Vikings Defense/Special Teams Key in Victory over Cardinals
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota was on a 4-game losing streak because of its inability to score the ball, and score touchdowns on defense or special teams. They only had 217 total yards of offense. However, they scored a defensive and special teams touchdown in a 30 to 24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
In the first quarter, Adam Thielen scored on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford. Thielen finished with 5 catches for 65 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. Bradford finished with 169 yards passing and 1 touchdown. Arizona would respond with a 1-yard touchdown rush by David Johnson. Johnson finished with 103 yards rushing and 1 touchdown along with 7 catches for 57 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.
In the second quarter, Matt Asiata scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Carson Palmer threw a interception and Xavier Rhodes returned it 100 yards for a touchdown for the Vikings. Before halftime, Palmer threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Gresham.
At the start of the third quarter, Cordarrelle Patterson returned the kickoff 104 yards for the touchdown. With the Cardinals trailing 30 to 17 in the fourth-quarter, David Johnson caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer. Palmer finished with 198 passing yards 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
With 1:12 remaining on a fourth down play, Carson Palmer threw an incomplete pass, but the Vikings would be called for roughing the passer to give Arizona an automatic first down.
With 44 seconds remaining on a fourth-and-6, the Vikings sacked Palmer to seal the deal. The Vikings had 4 sacks. They will travel to Detroit (6-4) for a Thanksgiving showdown on Thursday.
