The Redskins knocked out perhaps the Minnesota Vikings' two best offensive weapons -- all-world running back Adrian Peterson and starting quarterback Christian Ponder -- but somehow, some way the Redskins' defense let Saturday's game at FedEx Field turn into a shootout.
And that eventually led to another Redskins' loss.
That 33-26 score was quite an early Christmas present for the Vikings, who needed it after losing Peterson to a gruesome knee injury on the first offensive play of the second half and then Ponder to a head injury on the very next play.
Peterson took a direct hit to the knee from Redskins safety DeJon Gomes on a 3-yard gain. You can view an animated gif of the injury over at SB Nation.
Peterson lay on the ground for a couple of minutes and did not put any weight on his left leg as he was helped off the field. He was later taken on a cart to the Vikings locker room.
On the next play, Ponder was sacked by Adam Carriker and London Fletcher. Ponder remained in the game for one more play -- a third-down incomplete pass -- before heading to the locker room.
Peterson had 12 carries for 38 yards when he left the game. He also had a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
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Ponder had completed 8 of 13 passes for 68 yards. He was replaced by Joe Webb, who scored on a 9-yard run on the next series and eventually led his team to victory.
The game was tied at 23 with just over 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter but Minnesota scored the next 10 points to take a commanding lead.
Graham Gano kicked a late field goal to bring the Redskins to within seven, but the Vikings held on for the win.
