Dalvin Cook took an outside zone run backside for an 85-yard touchdown in the Minnesota Vikings‘ 20-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.
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Final Score
Minnesota Vikings 20, Arizona Cardinals 9
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins was off target with a couple of throws in the first half. The Vikings signal-caller missed multiple throws, which could have resulted in a first down including an overthrow that could have easily been a touchdown to Stefon Diggs on a post route early in the game.
Dalvin Cook got his first action of the preseason and looked good on the limited action he saw. He carried the ball well on multiple carries, including an explosive 85-yard touchdown in the first quarter showing his great speed and agility to find the end zone.
Rookie Takeaways
Garrett Bradbury performed well in pass protection, but he also picked up multiple negative marks as a run-blocker. Marcus Epps and Cameron Smith also had success in this one, as each player had positive contributions in pass coverage.
Arizona Cardinals
Rookie edge defender Zach Allen was making plays against this Vikings' offensive line today, showing his ability to get after the QB with a couple of pressures and a hit on Kirk Cousins in the first half of this game. He also did well to bat a pass down on a third and long, showing good instincts to get his hands up as the ball was being thrown.
Rookie second-round pick cornerback Byron Murphy looked good in coverage against the Vikings, not giving up too many plays in coverage against two of the best receivers in the NFL. He had a nice pass breakup in the second quarter, knocking the ball out of the hands of Stefon Diggs on a slant route showing great man coverage skills against one of the more shiftier receivers in the league
Rookie Takeaways
Rookie sixth-rounder KeeSean Johnson put together a strong performance against Minnesota, catching seven passes for 85 yards. Quarterback Kyler Murray had an up-and-down performance, mixing in some head-scratching misses with some well-placed throws down the field along the sidelines. As mentioned above, Zach Allen was outstanding for Arizona in this one. He was a constant disruptor at the line of scrimmage.
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