In an exciting regular‑season game on December 1, 2024, the Arizona Cardinals faced off against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Vikings edged the Cardinals in a tight 23‑22 victory.
Team Overview & Game Flow
The Cardinals entered the game with a 6‑6 record, while the Vikings stood at 10‑2 at home.
- Final score: Cardinals 22, Vikings 23.
- Total yards: Cardinals had 406 total net yards, whereas Vikings had 273.
- Time of possession: Cardinals dominated possession with ~35:49 vs ~24:11 for Vikings.
- Penalties: Cardinals had 10 penalties for 96 yards, Vikings had 3 for 56 yards.
The game was tight throughout, with the Vikings coming from behind and scoring a touchdown with only 1:13 left on the clock to win.
Key Player Stats – Arizona Cardinals
Passing
Kyler Murray (QB) completed 31 of 45 passes for 260 yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.
Rushing
- James Conner: 17 carries for 68 yards, no rushing touchdowns.
- Murray also had 7 carries for 48 yards rushing.
Receiving
- Trey McBride: 12 catches for 96 yards, no touchdowns.
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: 5 catches for 60 yards, 1 touchdown.
- Michael Wilson: 5 catches for 55 yards, no touchdowns.
Stand‑out Observations
Despite gaining more yards overall and dominating possession, the Cardinals’ 2 interceptions and penalties hurt them in the final moments of the game. Murray’s two picks and the team’s inability to convert key drives made a difference.
Key Player Stats – Minnesota Vikings
Passing
Sam Darnold (QB) completed 21 of 31 passes for 235 yards, with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Rushing
Statistics for rushing were modest for Minnesota in this game: one example is Aaron Jones with 5 carries for 22 yards.
Receiving
- Justin Jefferson: 7 catches for 99 yards, no touchdowns.
- Jordan Addison: 4 catches for 54 yards, no touchdowns.
- Johnny Mundt: 2 catches for 22 yards, 1 touchdown (the winning score).
Stand‑out Observations
The Vikings made efficient use of their chances. Darnold avoided turnovers, and the late go‑ahead touchdown by Mundt sealed it. Their defense also held when it mattered.
Why the Game Went the Way It Did
- Yardage vs. Crucial Moments: The Cardinals had more yards (406 vs 273) but did not convert enough high‑leverage opportunities, while the Vikings made fewer mistakes and capitalised when it mattered.
- Turnovers: The Cardinals’ two interceptions weighed heavily; the Vikings committed none.
- Discipline: With 10 penalties for Arizona, those lapses added up. The Vikings kept penalties low.
- Late Game Execution: Minnesota delivered a touchdown with 1:13 left to take the lead and win. Arizona could not answer.
- Time of Possession: While Arizona held the ball longer, Minnesota made their possessions count.
What This Means Going Forward
- For the Cardinals: Despite strong yardage and possession, the inability to finish drives and protect the ball remains a concern. Improving in the red zone, reducing penalties and turnovers should be priorities.
- For the Vikings: The victory shows resilience and efficient offence under pressure. While they didn’t dominate yardage, they won when it counted. That kind of win builds confidence.
- Match‑up Insight: This game highlights that total statistics alone don’t guarantee a win—execution in key moments does.
In Summary
The “Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings match player stats” show a fascinating contrast between yards gained and results achieved. The Cardinals piled up more yardage, had the ball longer, but their mistakes and lack of timely execution cost them. The Vikings, on the other hand, were smaller in raw numbers but stronger in the moments that mattered.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What was the final score of the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings game?
A: The Vikings won 23‑22. - Q: How many passing yards did Kyler Murray throw for in this game?
A: He threw for 260 yards. - Q: Who had the most receiving yards for the Cardinals?
A: Trey McBride had 96 yards. - Q: Who threw the winning touchdown for the Vikings?
A: Sam Darnold threw a touchdown to Johnny Mundt with about 1:13 left. - Q: Which team had more total yards?
A: The Cardinals had more total yards (406 vs 273). - Q: How did the Vikings quarterback perform in terms of interceptions?
A: He threw no interceptions. - Q: What was the time of possession difference?
A: Cardinals: ~35:49 ; Vikings: ~24:11. - Q: Did penalties play a big role?
A: Yes — the Cardinals had 10 penalties for 96 yards, Vikings had 3 for 56 yards. - Q: Who was the top receiver for the Vikings in this game?
A: Justin Jefferson with 99 yards on 7 catches. - Q: What should fans take away from this match?
A: That a team can dominate many stats yet still lose if they fail to execute in key moments—and that winning often comes down to turnovers, discipline and making the big play when needed.
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