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Three keys to the Vikings’ 23:22 win against the Cardinals

Three keys to the Vikings’ 23:22 win against the Cardinals

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson

After a weak week under multiple coverage against the Bears in which he finished with just two catches for 27 yards, Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson led the team with seven receptions and 137 yards for the first time since his game against the Titans on November 3rd.

Jefferson had seven catches for 99 yards on Sunday, but wasn’t targeted until Minnesota’s fourth drive of the game. His longest catch was a 30-yard reception in the fourth quarter, the longest catch of the game for either team. Jefferson has now reached 1,000 yards for the fifth straight time this season.

Jefferson’s fourth-down conversion

The Vikings failed to gain third down late in the fourth quarter for the seventh time in eight attempts, resulting in a four-and-5 situation as the Vikings trailed 22-16.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell decided to keep his offense on the field and chose a passing game. Quarterback Sam Darnold found Jefferson for 12 yards. The Vikings scored the game-winning touchdown with a 5-yard pass from Darnold to running back Aaron Jones.

The Vikings’ offensive line was unable to contain the Cardinals’ pass rush and Darnold was sacked five times for a loss of 30 yards. This contributed to the Vikings offense not being able to get a touchdown on the board until the third quarter.

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