MINNEAPOLIS — The winning touch that so often escaped the Minnesota Vikings last season is back in their hands.
The Arizona Cardinals can sure vouch for it.
Za'Darius Smith had three sacks to help a fired-up defense hang on against Kyler Murray, and the Vikings beat the Cardinals 34-26 on Sunday for their fifth consecutive victory.
Dalvin Cook rushed for a season-high 111 yards and a touchdown, Kirk Cousins passed for two scores and ran for another, and the Vikings (6-1) remained unbeaten at home in coach Kevin O'Connell's rookie year.
"I thought we were a really good football team last year. We just couldn't find the inches in too many games. Why we found them now, I don't know," Cousins said.
Murray passed for 326 yards and a season-high three touchdowns, including a one-handed grab for a score by DeAndre Hopkins with 47 seconds left in the second quarter, but he threw two second-half interceptions that proved costly for the Cardinals (3-5).
In an action-packed matchup in Arizona last year, Murray had three touchdowns and two interceptions in a 34-33 win. The Vikings lost eight games by eight points or fewer last season. All five of their wins in the streak have been within that margin.
"It feels good. I just hate that people still are not talking about us, but it's OK," Smith said. "We'll continue to be the underdogs."
Hopkins had 12 catches for 159 yards in his second game back from a suspension, Rondale Moore had seven receptions for 92 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown, and Murray's speed kept an active Vikings defense honest all game.
The Cardinals went ahead 17-14 on Murray's touchdown pass to Zach Ertz early in the third quarter, but the lead lasted only 3:26.
The Vikings drove the other way for a touchdown run by Alexander Mattison. Then they went 31 yards in four plays for a touchdown after the Murray's dangerous heave under pressure from his own end zone was picked off by Harrison Smith.
Patrick Peterson, who jawed at his former team all game, was so excited he turned toward the Cardinals sideline and started dancing while Smith was still on his return.
"It's built in us. We're just waiting on that moment to where we can go take the ball away," said Peterson, who had three passes defensed.
Cousins connected with K.J. Osborn on third-and-2 from the 5 for a 34-26 lead that Greg Joseph failed to pad when his extra point hit the upright. That touchdown was set up by a fumbled punt return by Greg Dortch at his 25.
"We just crushed ourselves, just did too many things that we can't do," Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt said. "Against a good football team, they're going to beat you."
The Cardinals crossed midfield on each of their last three possessions over the last half of the fourth quarter while trailing by one score — and never got closer than the 37.
Murray's throw for Ertz was way behind and picked off by Camryn Bynum. Then former Cardinals linebacker Jordan Hicks dragged down Eno Benjamin just short of the marker on fourth-and-4 to turn the ball over with 2:39 left.
Finally, with the Cardinals out of timeouts on their last drive, Murray was sacked by Za'Darius Smith at the 44 with 10 seconds remaining, and Harrison Phillips brought him down for a big loss on the last play to end the game.
"We're right there. It's not like we're getting blown out," Hopkins said. "This is one of the best teams in the NFL, and we had a chance to win today."
Said Cousins: "You've just got to keep earning your way. The difference between 6-1 and 1-6 is pretty thin."
FACE IT
Joseph has missed five consecutive field goals at U.S. Bank Stadium. His 56-yard attempt on the final snap of the first half was so low it hit Cardinals nose tackle Leki Fotu in the facemask.
RIDING HIGH
Jared Allen donned a cowboy hat and rode a black horse onto the field at halftime for his induction ceremony for the club's Ring of Honor. Fans received a fake mullet attached to a headband in tribute to Allen, a three-time All-Pro defensive end in six seasons with the Vikings from 2008-13. Both Smith and Watt paid homage to Allen's calf-roping celebration with their own sacks.
INJURY REPORT
Cardinals: Five starters were inactive with injuries: LG Max Garcia (shoulder), LT D.J. Humphries (back), OLB Dennis Gardeck (ankle), RB James Conner (ribs) and C Rodney Hudson (knee).
Vikings: DE Dalvin Tomlinson (calf) left in the third quarter. ... Smith (knee) came out twice for treatment on an aggravated injury but returned both times.
UP NEXT
Cardinals: Host Seattle next Sunday, their first of three straight games against NFC West foes.
Vikings: Visit Washington next Sunday, the first trip there for Cousins to face his former team since coming to Minnesota in 2018.
Vikings' Peterson, Hicks get their revenge against Cardinals
As soon as Minnesota's Harrison Smith began his interception return, Patrick Peterson turned to the Arizona sideline with his arms in the air and his legs dancing to celebrate.
Sunday was personal for the former Arizona cornerback.
Peterson celebrated several big plays, often jawing with the Cardinals sideline in Minnesota's 34-26 victory. He was still talking after the game.
"I've been told a lot of things about me from that organization," Peterson said. "I got fan mails from the owner, saying I can't tackle. I'm old. I lost it. So, I wanted to go show them that."
