Defense shines bright, leads Vikings to third win of 2018

The Minnesota Vikings improved to 3-2-1 this season after getting an easy win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Two quarters into their Week 6 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, a victory for the Minnesota Vikings did not appear like it would be anything close to simple.

Despite being favored big heading into this week’s game, the Vikings only had a three point lead over the Cardinals as the two teams went to the locker room for halftime. However, Minnesota came out in the third quarter with a purpose.

In the second half, each of the Vikings’ first two drives ended with them celebrating a touchdown. Both celebrations also featured Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins dancing like an awkward Dad at his teenage kid’s birthday party.

Thanks to their second half scoring storm, the Vikings were able to leave U.S. Bank Stadium with a 27-17 win over Arizona on Sunday. With the victory, Minnesota has now won two games in a row and improved their 2018 record to 3-2-1.

Minnesota Vikings

Cousins and the Vikings’ pass offense had another good day this week, but it was their rushing attack that stepped up big against the Cardinals. Led by Latavius Murray’s 155 yards, Minnesota scored their first rushing touchdown of 2018 and ended a game with more than 100 yards on the ground for just the second time this season as well.

Vikings receiver Adam Thielen continued his impressive year with yet another day that saw him finish with over 100 receiving yards (sixth week in a row). Against Arizona, Thielen hauled in 11 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown.

On the other side of the ball, Minnesota’s defense continued to get even closer to resembling the unit that was so impressive a season ago. The Vikings’ defenders generated two turnovers, didn’t allow a single 3rd down conversion all day long, and limited the Cardinals’ offense to just 269 total yards.

Minnesota will look to extend their winning streak to three games next Sunday when they head out on the road to take on the 3-3 New York Jets.