1. Who will play Sunday against the Vikings? At this point, aside from already sidelined strong safety LaRon Landry and running backs Ryan Torain and Clinton Portis nobody’s status is certain. But it’s highly unlikely linebackers Rocky McIntosh and Lorenzo Alexander will play Sunday. The offensive line has more hope with center Casey Rabach and guard Artis Hicks. But even those who play might not be able to practice for the first couple days. It’s hard to stay sharp that way.
2. What sort of team will they be facing? The Vikings have been a colossal flop this season, but so were the Cowboys before they fired Wade Phillips. Is Minnesota staring at a similar turnaround based on a coaching change? That could be what the Vikings needed most, if nothing else than to let them play more relaxed. It appears Brad Childress had long ago lost that team. And now Leslie Frazier is not just an interim coach, he’s a candidate to remain. It’s time for the players to please the new boss.
3. Can they stop running back Adrian Peterson? They were able to prevent Tennessee’s Chris Johnson from beating them, but can they control an elite running back two weeks in a row? Washington allows 5.1 yards per carry; Peterson averages 4.6 per run and already has 980 rushing yards this season. The fact that the Vikings’ passing game has struggled could enable Washington to again remain in its base 3-4 front most of the game. The Redskins have defended the run better from this look.
4. Will this be the start of a playoff push? The Redskins probably weren’t a playoff team when healthy, let alone when they have this many walking wounded. But if they do harbor postseason thoughts, this is yet another must-win game. Regardless, they’d have to go 5-1 down the stretch to realistically consider the postseason.
5. Which player must produce? If the Redskins are to win, quarterback Donovan McNabb must have another strong game. The Vikings’ run defense is solid but their pass defense has struggled. It’s up to McNabb to challenge Minnesota deep. His poise and leadership helped beat the Titans — more of the same is needed Sunday.
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