Minnesota misses WR Robinson in loss

By Krupka  |   Wednesday, September 27, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Minnesota Vikings
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In Sunday's 19-16 loss to the Chicago Bears, one thing was clear as day: The Minnesota Vikings could have used the services of wide receiver Marcus Robinson. The 6-foot-3 receiver was inactive because of a hamstring injury.

The passing game was far from ineffective, but by no means was it great, either. Quarterback Brad Johnson completed 21-of-31 passes, including 15 of his first 18 for 194 yards.

However, for the second consecutive game, and a total of nine quarters, the offense failed to score a touchdown.

It was most apparent the Vikings could have used Robinson early in the game. Their first drive, like many others they have had once reaching the red zone, stalled.

The tall receiver has tremendous leaping ability, and is a favorite target of Johnson around the end zone. The first play the team ran was the patented fade route, usually thrown to Robinson. With him unable to play, the Vikings looked to receiver Travis Taylor on the route, and the pass fell incomplete. They went three-and-out as the offense only picked up eight yards on the next two plays, and settled for a Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal.

Again, this time in the second quarter, the Vikings found themselves in the red zone facing a first-and-10 from the 11-yard line. And, like the previous trip inside the opponent's 20, what has become a death valley for the sputtering offense, after just three plays, Longwell was called upon and converted a 26-yard field goal.

Not having Robinson available in red-zone situations affects other play-calling options aside from the plays designed for him, like the aforementioned fade pattern. While the ball may not be thrown to him, Robinson provides another big target that can go over the top and open up the underneath routes for tight ends Jermaine Wiggins and Jimmy Kleinsasser, as well as draw attention away from Troy Williamson and Taylor.

At this point in time, the Vikings' red-zone offense looks less than stellar to say the least. The return of Robinson, likely this week, is imperative to help get the offense back on track, because, even with the good defense Minnesota possesses, the inability to score points on offense, especially in the red zone, will catch up with them sooner than later.

Look for Robinson's return to give the offense a much needed spark, especially down inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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