By Tristan Henry – September 20, 2021 at 2:06 am
In an absolutely crazy match, the Vikings bowed on a 37-yard field goal missed at the last second.
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Arizona Cardinals (2-0) – Minnesota Vikings (0-2) : 34 – 33
A difficult season seems to be starting in Minnesota. After a failed performance against the Bengals in Game 1, the Vikings largely straightened their heads in Phoenix on Sunday. Faced with the widely favored Cardinals, they went to a point and a few inches from the victory, but Greg Joseph missed the victory kick at 37 yards. It’s all the more cruel since he had already missed a touchdown transformation by one point. The Cards therefore remain undefeated at the cost of a hell of a booster shot.
Led 21-7 before reacting to the Bengals last week, the Vikings have learned their lesson. 45 seconds of play and Kirk Cousins already sends KJ Osborn into the endzone, taking advantage of a suspicious defensive cover (0-7). In the process, the first half is to the advantage of the visitors. Cousins (22/32, 244 yards, 2 touchdowns) is precise, and Dalvin Cook (22 races, 131 yards) advances tirelessly. On the first four drives, they only punt once. Result, the Vikings are well ahead thanks to the touchdowns of Thielen and Jefferson in the middle of the second quarter (20-7). The second is not transformed.
Arizona uses its full margin
Opposite, the Cardinals are borrowed, but they have a lot of talent. So between two three-and-out, they mount a solid drive concluded by the inevitable DeAndre Hopkins. They also know how to create their success, like a Kyler Murray (29/36, 400 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) confusing, in every sense of the word. On a series of odds and ends, they connect a 34-yard reception from Maxx Williams despite a double deflection of the pass, a third attempt conversion from Christian Kirk in double coverage over 16 yards and a fumble from Rondall Moore that Nick Vigil cannot recover within the boundaries of the field. Murray concluded the race with astonishing speed.
The Arizona machine is racing. The defense finally stops Dalvin Cook on a 3 & 1. The runner remains on the ground, giving chills to the Vikings spectators, before returning to the second period. Murray drives home the point by finding Rondall Moore on an incredible touchdown of 77 yards after only avoiding the opposing pass rush, while he runs to his left. And as it was written that the Cardinals would pass in front, Matt Prater responds in the last second of a 62-yard field goal to the 52-yard kick from Greg Joseph (24-23 at the break).
KYLER MURRAY IS ELECTRIC. #AZCardinals
????: #MINvsAZ on FOX
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/MQ2THg6Qau— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021
While fate condemns them, the Vikings show that they have resources, and resume their good formula: second half-time action, touchdown again. This time Vigil is rewarded for his efforts by intercepting Kyler Murray to go to the promised land (24-30). Murray makes up for it in stride by finding AJ Green for his first touchdown under his new colors (31-30). He misses again a series later, in good position, on an NCAA stamped pitch.
X gonna take it from ya @its_hollyWOODS
????: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/JEhUt0f5Zm
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 19, 2021
On both sides, the defenses are finally starting to control the attacks. The Vikings quickly regain the advantage on a field goal (31-33) but the Cardinals answer them 6 minutes from the end (34-33). In a breathtaking end to the match, Kirk Cousins got two chances to win the decision, thanks in particular to Danielle Hunter (3 sacks) who gave him the ball one minute from the end. “Captain Kirk” leads his drive perfectly, finding Thielen then Jefferson on the third attempt, to no avail. The shadow of Blair Walsh pursues the Vikes.
The defeat is cruel for Mike Zimmer’s men, but it also illustrates the inability to be precise at the right time that has plagued them for years. By winning such a complicated game, the Cardinals are showing the extent of their resources, as well as worrying weaknesses in defense.
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