Purple Christmas Spoilers?

When the Washington Redskins come to town tonight for Sunday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome, they will be looking to spoil our "Purple Christmas." The Grinch could be wearing burgundy and gold, and all could be spoiled in Viking-ville. However, when all is said and done, not even the burgundy and gold "Grinch Machine" will stop the Vikings from fulfilling their destiny and make the playoffs. Even with a loss tonight, Minnesota can still make the post season with a win over Denver and a Redskins loss next week to Dallas and a Saints loss either to Philadelphia or Chicago. However, with a Vikings victory tonight and a Saints loss to Philadelphia, Minnesota will clinch a playoff birth and make it the Purple Christmas we are all looking for.

When Washington rolls into town tonight, they will be riding a two game win streak and fighting for their playoff lives. ESPN picked up this games as a part of their flex scheduling due to this high playoff regarded game. Washington can improve their chances of making the playoffs with a win and Minnesota can clinch with a win and Saints loss.

The Redskins are turning to their back up quarterback and 12 year veteran Todd Collins. Collins was drafted into this league in 1995 by the Buffalo Bills and played there three seasons while starting in 17 games. His last start prior to this season was a 21-14 loss on December 14, 1997 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Collins was replaced in that game and never started again until now. Since that time Collins has been sent to Kansas City where he played for eight seasons as a back up. Collins played in 11 games and started none. Collins was then picked up by Washington in 2006 and has been their back up as well. Collins has played in only two games as a Redskin, both this season. In his total career, Collins has completed 325 of 591 passes for 3,837 yards. He has thrown 19 touchdowns, 19 interceptions and has been sacked 59 times. He has ran the ball 77 times for 148 yards and has a career quarterback rating of 72.3%. Hopefully Minnesota will play him very tough and put a lot of pressure on him, forcing him to scramble. Collins does not appear to be much of a threat passing, as he has a career pass completion ratio of 55.0%, and has been sacked 59 times in 42 games. Collins is resilient though and can take a hit. He also does not seem to get rattled when he turns the ball over and continues to play tough no matter what. If Minnesota can put pressure on him early and thwart his passing attempts, they should crush Washington tonight.

Todd Collins has veteran receiver Santana Moss to throw to. Moss is second on the team with 49 receptions, and third on the team for yardage at 622. Moss has only one touchdown, but is still a dangerous threat for the Redskin receiving corps. Moss has been in this league for seven seasons and is in his third with Washington. Moss is a veteran receiver who has always been a threat deep down field.

Washington also has receiver Chris Cooley to contend with. Cooley leads the team with receptions (60) and yardage (711). Cooley is second on the team in touchdowns (7) and third on the team in yards per reception at 11.9. He his a four year veteran and has played with Washington all four years. So far this season Cooley has seven touchdowns in 14 games.

Minnesota will also have to keep an eye on Antwaan Randle El. Randle El has played in all 14 games, and is third on the team with receptions (43) second on the team in yardage (636) , but has not reached the end zone all season. However, Randle El is the team leader in yards per reception with 14.8.

Washington's backfield still has Clinton Portis. If the Vikings can snuff him out early, the Redskins running game has nothing else. Portis easily leads the team in rushes (280), yardage (1,082), and touchdowns (8). He averages 3.9 yards per carry and has led this team to be ranked 11th in the league in rushing, while he himself is ranked eighth as a rusher. Portis is a six year veteran who is still a big threat to any team. Minnesota's number one ranked rushing defense needs to send the message early: DON'T TRY AND RUN ON US!!

As a team the Redskins offense is ranked 11th in rushing, 15th in passing, and 17th overall. However, Washington scores only 19.8 points a game and allows 20.2. The Redskins rushing defense is ranked ninth in the league by allowing 98.0 yards a game, and their passing defense is ranked 18th in the league with 219 yards per game. Washington will be facing Minnesota's number one ranked rushing defense in the league, and a team that allows only 18.4 points a game, while scoring 23.2 points a game. This will be a low scoring game, and the outcome could be decided by how well Todd Collins plays. The Redskins need a good performance from him to have a fighting chance tonight.

Washington is in a must win situation. One loss and they are done. Earlier this week I wrote an article titled A Viking Motto: Win and You're In. Well the Redskins motto is: Win or Go Home! Hopefully the Minnesota Vikings can send the Washington Redskins home with a loss today and clinch the playoff spot they have earned. Minnesota has played very well for most of the season, and has finally figured out a way to win. Washington started out real good, and has floundered as the season wore on. Washington was 5-3 in their first eight games, and are now 2-4 in their last six games. Minnesota is riding a five game win streak, and have played very well the second half of the season. Minnesota has found ways of winning games, and proved last week they can even come from behind and win.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!