Cardinals 23, Vikings 20

The Cardinals knocked off the Vikings 23-20 last night on TNF from Glendale.  The win improves the Cardinals to 11-2 on the season and clinched a playoff spot for them.  The Vikings fall to 8-5 on the season and out of first place in the NFC North (at least until the Packers play on Sunday).  The Vikings have now lost 3 of their last 4, I think they are still in good position to earn a playoff spot though.  I hate moral victories, but with the way the Vikings looked last week, I think you can classify this as a moral victory for the Vikings, they played one of the best teams in the NFL down to the last minute with an injury depleted lineup and their quarterback showed some signs of life, it will no doubt help their confidence moving forward.

Observations:

• Should the Vikings have tried a field goal on their last play? 
• That Adrian Peterson touchdown run was pretty impressive. 
• Injuries continue to decimate the Vikings defense.  
• What a block by Larry Fitzgerald on that Michael Floyd touchdown catch. 
• Great fourth quarter touchdown drive by the Vikings. 
• The Vikings out smarted themselves on that reverse attempt. 
• Danielle Hunter is having a nice rookie season for the Vikings.  
• The Cardinals continue to struggle in short yardage situations. 
• Why do officials not seem to call holding on the Vikings opponents? 
• Drew Butler needs to work on his flopping. 
• Turnovers:  Vikings 3, Cardinals 0
• Dwight Freeney is proving to be an important addition. 
• Nice catch and run by Cardinals OG Mike Iupati!  
• Some horrible tackling angles by the Vikings on that John Brown touchdown. 
• Everson Griffen sack total is now up to 8.5 on the season. 
• That dropped interception by Xavier Rhodes would have been a pick six. 
• Teddy Bridgewater looked much better than last week.  Growth. 
• The Cardinals are having a hard time keeping their running backs healthy. 
• You have to have Carson Palmer in the running for MVP. 
• The officials blew it missing that face mask call on the Vikings.  
• As good as Adrian Peterson is, he still needs to do a better job of holding onto the ball. 
• The roof was open again at University of Phoenix Stadium.  
• Up next?  Bears @ Vikings and Cardinals @ Eagles, both next Sunday.