The Vikings returned to the win column, halting a four-game skid, with a 30-24 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday.
The game between 2015 division champions became only the second in NFL history to have two 100-plus yard plays and the first since 1962. Xavier Rhodes returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, and Cordarrelle Patterson returned the opening kickoff of the second half 104 yards for a score.
The Vikings (6-4) also got a pair of offensive touchdowns and clamped down on the Cardinals (4-5-1) in the second half.
Here are three stats that stood out:
239 — combined yards on interception, kickoff and punt returns for the Vikings
Minnesota has frequently talked about the value of complementary football, and all three phases certainly contributed to the positive outcome against Arizona.
In addition to the two historic scoring plays, the Vikings also had 35 yards on punt returns, including a 23-yarder by Marcus Sherels to set up the Vikings at the Cardinals 44 for their first possession of the game. Minnesota scored five plays later on a pass from Sam Bradford to Adam Thielen.
8 — number of offensive plays for the Cardinals in the third quarter
Patterson's kickoff return gave the Vikings defense a jolt, and they quickly forced a three-and-out to start the second half. Arizona netted just four yard on its eight offensive plays of the third quarter and had the ball for just 3:19 after keeping it for more than 21 minutes of the first half.
Brian Robison recorded Minnesota's first sack of the day to end the Cardinals second possession of the second half. Rhodes' second interception of the day came on the next Arizona snap.
A 6-yard completion from Carson Palmer to David Johnson in the final four seconds of the quarter was Arizona's most productive play of the period. The Cardinals had netted 263 yards on 42 plays in the first half.
Minus-14 — net yards for Arizona (including penalty yardage for and against) in the final 5:56
The Cardinals pulled within six points with 7:36 left, forced a quick three-and-punt and took over at the Minnesota 47 after a 32-yard punt return by John Brown.
Linval Joseph and Trae Waynes tackled Johnson for no gain. Danielle Hunter recorded the first of two sacks for a loss of 8, and he teamed with Everson Griffen and Brian Robison to force intentional grounding by Palmer to create a fourth-and-30.
Arizona got the ball one more time but was unable to move past its own 35-yard line.
The Vikings totaled three sacks, limiting Palmer to 2-of-5 passing for four yards in the final 5:56 to seal the deal.
