The Minnesota Vikings staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 19-6 deficit to secure a 23-22 victory against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. This victory marked the Vikings’ fifth consecutive win, bringing their season record to an impressive 10-2 as they prepare to host the Falcons next weekend. In contrast, the Cardinals, now at 6-6, faced their second straight loss and will return home to challenge the Seattle Seahawks, who enhanced their record to 7-5 after a win over the Jets.
Despite the Vikings’ victory, the Cardinals outperformed them in yardage, amassing 406 total yards compared to Minnesota’s 273 yards. Arizona struggled with crucial third-down conversions, successfully converting only 5 out of 13 attempts, while Minnesota managed just 1 out of 8. A pivotal decision came late in the game when the Cardinals chose to kick a field goal on a fourth and goal from the Vikings’ 4-yard line, allowing the Vikings a chance to mount a comeback.
The Vikings responded when quarterback Sam Darnold connected with Aaron Jones for a 5-yard touchdown, capped off by Parker Romo’s successful extra point. A critical moment in the game occurred when Darnold passed to Justin Jefferson for a clutch first down on fourth and 5. In the closing minutes, Kyler Murray’s efforts to reclaim the game fell short as he was intercepted by Shaq Griffin, sealing the Vikings’ win.
Murray finished the game throwing for 260 yards with one touchdown, while Darnold had a solid performance with 235 yards and two touchdowns, avoiding any interceptions. However, the Cardinals’ red-zone efficiency proved to be their downfall, as they were unable to convert several scoring opportunities into touchdowns.
Trey McBride made history with his performance; he caught 12 passes for 96 yards, becoming one of only two tight ends in NFL history to record five receptions in ten consecutive road games.
Both teams face important upcoming games; while the Vikings look to sustain their winning streak, the Cardinals will be eager to rebound against their division rivals.
In summary, the Vikings demonstrated resilience and strategic play to take the game. As they continue to build momentum, fans can remain hopeful for their chances in the playoffs, while the Cardinals will have opportunities to regroup and improve ahead of their next matchup.