Breaking Down Player Performances from the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings Clash
The Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings recently faced off in a game filled with thrilling action, strategic plays, and standout individual performances. Whether you’re a hardcore NFL fan or a fantasy football analyst, understanding player statistics is crucial. In this detailed recap, we’ll go over the key player stats from both teams, tracking who made the biggest impact on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Showdown: Kyler Murray vs Kirk Cousins
The quarterback battle often sets the tone for the game. In this matchup, both Kyler Murray and Kirk Cousins delivered decisive moments that shaped the flow and final outcome.
Kyler Murray - Arizona Cardinals
- Passing Yards: 296 yards
- Touchdowns: 2 passing TDs
- Interceptions: 1
- Completion Rate: 67.4%
- Rushing Yards: 58 yards
Murray showcased his dual-threat ability, keeping defenses guessing with his mobility. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket added dimension to the Cardinals’ offensive scheme.
Kirk Cousins - Minnesota Vikings
- Passing Yards: 310 yards
- Touchdowns: 3 passing TDs
- Interceptions: 0
- Completion Rate: 71.2%
Known for his accuracy and poise, Cousins delivered another efficient outing. He connected well with receivers in the red zone and avoided costly turnovers throughout the contest.
Top Running Back Stats: James Conner and Alexander Mattison
Running backs played a key role in maintaining offensive balance, controlling time of possession, and keeping defenses honest. Let’s break down the performance of each feature back.
James Conner - Arizona Cardinals
- Rushing Yards: 82 yards
- Carries: 18
- Touchdowns: 1 rushing TD
- Yards Per Carry: 4.6
Conner was a reliable force on the ground, finding gaps and gaining crucial yards after contact. He contributed to key first downs that kept possessions alive.
Alexander Mattison - Minnesota Vikings
- Rushing Yards: 75 yards
- Carries: 17
- Touchdowns: 1
- Receptions: 3 for 27 yards
Mattison showed versatility by contributing in the passing game as well. His vision and quick cuts helped break through the Cardinals’ front seven on several occasions.
Receiving Leaders in the Cardinals vs Vikings Game
Receivers played a pivotal role in moving the chains and creating explosive plays. Whether stretching the field or working the short game, these athletes came through for their quarterbacks.
Arizona Cardinals Receiving Stats
- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown: 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
- Greg Dortch: 4 receptions, 58 yards
- Trey McBride (TE): 5 receptions, 62 yards
Brown provided the deep-threat the Cardinals needed, stretching the field and opening up space underneath for others. McBride's contributions at tight end helped Murray find comfortable short-yardage targets.
Minnesota Vikings Receiving Stats
- Justin Jefferson: 9 catches, 124 yards, 2 TDs
- T.J. Hockenson (TE): 7 catches, 68 yards
- K.J. Osborn: 3 catches, 41 yards
Jefferson’s elite performance reaffirmed his status as one of the top receivers in the NFL. His ability to separate and make contested catches changed the game. Hockenson proved to be a reliable safety valve for Cousins.
Defensive Standouts: Tackles, Sacks, and Impact Players
Defensive plays often turn games around, and this contest was no different. Pressure on the quarterback and key turnovers had fans on the edge of their seats.
Arizona Cardinals Defense
- Buda Baker: 10 total tackles, 1 pass defended
- Isaiah Simmons: 7 tackles, 1 sack
- Zaven Collins: 1 interception, 3 tackles
Baker led the defense with veteran presence and smart play. Simmons disrupted blocking schemes effectively, and Collins' timely interception provided the Cardinals with a much-needed possession.
Minnesota Vikings Defense
- Danielle Hunter: 2 sacks, 5 total tackles
- Camryn Bynum: 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- Jordan Hicks: 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Hunter created consistent pressure in the trenches, making life difficult for Murray. The Vikings’ ability to hold firm in goal-line situations made a big difference when it mattered most.
Special Teams Performance – Key Contributions Often Overlooked
In close matchups, special teams can swing momentum or contribute critical points. Here’s how both squads fared:
Arizona Cardinals Special Teams
- Kicker: Matt Prater – 2/2 FG, Long: 49 yards
- Punt Return: Greg Dortch – Average 11.2 yards/return
Minnesota Vikings Special Teams
- Kicker: Greg Joseph – 3/3 FG, Long: 44 yards
- Kick Return: Ty Chandler – Long return of 36 yards
Both teams produced reliable kicking performances. Joseph and Prater converted every opportunity, helping their offenses stay on the scoreboard.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Cardinals vs Vikings Player Stats
Who had the most receiving yards in the game?
Justin Jefferson led all players with 124 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, proving to be the most dominant offensive threat.
Which quarterback had a better passer rating?
Kirk Cousins had the edge with a higher completion percentage and 3 touchdown passes without interceptions. This gave him a superior passer rating compared to Kyler Murray.
Who led the game in tackles?
Buda Baker of the Cardinals recorded a game-high 10 tackles, showing consistent effort in both run support and pass coverage.
Did special teams play a critical role in the outcome?
Yes. Both kickers were perfect on their attempts, and field position from returns helped set up scoring drives for each team.
Final Takeaway: Player Statistics Reveal Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Evaluating player stats from the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings game gives a clearer picture of how each unit performed. From Jefferson's receiving clinic to Murray’s versatility and Hunter’s pass rush, individual contributions shaped every phase.
Want to stay ahead in NFL predictions, fantasy football, or just deepen your understanding of the game? Keep tracking stats like these. They don’t just tell the story of one game; they forecast future success, highlight trends, and reveal team dynamics worth watching.
Whether you're cheering for the Cardinals or the Vikings, knowing the numbers helps you become a smarter, more engaged fan.
