It was over when ...
A momentum-shifting change of possession was reversed in the fourth quarter. The Redskins fumbled a snap that was recovered by the Vikings, but Washington challenged that the Vikings had 12 men on the field. The officials agreed with Joe Gibbs, the Redskins kept the ball and seven plays later RB Clinton Portis ran it into the end zone. The TD put the 'Skins up 32-14, quieting the Minneapolis crowd that had suddenly come to life after the Vikings cut the lead to 11.
Game balls
Portis did it all for the Redskins. He rushed for 79 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown, completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to WR Antwaan Randle El to cap a 10-play, 80-yard drive in the second quarter, and also caught five passes for 48 yards.
Key stat
The Redskins shut out the Vikings for nearly three full quarters and forced the league's No. 1 rushing team to try to beat them through the air. RB Adrian Peterson was held to 27 yards, the third straight game he's been held under 100 yards on the ground. His quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson, outrushed him by 17 yards.
Noteworthy
The loss by the Vikings clouds the NFC playoff picture. ... Redskins FB Mike Sellers left the game with a concussion. ... In his only start vs. Minnesota (10 years ago with the Bills) Redskins QB Todd Collins passed for 299 yards. Sunday night, he finished 22-of-29 for 254 yards. ... In his first game against his old team, Redskins CB Fred Smoot had an interception.
