffective play against the Packers. This is their weak spot. We need to amplify it and abuse them. On the other side, Antoine Winfield is one of the better corners in the game. We need to pick our opportunities against him and attack the right side. Chris Cooley and Fred Davis need to play a huge role this week again attacking the seams and flats of this Viking’s team. EJ Henderson is a playmaker and will range to one of the two if they are both in the game. The other shouldn’t have much of a problem getting open.

What will be interesting for the Redskins is the offensive line, who played their best game of the season in my opinion versus Tennessee. If Montgomery starts at center, the line is automatically upgraded. We’re still having issues in the running game, though. Portis looked great for the small portion of the game he was able to play in, but he seems to have reinjured his groin and will probably be out for more extended time. That leaves us with Keiland Williams, Darrel Young and James Davis if our leading rusher, Ryan Torain, isn’t fully recovered from the hamstring injury. Williams has been a pretty decent dual threat for the Redskins and he’s not a bad back, but he’s not someone that strikes fear into opposing team’s hearts. Leslie Frazier will likely heavily blitz us, unless of course his front four manages to pressure us without the backers coming. We’ll need to utilize the screen game against their extremely good defensive line and blitz packages. If they are able to get pressure on us without the blitz, the screen game becomes a non factor. Protection is key this week. We need to be able to throw the football in order to open up the running game. Minnesota should not be afraid of the rushing attack until we prove that we can throw the ball. If that’s the case, Keiland Williams should have a good game on the ground. We need to continue improving on third down as well.

This is a huge game for this Redskins team. We need to pull out all the stops and out coach and out scheme the Vikings. I don’t think it’s any stretch to assume Minnesota is MUCH more talented than we are, so let’s see our coaching staff earn their paychecks this week by utilizing a game plan that plays to our players strengths. And let’s not forget, our players get paid too, and if they really do want to win this one they need to give their all. Forget Minnesota’s record. Play them like they’re the best team in football and I think we can beat them.

[darrelgreenie]

I suspect that with a defensive head coach now in charge they're gonna run the ball...a lot.

He's probably going call his best defensive game to showcase that he really knows how to run a defense.

(His most aggressive blitzes and coverages.)

[Henry]

Turnover differential: That's our huge advantage. If we don't win that battle it's going to be a tough day for us I think.

[Annonymous Source]

Got to Run the ball, stop the run and pressure the QB. That is the formula for victory this game, whichever team executes it better will be the winning team. The parallels are amazing.

1) A hard nosed defense recently removed from an embarassing defeat

2) An injury riddled offensive line

3) A veteran QB who has been surrounded by controversy and who has a tendency to throw picks.

4) DTs that can control the line of scrimmage, Haynesworth and the Williams duo

5) A secondary that is highly suspect after the first CB. (Redskins due to injury)

It really should boil down to whoever can impose their will on the flow of the game.

Thanks for the great read as always KDawg

[KDawg]

rotoworld.com stuff

Redskins:

Coach Mike Shanahan revealed that C Casey Rabach suffered a second-degree MCL tear during the Redskins' Week 11 win over the Titans.

Shanahan didn't offer a timetable for return, or say whether Rabach would need surgery. The Skins' front five depth was already slim, and it's a big concern heading into a Week 12 date with the Vikings' defensive line. Keiland Williams is likely to start, but fantasy expectations shouldn't be high.

Source: Ryan O'Halloran on Twitter

Redskins signed RB James Davis off their practice squad.

Davis, 24, is in line to back up Keiland Williams until (and if) Clinton Portis (groin) and Ryan Torain (hamstring) get healthy. The Skins are known to be high on Davis and Mike Shanahan's backfields are always susceptible to change at a moment's notice, so Davis is worth a look in 12-team leagues

Redskins placed RB/KR Chad Simpson on injured reserve with a broken metacarpal in his foot, ending his season.

Simpson, 25, finishes with 59 return yards and no carries in three games. The former Colt will need surgery on his foot. A fringe player, Simpson has 30 career carries in three seasons between Indianapolis and Washington.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan confirmed Monday that Ryan Torain (hamstring) is a "long shot" to play in Week 12.

"The hamstring is still sore," said Shanahan, giving Torain a "97 percent" chance of missing Week 12. Torain suffered his setback prior to Washington's Week 10 game, so it appears to have been significant. With Clinton Portis (groin) also not expected to play against the Vikings, Keiland Williams is going to get another start. Williams' backup will be James Davis.

