NFL Preview: Can Leslie Frazier pull a Jason Garrett and lead Vikings over Redskins?
The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins game will be one of the many interesting ones during Week 12 of the Regular Season.
But who has the upper hand?
To understand the Vikings, it is prudent to take a look at the Cowboys. Before acquiring Jason Garrett as the interim head coach, the ‘Boys were 2-7.
However, Garrett brought the team together, let them play to their strengths, and turned them around, winning their next two games. Wade Philips was fired because he just didn’t have the trust of the players, causing them to go through their worst start
in 26 years.
Minnesota has a very similar problem. Every single player on the team hated- sorry, hated is a strong word,
strongly disliked- head coach Brad Childress. He was distant from every player on the team, and would not let them play to their strengths.
The best way for a team to be successful is to adjust to every situational change during the game. For example, if the defense changes their formation, you alter your play. If you see a whole in the defense, you go for that hole. But Childress wouldn’t let
his players do that. They had to stick to the book and Childress was very strict about it. He strongly considered benching superstar starting QB Brett Favre after he slightly altered a play.
So getting rid of Childress will likely make the Vikes a better team right?
Players have been saying good things about new interim head coach Leslie Frazier, and he would like nothing better than to show Childress that he is a better head coach by winning his first game as head coach.
Granted, the Vikings did have a lot of pain and turmoil throughout the season, but Frazier seems to be an answer to their prayers. Frazier will most likely bring the team together, because they are still a very talented team.
When you take a look at both teams, the only factor of the game that Washington is better at is in offensive passing yards, due to QB Donovan McNabb. They are ranked 9th in the league with an average 247.5 yards per game, while the Vikes are 17th
with 218.3 yards.
When it comes to rushing yards, allowed passing yards and allowed rushing yards, Minnesota is clearly better. The Vikings are ranked at 10th with 118.5 rushing yards, 16th with 218 yards allowed passing yards, and 7th with
99.1 allowed rushing yards. On the other hand, the Skins are 22nd in the league with 96.9 average rushing yards per game, 29th with 280.1 passing yards allowed, and 27th with 131 rushing yards allowed.
So, when it comes down to stats and performance, the Vikings will win.
However, in past performances since 2001, Washington has won two games, while losing one.
But the past doesn’t really matter, only the present. Washington may stand a chance, but the Vikes will most likely win under Frazier.
ESPN’s AccuScore predicts Minnesota to attain a score of about 24 points, while Washington is predicted to score about 21 points.
FOX Sports’ WhatIfSports predicts a much closer game, with the Vikings winning, 23-22.
Fans, however, seem to be behind the Redskins with a 50% vote, as compared to the Vikings’ 42% minority.
However, the game is coming closer with the battle between both teams on November 28.
Stay tuned.
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