Easy Guide to Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings: Top Player Stats Explained

The matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings on December 1, 2024 was one for the books. With a final score of 23 to 22 in favor of the Vikings, the game was very close and featured strong individual performances on both sides. In this article we will break down key player stats, explain what they mean, and help you understand the match in an easy to read way. We will also answer common questions at the end.

1. Context of the Game

When two NFL teams meet, understanding the full context helps. The Cardinals traveled to face the Vikings at home. The Vikings were doing well in the season and the Cardinals were fighting to stay competitive. The Cardinals gained 406 total yards and the Vikings had 273 total yards. Yet Minnesota won the game.

The score by quarter:
Cardinals: 3 | 6 | 10 | 3 = 22
Vikings: 3 | 3 | 7 | 10 = 23

This shows that even when one team has more yards, the other team can win by being more effective when it counts, such as on key drives or by taking advantage of mistakes.

2. Key Quarterback Stats

Arizona QB Kyler Murray completed 31 of 45 passes for 260 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. He also rushed 7 times for 48 yards. This means he handled the ball often and made many plays, but the two interceptions were costly in a one point game.

Minnesota QB Sam Darnold completed 21 of 31 passes for 235 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 22 yards on 4 carries. In a close game, avoiding interceptions and converting key plays can be the difference, and these stats show what Darnold did right.

3. Top Rushing and Receiving Performers

For Arizona

• James Conner rushed 17 times for 68 yards.
• Trey McBride caught 12 passes for 96 yards.
• Marvin Harrison Jr. made 5 catches for 60 yards and scored 1 touchdown.

For Minnesota

• Justin Jefferson caught 7 passes for 99 yards.
• Aaron Jones made a big play when he caught the game winning touchdown with a little over one minute left.

These numbers show who made the biggest contributions. McBride catching 12 passes is a lot for a tight end. Jefferson nearly reached 100 yards. Jones made the play that won the game.

4. Turning Points and What the Numbers Tell Us

Even though Arizona had more total yards they still lost. A few important things explain why.

Arizona turned the ball over two times with Murray’s interceptions while Minnesota had none from the quarterback position. This gives Minnesota an advantage in a close game.

Minnesota scored 10 points in the fourth quarter while Arizona scored only 3. The Vikings final drive and touchdown gave them the lead with very little time for Arizona to answer.

Even with fewer yards, the Vikings made the plays when it mattered most. When a team makes a key mistake late in the game and the other team takes advantage, it changes the outcome. The stats help show this story.

5. What This Means for Each Team

For Arizona

• They showed they can move the ball well with 406 total yards.
• They struggled to finish the game.
• The interceptions late in the game hurt them.
• Still, there were positives such as McBride’s great performance, Harrison’s touchdown and Conner’s solid rushing day.

For Minnesota

• The game showed their ability to stay calm and fight back.
• Darnold played a clean game with no interceptions.
• Jefferson played strong as usual.
• The team trusted their offense in the final minutes and it paid off.

6. Why Player Stats Matter

Player stats help us understand the game in a deeper way. Here are three reasons why they are important.

1. They show the level of contribution from each player.
2. They help explain the full story of the game, not just the final score.
3. They show trends that coaches and fans can use to predict future performance.

In this game we used passing yards, rushing yards, catches, interceptions and touchdowns to understand how each team performed.

7. Final Thoughts

The Cardinals vs Vikings match was close and dramatic. Arizona had more total yards but Minnesota won by making better plays at key moments and avoiding mistakes. Quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends and running backs all played important roles. Looking at player stats helps you understand more than just who won. It helps explain why the game ended the way it did.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the final score
   The Vikings won 23 to 22.
2. Who had the most passing yards
   Kyler Murray had 260 passing yards. Sam Darnold had 235 passing yards.
3. Which player caught the most passes
   Trey McBride caught 12 passes.
4. Who scored the game winning touchdown
   Aaron Jones scored the final touchdown for Minnesota.
5. How many interceptions were in the game
   Arizona threw 2 interceptions and Minnesota threw none.
6. Which team had more total yards
   Arizona had 406 total yards. Minnesota had 273.
7. How many catches did Justin Jefferson have
   He had 7 catches for 99 yards.
8. How did James Conner perform
   He rushed 17 times for 68 yards.
9. Was the win expected based on yardage
   No. Even with fewer yards, Minnesota was more effective in key situations.
10. Why are interceptions so important in close games
    Interceptions stop your chance to score and give the other team more chances. In a one point game, even one mistake can change the result.

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