7 biggest takeaways from the Vikings win over the Cardinals in Week 8
By Adam Carlson
Takeaways are the key
Yes, the Minnesota Vikings gave up 375 yards to the Cardinals and allowed 5.4 per play but they also allowed only four third-down conversions on 11 attempts and consistently had pressure on Kyler Murray.
Adding even more kudos to the team’s attempt to thwart Arizona were interceptions by Vikings safeties Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum. They weren’t the only ones getting takeaways because Troy Dye recovered a fumbled punt return attempt by Greg Dortch to make it three takeaways on the day.
Minnesota can afford to give up yardage if they can get takeaways. one great note about this game was how there was consistent pressure and Za’Darius led the way in that department. He had three sacks and an additional tackle for loss among his seven total tackles.
The “shell” or “umbrella” defense might frustrate fans at times but it has been effective for the Vikings this season while they transition to a 3-4 defense and find their own identity under a first-year head coach and new coordinators.