Source: Rich Campbell on Twitter

Related: Keiland Williams

The Washington Post's Jason Reid reports that the aggravation of Clinton Portis' groin injury could cost the running back the remainder of the season.

Portis said he'll get an MRI Monday but hopes to play in Week 12. Even coach Mike Shanahan, who rarely says anything about injuries, admitted that would be a "long shot." Portis also acknowledged that he played in Week 11 despite not being fully recovered from the injury. We're likely to see a lot of Keiland Williams and possibly Ryan Torain, if he can overcome an injury of his own, the rest of the way for the Redskins. James Davis is likely to be signed from the practice squad.

Source: Washington Post

Redskins OG Derrick Dockery suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of Sunday's win and did not return.

Yesterday was the first time Dockery had been active since Week 4 due to ineffectiveness, and he didn't last long. He believes he injured his MCL and is set for a Monday MRI.

Redskins OLB/ST Lorenzo Alexander suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter Sunday while covering a punt and did not return.

The special teams ace said he couldn't even stand on the sideline or walk around, hinting at a serious pull.

Looks like Zo, Rabach, Torain, Portis, Landry, Rogers will all be out. Simpson and Russell will be out as well. If Dock hurt his MCL, he'll be out as well. We might see Capers and Cook active this week. Ugh.

Carter would get the nod at OLB I'd guess.

[J-bomb]

No to Carter! Wilson, Riley should be playing instead of that guy.I don't mind seeing if Cook and Capers have developed enough to contribute. I'm not worried about the williams wall there' s a reason they've only beaten the rams,seahawks and cards this year and it's not all on Favre!

[KDawg]

No to Carter! Wilson, Riley should be playing instead of that guy.I don't mind seeing if Cook and Capers have developed enough to contribute. I'm not worried about the williams wall there' s a reason they've only beaten the rams,seahawks and cards this year and it's not all on Favre!

Riley is not learning the OLB spot for this team. Riley is playing inside. Therefore he will not be in for Zo. It would be Wilson or Carter. My guess is the staff will go with Carter.

[Mr. Sinister]

No to Carter! Wilson, Riley should be playing instead of that guy.I don't mind seeing if Cook and Capers have developed enough to contribute. I'm not worried about the williams wall there' s a reason they've only beaten the rams,seahawks and cards this year and it's not all on Favre!

I don't know how you can possibly justify starting a rookie and a special teamer over Andre Carter. Yes, he's not a great fit in this scheme, but Riley obviously isn't ready yet, and Wilson is no better than Carter is at this point.

[J-bomb]

I don't know how you can possibly justify starting a rookie and a special teamer over Andre Carter. Yes, he's not a great fit in this scheme, but Riley obviously isn't ready yet, and Wilson is no better than Carter is at this point.

Both are faster and more atheletic than Carter and on that alone I would play them over stiff legs Carter anyday, that's my opinion of the OLB situation.

[Mr. Sinister]

Both are faster and more atheletic than Carter and on that alone I would play them over stiff legs Carter anyday, that's my opinion of the OLB situation.

Just because they are "stronger" and " more athletic" doesn't mean that that they are a better fit than Carter is. It takes more than strength and athleticism to be a great football player. Both Riley and Wilson are behind Carter on the depth chart for a reason.

[icbmayday]

We will beat the Vikings I believe....we will pick apart the secondary and overwhelm the Vikings O line

[KDawg]

All from rotoworld.com

Sidney Rice (hip, questionable) confirmed Friday that he anticipates playing the vast majority of offensive snaps in Week 12.

"I basically played the whole game last week, so I don’t look to take any steps down," said Rice. The Vikings may be out of the playoff race at 3-8, but Rice will be motivated for a strong finish to his contract year. He's a quality WR3 against a bumbling Redskins pass defense in Week 12.

Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter

We knew this was the case. Just a little confirmation.

Bernard Berrian (groin, questionable) returned to Vikings practice Friday.

He'll be a game-day call, with the decision being based on how well Berrian looks in pre-game warmups. Regardless, he'll be fifth in line for targets behind Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Visanthe Shiancoe, and Adrian Peterson

Berrian should be a non factor even if he does play. He's not near 100% and they have too many other weapons.

