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Previewing the Redskins Week 10 matchup with the Vikings

By Jacob Camenker

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins passes the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins passes the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins reacts after making a catch near the goal line as defensive back Bradley McDougald #30 and cornerback Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks look on during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins reacts after making a catch near the goal line as defensive back Bradley McDougald #30 and cornerback Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks look on during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Redskins offense vs. Vikings defense

The Vikings defense is a very tough unit. There’s no doubt about it. Through eight games in 2017, the team ranks No. 4 overall in total yardage allowed at just 282.1 yards per contest. They have excellent personnel and a great defensive coach in Mike Zimmer who helps to carry their team.

Because of this, Kirk Cousins is going to have to bring his A-game on Sunday afternoon. The Vikings are particularly good against the run, thanks to the stellar play of Linval Joseph, so Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson figure to have a tough time finding running room. Cousins will have to carry the team as a result, and that may not be easy for the team to do.

The Vikings have a very strong secondary that is led by fifth year veteran Xavier Rhodes. A corner from the 2013 draft class, Rhodes has become one of the best cover corners in the league and will be able to lock down whoever he lines up across from. That figures to be Josh Doctson in many scenarios, so the second year Redskins receiver could have trouble dealing with him.

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Elsewhere across the receiving corps, Jamison Crowder will likely see a lot of time in the slot, provided that he is able to suit up. He will go up against Terence Newman, so that will be a tough matchup. Newman has been in the NFL for a long time, but he is still a quality player. Trae Waynes is the weak link in the starting cornerback group, but he will only have to deal with Ryan Grant and Terrelle Pryor. Neither figures to be a very threatening option.

If the Redskins want to find a consistent receiving threat, their best option may be to target their tight ends. While it’s unclear if Jordan Reed will suit up, Vernon Davis has played well in his stead and both guys are athletic players who should find success against the Vikings linebackers and safeties. The unit is still strong, but their coverage against tight ends has only been decent.

Overall, it’s hard to imagine the Redskins finding too much success against the Vikings. Given the state of their offensive line, which will struggle against Everson Griffen and the pass rush, this could be a long day for Cousins and company. So, the team will only be able to win if their defense plays very well.

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