MINNEAPOLIS, MN (VIKINGS) — The Vikings offense found one more scoring drive, and the defense delivered one final stop for a 23-22 victory Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Shaq Griffin undercut a pass intended for Marvin Harison, Jr., on fourth-and-10 to intercept the football with 33 seconds remaining to fire the home venue into a frenzy and send the offense into the victory formation.
Minnesota improved to 10-2 on the season and extended its home win streak against the Cardinals franchise to 12 contests (including one postseason game).
Arizona (6-6) didn’t trail until 1:13 remained in the game and appeared poised for the Cardinals first victory in the series since 1977 when the organization was still based in St. Louis.
Sam Darnold, however, led Minnesota on an impressive touchdown drive. Minnesota took over with 3:20 remaining, and Darnold opened with throws of 6 yards to Justin Jefferson and 26 to Jordan Addison to quickly move the ball to the Arizona 38.
Cam Akers added a 5-yard run, and Darnold overcame pressure on second-and-5 to play another down, as well as a pass on third-and-5 getting tipped at the line of scrimmage.
On fourth-and-5, he calmly found Jefferson for a gain of 12 just before the 2-minute warning.
Darnold’s next pass to T.J. Hockenson resulted in an 8-yard pass interference penalty. The Vikings followed with a quick pass to Addison for another 8 before sending Aaron Jones, Sr., out of the backfield for a 5-yard touchdown reception — the 20th of his career and his second with Minnesota.
The Vikings defense dug deep and dialed up the pressure on the next series.
On second-and-5, Jonathan Greenard swatted the ball out of Kyler Murray’s hands, resulting in a sack that lost 8. Murray scrambled for just 3 on third-and-13 before Greenard chased down the elusive and fleet-footed QB, setting up the fourth-and-10 from the 30 and heroics by Griffin.
UP NEXT
The Vikings will host the Atlanta Falcons and former QB Kirk Cousins on Sunday, December 8. Kick-off is set for 12:00 p.m.