Brett Favre revealed at his Wednesday press conference that he is dealing with a case of the flu.

It won't keep him out against the Redskins, but Favre remains likely to miss practice time this week, as always. Favre also told reporters that he doesn't anticipate any schematic changes on offense following the Vikings' head coaching change. We'd be hard pressed to recommend Favre as a Week 12 fantasy starter, but Washington hasn't played the pass well this season.

Source: Judd Zulgad on Twitter

Hopefully sick Favre doesn't equal sick Michael Jordan

Vikings WLB Ben Leber anticipates the team blitzing more often under new defensive coordinator Fred Pagac.

It's certainly no given that this will be the case, as former DC and current interim head coach Leslie Frazier will still have his fingerprints all over the defense. But, the Vikings could stand to do something to spark their pass rush, which has produced a disappointing 17 sacks this season.

I'm still not sure that this will be their immediate gameplan. They may blitz a bit off the bat, but I'd expect them to bring their front four and see what kind of damage those guys can do alone before committing too many resources to pressure packages. If they can beat our line with four, that's going to help to take away the screen game as well.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan intends for James Davis to get some carries in Week 12 against Minnesota.

Keiland Williams will start, and recent practice squad call-up Davis will be his change of pace. "You never know how somebody's going to do until they actually play," said Shanahan. "But I like what I've seen in practice. He's handled himself very well, so hopefully he take advantage of his opportunity."

Source: Washington Post

I think this is another one of those things we all knew was coming.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Friday that he'll make a game-time decision on Santana Moss' (hamstring, questionable) status for Week 12.

Shanahan said Moss "felt better" during Friday's practice after being held out Thursday. Our guess is that Moss will play against the Vikings, but it's worth noting that he caught just one pass after suffering the early-third quarter hamstring injury in last week's win over Tennessee. Skins-Vikings has a 1:00ET start. The inactives will be announced by noon.

Source: Washington Post

I would guess that Moss will go... But if not... Ugh.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has officially ruled out Ryan Torain (hamstring) for Week 12.

Torain's hamstring is a week-to-week type injury, and given his history, we're not holding our breath for a quick return. As expected, Keiland Williams will get the start, with James Davis backing him up. Williams is merely a flex play against the Vikings' stout run defense.

Source: Redskins Insider on Twitter

Related: Keiland Williams

Yup. We pretty much figured that.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has officially ruled SS LaRon Landry (Achilles) out for Week 12.

It's the second straight game he's missed. Carlos Rogers (hamstring) is also expected to sit out. Feel free to upgrade all members of the Vikings receiving corps.

This is bad. I have a feeling we're going to see Macho Harris getting game action...

[grego]

kdawg- you have 'titans' under team stats after the skins near the top. you probably have the vikings stats, just the wrong heading.

thanks for the info!

[KDawg]

kdawg- you have 'titans' under team stats after the skins near the top. you probably have the vikings stats, just the wrong heading.

thanks for the info!

Yup, good call. I just copy/paste the template. Will fix it.

Stats are the Vikings.

[s0crates]

The scariest thing is Adrian Peterson. If they give him a lot of carries, he has the ability to torch us.

The best thing is both AP and Favre turn the ball over, and our defense forces turnovers.

[BrandonJ83]

I hope Davis can get some big runs in this game. We need a real speed guy to give us the big play potential and set up some play action. I would also like to see us get the ball to Fred Davis more because he runs well after the catch like Cooley, really fights for those extra yards.

[SkinsCrushCowboys]

stop AP and we win. He is approaching 1000 yards for the season and is really running well. Stop him and make the "ole dongslinger" beat us.

[Mr. Sinister]

stop AP and we win. He is approaching 1000 yards for the season and is really running well. Stop him and make the "ole dongslinger" beat us.

The problem with that is that our secondary is so banged up that they'll probably be able to run and pass effect.ively. Like someone else said, our only hope is to get a few turnovers, and since Favre is the QB, all we have to do is catch ( knock on wood )

[Chump Bailey]

McKinnie and Loadholt are grossly overrated OT's. We should be able to get pressure and hits on Favre. AP is a monster. but they are not blocking very wellf for him. He's still a concern of course - as is Harvin. Rice says he will play extensively. We'll see. Their defensive front 7 are obviously their greatest strength. They can be had in the passing game, if McNabb can get some time. With Rabach playing, that's a concern certainly.