The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Arizona Cardinals 23-22 in a nail biter. It was the Vikings 5th straight win as they keep within striking distance of the Detroit Lions.
Sam Darnold – Sam came through when the team needed him. Darnold had no help from the running game all day. He was hit 8 times and sacked 5 as the team struggled against the Cardinal defense. However, when it mattered most, Darnold was there. The last three drives were Touchdown, Field Goal, Touchdown. You compare that to the Interception, Field Goal, Interception the Cardinals put up and it’s an easy choice. Darnold led the team back from a game they should’ve lost.
Justin Jefferson – All Jefferson does it get open. Big 4th down play, throw it to Jefferson. The defense knows it and he still gets open. Jefferson is over 1,000 yards for the 5th straight year. He’s a beast that produces no matter who is throwing the ball. 7 catches for 99 yards doesn’t tell the story of the impact he has on the game.
Shaq Griffin – Griffin was forced into action a little more than usual with Stephon Gilmore going down injured. He stepped up in a big way. He positioned himself beautifully on the final play of the game (other than victory formation). The Cardinals only needed a FG and had time to do it. The defense once again stepped up and finished the game. Griffin’s 55 defensive snaps were a season high. The team might need him if Gilmore remains out for any period of time. Gilmore was asking to come back in the game, according to Head Coach Kevin O’Connell. However, hamstring injuries tend to linger.
SHAQ ENDED EM
: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/pz5tiMvKAK
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 1, 2024
Jonathan Greenard – Greenard is leading the league in pressures this season. He’s the most consistent pass rusher on the team. He had a nice sack/fumble, where the Vikings didn’t recover. His 10 sacks are tied for 3rd and only trail Trey Hendrickson (11.5) and former Vikings Danielle Hunter (10.5).
Brian O’Neil – O’Neil is a model of consistency. He’s one of the best RTs in the game. This week he gets special acknowledgment for the fumble recovery on Aaron Jones’ first fumble.
