This was the game with a lot on the line. Vikings needed to snap their losing streak to remain NFC North’s best team while the Cardinals needed to win in order to keep their Playoff hopes alive. It’s clear that Arizona had a lot more to lose in this duel. It ended up being that way as they dropped the match that practically ended their season far earlier that they and many expected.
Arizona is no longer a legit threat to win one of the two Wild Card spots. One of those will end up in the hand of the Giants or whoever finishes as the second placed team in the NFC East, while another one will most likely not come out of the NFC West, from the division in which the Cardinals compete.
Minnesota got the job done. It was their defense that stepped up again and scored a crucial touchdown to elevate their team. Xavier Rhodes picked off Palmer in his own end zone and then took the ball 100 yards the other way. It was a 100-yard pick that gave the Vikings a boost and win they needed so badly.
That play also describes the Cards season so far. They did some great things and then made some crucial mistakes that cost them a couple of wins and a better position in their own division and conference. Now, they are most likely done and have nothing to play for.
