Minnesota Vikings

Winners and losers: Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Minnesota Vikings get back on track with a victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Here are the winners and losers of the Week 11 matchup.

On the heels of a 4-game losing streak, the Minnesota Vikings headed home to play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11. In a must-win situation for the Vikes, they do just that. The Vikings down the Cardinals by a score of 30-24.

While Minnesota did come out victorious, they struggled at times. The game was in question as Arizona got the ball back with just over 2 minutes left, but a big defensive stand by the Vikes allowed them to hold onto the victory.

Some questions that the Vikings had heading into week 11 were answered in the game against the Cardinals. The rushing game seemed improved, as well as the offensive line. Also, the defense gained back their leadership with some great play.

With that being said, let’s jump right in. Here are the winners and losers from week 11 for the Minnesota Vikings.

Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a touchdown pass in front of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Thielen – WINNER

Stefon Diggs isn’t the only Vikings’ receiver to have a breakout year in 2016. Adam Thielen has been one of Sam Bradford’s favorite targets all season long. Thielen continued his success against the Arizona Cardinals.

Adam Thielen finished the game with 5 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown.

During the first drive of the game, Thielen had the only two catches of the drive. The first of which was a 22-yard reception from Bradford and to finish the drive, Adam Thielen caught a 16-yard touchdown.

Thielen’s success this season has opened up the field for Sam Bradford. Not only does the defense have to worry about Stefon Diggs, now they must account for Thielen. Let’s hope for continued production from Adam Thielen!

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) dives for a first down during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Stefon Diggs – LOSER

Stefon Diggs has been Sam Bradford’s favorite target so far this season, but that was hard to see in the week 11 matchup. Diggs is known for his quickness and great hands, but he had a hard time breaking loose from Patrick Peterson all day. In an opportunity to shine against one of the league’s top defensive backs, Diggs didn’t come up big.

Stefon Diggs had 6 catches for 37 yards.

The amount of receptions Diggs brought in is solid, but it seemed as if as soon as he caught the ball, he was brought down. Obviously all eyes were on Diggs by the Cardinals, but Diggs was unable to break loose for any big plays.

Diggs is known for his big plays and his presence going downfield. In the game against Arizona, this was not the case. Adam Thielen came up big, but if the Vikings want to continue their offensive success, they will need to see more production from each catch by Stefon Diggs.

Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) celebrates his interception during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Rhodes – WINNER

Every time a team brings in a star wide receiver to play the Vikings, Rhodes lines up across from him. The same can be said for the week 11 game against the Cardinals. Xavier Rhodes shadowed Larry Fitzgerald almost all game long.

Xavier Rhodes had 3 tackles and 2 interceptions.

Trailing in the game 13-10, the Arizona Cardinals drove the ball down into the red zone. On 3rd and goal from the MIN 9, Xavier Rhodes jumped the route on a pass from Carson Palmer, intercepted the ball and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown.

Rhodes had one more interception in the 3rd quarter as Carson Palmer over-shot Michael Floyd. Xavier Rhodes was a huge factor in the Vikings’ victory, as he has been in almost all of the Vikings’ wins this season. If the defense of the Vikings wants to continue being successful, great games from Rhodes would be very helpful.

Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) talks with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) following the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Rudolph – LOSER

As the Vikings enter the red zone, tight end Kyle Rudolph normally has all eyes on him. For years, he has been the go-to for the Vikes as they near the endzone. He did not seem like a threat to the Arizona Cardinals in the week 11 matchup.

Kyle Rudolph had 2 catches for 12 yards.

Yes, Rudolph is normally a blocking tight end, but due to the struggles in the run game, the Vikes have been forced to throw the ball a lot in the red zone. Tight ends are normally a quarterback’s best friend with a short field in front of them.

With that being said, Kyle Rudolph was a non-factor in the Vikings’ game against the Cardinals. With just 2 catches for 12 yards, the Vikings need increased production from their tight end, especially in red zone situations.

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) reacts with wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings’ defense and special teams – WINNER

Let’s be honest, the Vikings would not be 6-4 without the success of their stout defense and explosive special teams. We saw that in the game against the Cardinals. When it seemed as if momentum was shifting towards Arizona, the defense and special teams of Minnesota stepped up in a big way.