The Minnesota Vikings head into their first game after the bye week against a 3-4 Arizona Cardinals team that has played better than their record.
Going into the game, there are a lot of storylines, including former Cardinals playing against their old team.
Heading into Sunday’s game, we spoke with Jess Root of Cards Wire to get the low down on the Cardinals.
What will the Cardinals do to stop Justin Jefferson?
The Cardinals have excelled against top receivers this season. Davante Adams only had two catches. Cooper Kupp only had four. A.J. Brown only had three in the first drive and none thereafter. It has mostly been Byron Muprhy locking them down, but he gets help from safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson. Limited Jefferson will be the focus of the defense.
Will the Vikings be able to stop the Cardinals' passing game if they handle DeAndre Hopkins?
That’s a good start, but it will be equally important to slow the running game down. The Cardinals are so much more dangerous when they are able to run the ball effectively. And the truth is, it depends on how you define what handling is. That said, there isn’t much-proven production this season outside of Hopkins other than Marquise Brown, who is out for the next few weeks, and tight end Zach Ertz.
The narrative surrounding Kyler Murray and Call of Duty is not great. How is that viewed by the fanbase and the team?
It depends on who you talk to. There is a disconnect between older fans and Murray. Many fail to realize that almost all players spend a good amount of personal time playing video games. The team doesn’t seem to be concerned. After the study clause language snafu by the team, it hasn’t come up. No one in the organization doubts Murray’s dedication to winning.
What is the key for a Cardinals victory on Sunday?
They have to get points early, not fall behind and not turn over the ball. They have been solid defensively and added defensive playmaking last week. But they need to be better on third down than they have been.
What is your prediction (with score) for the game?
I don’t quite believe in the Vikings yet. Their wins aren’t convincing to me and I think the Cardinals are going to round into form with Hopkins back. Kirk Cousins will make a mistake or two and Minnesota’s defense will struggle to stop Arizona consistently. Cardinals 24, Vikings 20
