10 quick thoughts on the Vikings win over the Cardinals in Week 8

Even more rapid thoughts from Minnesota’s win over Arizona

Minnesota’s run defense continues to be dominant: Stopping the run has been a struggle for the Vikings during the last few seasons, but that hasn’t been the case this year.

Minnesota has been much improved against opposing rushing attacks this season, and that continued on Sunday as they held the Cardinals to just 78 yards on the ground.

Scoring points in the third quarter is actually possible: After putting up a total of just six points in the third quarter of each of their six games this season, the Vikings finally figured things out on Sunday.

Against the Cardinals, Minnesota wound up putting together, not one, but two touchdown drives in the third quarter. Hopefully, the Vikings’ success in the third quarter on Sunday becomes more common during the rest of the season.

Vikings keep pace with the Eagles: Thanks to their win on Sunday, Minnesota was able to keep ahold of the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Standing in their way of home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles continued their winning ways on Sunday with an easy 35-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Philadelphia is now 7-0 this season, and the Vikings likely can’t afford to lose many games on the rest of their 2022 schedule if they want to have any shot at capturing the No. 1 seed in the NFC away from the Eagles before the start of this season’s playoffs.

Minnesota back on the road in Week 9: Minnesota will look to extend their winning streak to six games when they travel next weekend for a road matchup against the Washington Commanders and former Vikings quarterback, Taylor Heinicke.