Peterson was matched up most of the game with Arizona receiver A.J. Green, who went without a catch while Peterson had four tackles and three pass deflections.
The extra intensity and constant trash-talking was intentional, he said. Since the Cardinals let Peterson become a free agent after the 2020 season, he said he still hasn't spoken with general manager Steve Keim.
"I'm still waiting on Steve Keim to call me," Peterson said.
Peterson was bothered by the end of his 10-year tenure with Arizona, where he made eight Pro Bowls and was a three-time All-Pro while being regarded as one of the league's top cover men.
Peterson mentioned after the game the derogatory email about him sent to the team's ownership, a message that was printed out and placed on the chair by his locker while he was still with the Cardinals.
"I've still got it," Peterson said. "All I heard the last two years was, 'He's washed up. He's done.' Yeah, I know we've still got a second half of the season going, but I'm just getting started."
The Vikings followed his lead on Sunday.
"Sometimes I know in this game you have to have the emotion, but you also have to have the focus," Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins said. "He did a tremendous job of playing with passion but not letting it go too far. He's a pro."
The Cardinals certainly heard Peterson, even if they said they weren't bothered by him.
"He loves the game, we love the game," wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said. "We don't look into it that much like you guys do. Pat P's a competitor. You all love his spirit."
Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury offered his appreciation of Peterson.
"He's a guy that everybody has a ton of respect for, same with Jordan Hicks," Kingsbury said, mentioning the former Cardinals linebacker who's starting with Peterson for the Vikings.
"Great teammates and great players for this organization. So anytime you go against your old team there's going to be that competitive fire."
Hicks, in his first year with the Vikings after being released by Arizona, did most of his talking before the game when he addressed the team on Saturday night.
"I would much rather be here, 6-1," Hicks said after the game. "This team is resilient and finds ways to win. This team has really come together in the first year of a coaching staff and is special. You do not see that very often."
Hicks broke out his own celebration aimed at the Arizona sideline following a fourth-down tackle to prevent a first down late in the fourth quarter.
Against a motivated defense, quarterback Kyler Murray and the Cardinals made too many mistakes. For the seventh time in eight games, they trailed at halftime.
Murray threw two second-half interceptions and Arizona fumbled a punt that was recovered by Minnesota. Eno Benjamin was also called for an illegal blindside block as Murray ran for a first down on the final drive.
"It's been that way all season, I think, whether it's penalties, crucial situations, turnovers, things of that nature," Kingsbury said. "Effort has been outstanding, just not clean enough in any phase to get it done against these top-level teams and that's coaches and players."
Murray had two of his four sacks on the last two plays as time ran out, giving Peterson more reason to celebrate.
"I'm here," Peterson said. "Twelve years in, I'm still standing strong."
Vikings sack Kyler Murray to end game, win 34-26
The clock ran out on the Cardinals after Kyler Murray got sacked, and the Vikings get the 34-26 win.
It's the Vikings' fifth straight win. They're now 6-1.
Vikings get big 4th down stop
Facing 4th and 4 and down 8 points, the Cardinals went for it. But a throw short of the line to gain and a solid tackle by former Cardinal Jordan Hicks forced a turnover on downs.
The Vikings take over with about two-and-a-half minutes left.
Vikings get another takeaway on Cam Bynum interception
The Vikings' defense hasn't been perfect on Sunday, but they've had several key takeaways to keep the Vikings on top.
The latest was an interception by safety Camryn Bynum. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Vikings have the ball and an 8-point lead.
K.J. Osborn scores, Vikings lead 34-26
The Vikings took full advantage of the short field from a muffed punt with a K.J. Osborn touchdown.
Greg Joseph, however, missed the extra point, so instead of a two-possession lead, the Vikings are up by just 8 points.
Vikings get ball back on muffed punt
The Vikings' last drive stalled after a holding penalty and they were forced to punt it away, but the Cardinals' Greg Dortch muffed it and Troy Dye recovered.
Minnesota has the ball deep in its own territory.
Cardinals' FG cuts Vikings' lead to 28-26
After the turnover, the Vikings' defense held firm in the red zone, forcing the Cardinals to settle for a field goal.
The Vikings lead 28-26 and have the ball in the fourth quarter.
Dalvin Tomlinson ruled out with calf injury
Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson will miss the rest of Sunday's game with a calf injury, the team announced.
Isaiah Simmons strips Kirk Cousins, Cardinals recover
The Cardinals now have a takeaway of their own after Isaiah Simmons stripped Kirk Cousins to get the ball back. Arizona takes over in its own territory trailing 28-23.
Cardinals keep pace with quick TD
The Vikings scored two touchdowns in as many minutes, and not to be outdone, the Cardinals answered with a quick score of their own.
Rondale Moore broke free in the open field for six. Arizona attempted a two-point play, but failed. The score stands at 28-23, Vikings.
