In a game full of lead changes, it was only fitting that the contest would come down final minutes. In the end it was Robert Griffin III who faltered, missing Pierre Garcon in the middle of the field on fourth down on the Washington Redskins last real shot at the win.
With a 10-0 halftime score, the script was flipped at the intermission as the two teams combined for five second half touchdown drives of at least 40 yards. The Redskins may have come away with a loss, but they can take solace that Griffin made some plays to remind of his excellent rookie year, despite the Minnesota Vikings getting in several big hits.
Ultimately though it was Teddy Bridgewater who shook off a couple of disappointing outings to lead the Minnesota to a big win.
Washington Redskins –Performances of Note
Trent Williams, LT, -4.5
Breakdown: This was Williams’ first grade in the red this year, and boy was it a bad one. Taking his licks almost exclusively at the hands of Everson Griffen, Williams was handled with ease both in the run game and in pass protection.
Signature Play: Q3, 2:04. With Washington facing 3rd and 3 inside the Vikings’ 10 yard line, Williams could only watch as Griffen blew past him on the outside and forced a throw-away, converting a potential touchdown into just three points.
Bashaud Breeland, CB, +1.9
Breakdown: Off the back of a strong game in Dallas, Breeland’s performance further north was more inconsistent. Mixing the good (two passes defensed and good run support) with the bad (five first downs allowed on passes into his coverage), Breeland continues to show he’s worth the investment of a fourth round pick and the playing time he’s getting, even if he’s not the finished article yet.
Signature Stat: Allowed only eight yards after the catch on five receptions. Only once this year has he given up more than 20 YAC in a single game.
Roy Helu, HB, -4.0
Breakdown: Helu sees time as the Redskins’ primary third down back, and while he’s a superior receiver to Alfred Morris, his pass protection (or lack thereof) has to factor into his performance at some point. Routinely tossed aside by Minnesota’s blitzing linebackers, Helu has now allowed eight pressures on the year, third most among running backs.
Signature Play: Q1, 7:48. Helu is thrown aside by a blitzing Anthony Barr for an ugly sack that had Washington fans holding their collective breath.
Minnesota Vikings –Performances of Note
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, +1.7 passing
Breakdown: His most memorable throw might be his miss to Cordarelle Patterson on a blown coverage, but Bridgewater had a solid game otherwise. Struggling with the deep ball, Bridgewater made up for it with efficient work in the short and intermediate area of the field, where he completed 23-of-29 passes.
Signature Play: Down five points and facing 3rd and 10 with 6:52 remaining, Bridgewater showed off his accuracy with a superb back shoulder throw to Clay Ford to keep the drive alive.
Everson Griffen, DE, +2.7
Breakdown: Many thought nearly $20 million guaranteed for a guy with 17.5 sacks over a four year career was too much, but with performances like this, Griffen is making good on that contract. Tasked with beating one of the league’s better tackles, the fifth-year defensive end racked up seven quarterback disruptions and led all players with a fantastic seven defensive stops as he made Trent Williams look ordinary.
Signature Stat: This was Griffen’s third consecutive game with six or more pressures.
Shariff Floyd, DT, +3.3
Breakdown: He wasn’t living in the backfield on passing downs like his teammate on the outside, but Floyd put forth another stellar showing in what’s shaping up to be an excellent sophomore campaign. He bullied Washington’s interior with strong work in the run game and a superb day rushing the passer despite just one sack and one hurry on the stat sheet.
Signature Play: Q4, 3:27. On the opening play of Washington’s second to last drive, Floyd plows Chris Chester back into the pocket before breaking free and taking down RG3, only for the play to come off the board with an illegal contact call.
PFF Game Ball
Shariff Floyd earns it with a well-rounded performance (+3.3) amidst a career-high 56 snaps.
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