The Viking Age
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Winners and losers: Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals

By Jordan Ison

Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer shakes hands with Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians following the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer shakes hands with Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians following the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) reacts with wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) reacts with wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Vikings’ defense and special teams – WINNER

Let’s be honest, the Vikings would not be 6-4 without the success of their stout defense and explosive special teams. We saw that in the game against the Cardinals. When it seemed as if momentum was shifting towards Arizona, the defense and special teams of Minnesota stepped up in a big way.

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The Vikings had 4 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 touchdowns by their defense and special teams.

Minnesota’s offense looked efficient and had no trouble moving the ball against the Cardinals, but the defense and special teams are the reason the Vikings beat the Cardinals.

A 100-yard interception returned for touchdown by Xavier Rhodes and a 104-yard kick return for touchdown by Cordarrelle Patterson ignited the Vikings and helped them come out victorious. That wasn’t all the Vikings’ defense and special teams produced, though.

The Vikings’ front 7 was extremely strong today. They hit Carson Palmer 23 times and finished with 4 sacks. Their excessive pass rush also forced erratic passes by Palmer that were intercepted. If the Vikings want to continue to win games, they would love this kind of production from their defense and special teams.

Next: Week 11 game review: Vikings vs Cardinals

Those are the winners and losers for the Minnesota Vikings in their matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, but let’s be honest, the biggest winner of the day is the Vikings as a whole. This was a huge victory for the Vikes and puts us right back in the playoff hunt. Let’s keep it up Vikes!

#SKOL

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