Vikings turn Smith interception into 7 points
The Vikings capitalized on Harrison Smith's interception with a Dalvin Cook touchdown, giving them a 28-17 lead over the Cardinals late in the third quarter.
Harrison Smith picks off Kyler Murray heave
After taking the lead, the Vikings took the ball right back on a Harrison Smith interception.
Backed up near the goal line, Kyler Murray heaved a ball toward midfield. There were no Cardinals around and Smith easily ran under it for the pick.
Vikings answer with Alexander Mattison TD
After the Cardinals took their first lead of the day, the Vikings hit right back with a long drive ending in an Alexander Mattison touchdown.
A great catch by Justin Jefferson and a nice play to Adam Thielen on the sideline got the Vikings into scoring position before Mattison punched it in for his third TD of the year.
Cardinals take 17-14 lead with Zach Ertz TD
The Cardinals earned their first lead of the game in the third quarter with a Zach Ertz touchdown.
Ertz muscled his way toward the goal line and reached out to get in for the score.
The Cardinals are up 17-14 over the Vikings.
Jared Allen rides in on horse for Ring of Honor induction
The Vikings inducted beloved defensive end Jared Allen into the Ring of Honor at halftime, and he made an entrance that only he could.
Allen rode a horse onto the field at U.S. Bank Stadium, clad in a purple blazer and donning a cowboy hat.
Allen had 85.5 sacks in six seasons with the Vikings. In 2011, he came just half a sack shy of the all-time single season record.
Cardinals block Greg Joseph's 56-yard FG attempt
The Vikings tried to extend their lead before halftime, but the Cardinals blocked Greg Joseph's 56-yard field goal attempt.
Still, Minnesota takes a 14-10 lead into halftime. The Cardinals will start the second half with the ball.
Za'Darius Smith probable to return after knee injury, Vikings say
The Vikings had an injury scare late in the second quarter, with pass rusher Za'Darius Smith going down with a knee injury.
But the Vikings say Smith, who has two sacks in Sunday's game, is probable to return.
DeAndre Hopkins TD makes it 14-10
The Cardinals cut the Vikings' lead to 14-10 just before halftime with a touchdown pass from Kyler Murray to DeAndre Hopkins.
The Vikings will get the ball back before halftime, but they have just one timeout. Arizona will get the ball to start the second half.
Vikings lead Cardinals 14-3 after Johnny Mundt TD
The Vikings have been doing most of their damage on the ground, but they go up 14-3 over the Cardinals with a touchdown catch by tight end Johnny Mundt.
A big catch by Adam Thielen and a defensive pass interference penalty helped get them to the goal line.
Za'Darius Smith pays homage to Jared Allen with sack celebration
Fan favorite former defensive end Jared Allen is set to be added to the Vikings' Ring of Honor at halftime of Sunday's game.
Current pass rusher Za'Darius Smith paid homage to the retired superstar by pulling out Allen's famous cattle-roping celebration after sacking Kyler Murray in the second quarter.
Vikings fail on 4th and 2
Facing a 4th and 2 in Cardinals territory, the Vikings decided to go for it.
An incomplete pass to Adam Thielen will give the Cardinals the ball at their own 38 yard line.
Kirk Cousins could have run for a first down on 3rd and 2, but he opted for a shot to an open Justin Jefferson instead. Cousins' pass was off the mark, though.
The score is still 7-3 late in the first quarter.
Cardinals answer with field goal
The Cardinals responded to the Vikings' opening drive touchdown with a field goal, and the score stands at 7-3.
The Vikings thought they ended the drive earlier, with a sack of Kyler Murray on 3rd and 7. But the Cardinals had called timeout just before the play began.
On the actual 3rd down play, former Cardinal Patrick Peterson broke up a throw to A.J. Green in the end zone.
Kirk Cousins puts Vikings up 7-0 with rushing TD
With one of the best running quarterbacks in the league on the other sideline, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins decided to show off his wheels on the opening drive.
Cousins scored on a 17-yard rushing touchdown, and the Vikings are up 7-0 on the Cardinals.
A few impressive runs from Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, along with a big passing play to Justin Jefferson, got the Vikings in scoring position.
Cardinals announce 2 starting offensive linemen are inactive
The Cardinals will be without two starters on their offensive line in Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Center Rodney Hudson and left tackle D.J. Humphries were among the seven inactive players Arizona announced before the game. The others are James Conner, Trace McSorley, Christian Matthew and Dennis Gardek and Max Garcia.
On the Vikings' side, Luiji Vilain, Benton Whitley, Chris Reed, Vederian Lowe, Esezi Otomewo and Jonathan Bullard will sit out.
Adam Thielen sports Pennywise costume before game
Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen is certainly getting into the spirit of Halloween on Sunday.
The NFL posted a video of Thielen dressed up as Pennywise, the killer clown from "It."
Here's hoping Thielen can be as terrifying on the field Sunday as he is off of it.
