The Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings have played many exciting games over the years, but one of the most talked-about matches was when the Vikings won 23 to 22. It was a close and emotional game from start to finish. Fans from both teams enjoyed strong plays, fast drives, and smart moves from key players
This breakdown will cover passing, rushing, receiving, and team performance. It will also highlight why some players made a big difference during the game. By the end, you will have a full idea of how the Cardinals and the Vikings fought to win.
Let us take a deeper look at the match.
Game Overview
The final score was Vikings 23 and Cardinals 22. The game stayed close the whole time. Both teams showed strong skills. The Cardinals gained more total yards, but the Vikings used their chances better. The match had many moments where one team took control and then the other team followed.
The Arizona Cardinals showed strong offense, especially in passing and rushing yards. But mistakes hurt them at the wrong time. The Minnesota Vikings kept pushing until the end and made the winning play late in the game.
Even though the Cardinals had more yards, the Vikings were more careful with the ball. This helped them take the win in a very tight match.
Quarterback Performance
Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray had a busy game. He completed 31 passes out of 45 attempts. He threw for 260 yards, scored 1 touchdown, and threw 2 interceptions. Murray tried hard to move the ball and keep long drives alive.
His passing yards were strong, but the interceptions became a problem. One of them slowed down the Cardinals when they were gaining momentum. Still, Murray was focused and helped his team move the ball well throughout the game.
Sam Darnold – Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold played a clean and smart game. He completed 21 passes out of 31 attempts. He threw for 235 yards and scored 2 touchdowns with no interceptions.
Darnold managed the game well. He did not take big risks and used his receivers at the right time. His second touchdown played a major role in helping the Vikings win the game. His calm play under pressure stood out.
Top Receiving Stats
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals had three main players who made strong catches.
Trey McBride
He was the top receiver in the match. He caught 12 passes for 96 yards. McBride was Murray’s most trusted target. He helped the Cardinals keep drives alive many times.
Michael Wilson
Wilson made 5 catches for 55 yards. He played an important role when the Cardinals needed short and safe passes.
Marvin Harrison Jr.
Harrison Jr. caught 5 passes for 60 yards and scored a touchdown. His touchdown was one of the most exciting moments for the Cardinals. He showed great skill and timing.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings also had strong receivers who helped them move the ball.
Justin Jefferson
Jefferson made 7 catches for 99 yards. He was the Vikings top receiver. His routes were sharp and he helped stretch the field.
Jordan Addison
Addison made 4 catches for 54 yards. He supported Jefferson and gave Darnold another good option on the field.
Rushing Performance
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals showed stronger running numbers than the Vikings.
James Conner
Conner had 17 rushing attempts and ran for 68 yards. He was powerful and helped the Cardinals stay balanced between passing and running. Even though he did not score a touchdown, his runs helped control the pace of the game.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings did not run the ball as much in this game.
Aaron Jones Sr.
He ran 5 times for 22 yards. The Vikings chose to use their passing game more often, so Jones did not get many touches.
Team Stats Comparison
Total Yards
The Cardinals had around 406 total yards. The Vikings had around 273 total yards. The Cardinals moved the ball much more, but the Vikings used their scoring chances better.
First Downs
The Cardinals made 25 first downs. The Vikings made 19. This shows that the Cardinals kept drives alive more often.
Third Down Conversions
The Cardinals reached 5 out of 13 third down attempts. The Vikings only made 1 out of 8 attempts. This is one area where the Cardinals did better.
Rushing Yards
The Cardinals had 154 rushing yards. The Vikings had only 68 rushing yards. This shows the Cardinals run game was much stronger.
Why the Vikings Won
Even though the Cardinals had more yards, more first downs and stronger rushing numbers, the Vikings made better use of key moments. Sam Darnold kept the ball safe and did not throw interceptions. The Vikings defense also stopped the Cardinals during important plays.
The late touchdown from the Vikings changed the game. It gave them the lead and they held it until the end.
Turnovers also hurt the Cardinals. Murray’s two interceptions made a big difference because they stopped scoring drives.
Football is not only about yards. It is also about timing, mistakes and scoring when it matters most. The Vikings did this better.
Why the Cardinals Were Still Impressive
Even though they did not win, the Cardinals showed that they have strong talent. Their offense was powerful. Their receivers made great catches. Their running game kept the Vikings guessing.
The team also showed good teamwork. They did not give up even when falling behind. Many fans left the game feeling proud of the team’s effort.
Final Thoughts
The Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings match was very exciting and full of action. The Vikings won by only one point. Both teams had strong moments and talented players who showed their best skills.
The quarterback battle was fun to watch. The receivers played at a high level. The defense from both sides had big stops. This match is a great example of how close and dramatic NFL games can be.
Looking at the stats helps us understand why the game ended the way it did. Even with more yards and first downs, the Cardinals lost because of turnovers and the Vikings smart late plays.
Fans will remember this game for its energy, tight score and great player performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the game between the Cardinals and the Vikings
The Vikings won with a score of 23 to 22.
2. Who was the top quarterback in the match
Sam Darnold had the cleaner game with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions.
3. How many yards did Kyler Murray throw
He threw for 260 yards.
4. Who was the best receiver in the game
Trey McBride had 96 yards but Justin Jefferson had 99 yards.
5. Did Marvin Harrison Jr. score a touchdown
Yes, he scored one touchdown for the Cardinals.
6. Who had the most rushing yards
James Conner had 68 rushing yards.
7. Why did the Cardinals lose the game
Turnovers and missed chances during key moments hurt them.
8. Did the Vikings have more yards than the Cardinals
No, the Cardinals had more total yards.
9. What was the biggest strength for the Cardinals
Their passing and rushing balance.
10. What helped the Vikings win
A late touchdown and careful ball control helped them take the win.
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