The Washington Redskins started out the 2006 season with a disappointing loss, showcasing some new looks but also many of the deficiencies of 2005.

Minnesota began the scoring with their opening drive. Brad Johnson hit a wide open Troy Williamson for 48 yards, putting the ball at Washington's 6. Three plays later, Chester Taylor ran into the end zone from four yards out for a Vikings TD. The snap on the extra point was bobbled, and Minnesota's lead was only 6-0.

The Skins responded with two crisp drives, the first netting a 27 yard Hall FG, and the second a 5 yard scamper by Portis for a TD. The teams would trade punts for most of the second quarter, until Brunell hit Santana Moss for 37 yards putting the ball inside the Vikings' 10. Washington had to settle for another FG, opening up a seven point lead with about a minute left in the half. A long return of the kickoff by Troy Williamson allowed Minnesota to mount a quick drive for a FG, closing the score to 13-9 at halftime.

The Redskins started the third quarter with a bumbling three and out drive, and the Vikings answered with a TD drive, punctuated by two long Brad Johnson passes, one a 20 yard score. Minnesota now held a three point lead. Washington was again able to mount an answering scoring drive, taking the ball all the way down to the Vikings' 4 behind strong running by Portis. But the offense stalled again in the red zone, and the Skins had to settle for a tying FG.

Both teams again traded punts for several series, and then Minnesota was able to mount a clock-killing drive behind bruising runs by Chester Taylor that led to a go-ahead FG, making the score 19-16. Washington got the ball back with less than a minute, but Brunell connected on quick sideline strikes to Moss and Randle-El, setting up a 48 yard FG try. Hall had to aim his kick around a diving Fred Smoot, and the kick sailed wide left. The Vikings killed the clock, handing Washington their first opening loss in four years.