Matt Asiata scored three touchdowns to lead the Minnesota Vikings to a 29-26 win over the Washington Redskins in the NFL this evening.
The Redskins welcomed starting quarterback Robert Griffin III back from a six-game absence with a dislocated ankle, and he looked lively during their opening drive, but they had to settle for a Kai Forbath field goal.
After Cordarrelle Patterson failed to haul in a long pass from Teddy Bridgewater, Washington were able to extend their lead before the end of the first quarter when Alfred Morris ran it in from 14 yards out.
Griffin tried to throw a long pass to DeSean Jackson just before half time, but it was intercepted by Captain Munnerlyn to bring the Vikings offense back onto the field.
Bridgewater made the most of the opportunity, spotting Chase Ford in space at the back of the endzone for the tight end's first NFL touchdown.
Minnesota took the lead for the first time early in the third quarter as Asiata burst into the endzone for his first of three touchdowns.
The NFC East side were soon back ahead though as Griffin threw another deep pass for Jackson, and this time it reached the wide receiver, who managed to run it into the endzone.
Asiata dominated the running game in the fourth quarter, adding two further touchdowns either side of another Morris score to put the Vikings three points up heading into the two-minute warning.
The Redskins pressed hard for a late score, knowing that a field goal would take the game into overtime, but the Vikings defense ensured that Griffin could not find his receivers.
The result moves the Vikings above the Chicago Bears in the NFC North with a 4-5 record, while the Redskins remain bottom in the NFC East.
Sian Cowper
