Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington Redskins: 5 Halftime Adjustments Vikings Need

This season has been arguably the worst in Minnesota Vikings history. The Vikings haven't had a season where they won less than three games since 1962, and they've never lost more than 13. If they lose their two remaining games, they'll finish 2-14.

However, we all knew this was a rebuilding season for the Vikings from the start. Donovan McNabb was brought in at the beginning of the season, but his time in Minnesota was short-lived, and now Christian Ponder is being groomed to be the next franchise quarterback.

It's been an up-and-down season for Ponder. He's had bright spots, like when he posted a passer rating of 103.1 against the Atlanta Falcons and then the next week threw for three touchdowns in a close loss to the Denver Broncos. However, there have also been struggles (which you expect with a rookie). He's thrown almost as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns (13).

Still, he's done well considering the Vikings last six games have come against five teams with a winning record and the 7-7 Oakland Raiders. They of course lost them all, but they kept many of them close, losing three of them by less than a touchdown.

If Ponder develops into a solid quarterback, he's got weapons around him. Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson are two of the most dangerous playmakers in the game. This season is a lost cause, but each game is a learning experience for Christian Ponder and winning a few games at the end of the season could give him some much-needed confidence heading into next season.

Ponder's had a good start to this game, as have the Vikings. They jumped out to a 10-0 lead, though the Redskins bounced back late in the half. Here are five adjustments Minnesota needs to nab their first victory since October 30th.

1. Block Better for Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson has had very few holes so far in this game. He only gained 23 yards on his first 10 carries. The Vikings offensive line has to do better to help him be a bigger factor in this game.

2. Defend the Screen Better

Most of the Redskins big plays in the first half came off long runs after short catches. The Vikings defense needs to step up and force Grossman to throw downfield more, which he was unsuccessful in doing in the first half.

3. Let Ponder Air it Out

Christian Ponder had a great start to this game. He completed 8 of his first 12 passes in leading the Vikings on a touchdown, a field goal, and a missed field goal drive. He's feeling it, and they should let him throw more downfield (maybe take a chance deep with Percy Harvin).

4. Finish off Drives

The Vikings have had opportunities to break this game open in the first half, and they haven't done it. They settled for a field goal on one drive and missed the field goal on another after Adrian Peterson got a false start on 4th-and-1. Minnesota needs to get in the end zone to win this one.

5. Throw the Game and Draft Andrew Luck

Okay, this one is a joke. But it might be worth their while. With the Colts last two losses, the Vikings have a good chance of getting Andrew Luck.