NFL Week 8 PFF ReFocused: Minnesota Vikings 19, Washington Redskins 9

Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison ran wild in the Minnesota Vikings‘ 19-9 win over the Washington Redskins on Thursday night to kick off Week 8.

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Final Score

Minnesota Vikings 19, Washington Redskins 9

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings' defense had a tough time stopping the run… or rather, a tough time tackling Adrian Peterson, who may have been running with a little extra juice against his former team. While they didn't do an overly bad job of playing their gaps, they did do a poor job of limiting yards after contact.

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes had a night to forget in coverage, getting beat a number of times for chunk gains that included a defensive pass interference penalty downfield that set Washington up in the red zone before ultimately leaving after hard contact with tight end Jeremy Sprinkle.

Dalvin Cook continues to produce in the Vikings’ outside zone scheme and was repeatedly fed the football. Cook caught a screen pass and made four Redskins defenders miss their tackle attempts as he racked up 31 yards on the catch.

With Adam Thielen out, the Vikings relied on Stefon Diggs to move the ball in the passing game, and he showed up with a big game. He led the team in targets and topped the century mark in yardage. Diggs did lose a fumble to end the Vikings’ first drive. Diggs' best play was a 39-yard go route down the left sideline where he beat Josh Norman for a 39-yard gain.

Washington Redskins

Adrian Peterson had a very good game tonight as both a runner and receiver. He ran with his patented physicality and was tough to bring down, converting numerous first downs and gaining a good amount of his yards after contact.

After Case Keenum left the game with a concussion, rookie Dwayne Haskins entered in relief but failed to muster up much outside of a slightly overthrown ball over the middle that resulted in a tipped interception for emerging Vikings safety Anthony Harris, his fourth of the year.

Cole Holcomb forced a Diggs fumble that ended the Vikings’ opening drive. Matt Ioannidis beat Brian O'Neill inside for a second-quarter sack of Kirk Cousins.

Jonathan Allen got a second-quarter sack of Cousins by bull-rushing Pat Elflein back into the pocket to end the Vikings’ drive and forced a field goal. Jon Bostic had a clean-up sack of Cousins as he fled the pocket early in the third quarter.