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AP: 991fa724-e2dc-454e-af8e-8838c5ed014c
Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) ccalls a play in the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Andy King)
Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won't tell you everything that happened in a football game. So, we will give you Bird Bits providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the Cardinals 21-14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Final Score: Vikings 21, Cardinals 14

The Good:

LaRod Stephens-Howling had a career day, rushing for a 104 yards to go along with 45 receiving yards and the Cardinals' lone rushing touchdown.

The defense did allow 21 points for just the second time this season (although seven of which came from the Vikings' defense), but they bothered Christian Ponder all day, intercepting him twice and allowing him to complete just eight passes for 58 yards.

The Bad:

John Skelton was much more accurate in Week 7 than his previous stint against the Bills, but a costly interception by Hunter Smith gave the Vikings enough breathing room to coast to a comfortable victory in the second half.

The Cardinals' defense limited Ponder, but could not contain running back Adrian Peterson. The perennial all-pro back ran for 153 yards and a touchdown.

Jay Feely's 47-yard miss to end the first half marked the third time in as many games that he's missed on an attempt.

One of the Cardinals' best scoring chances in the second half was stalled at the Minnesota 18-yard line, when Ken Whisenhunt elected to go for it on fourth down rather than have Feely attempt at 35-yard attempt. Skelton was promptly sacked by Antoine Winfield when he attempted to run for the first down.

Noted:

• The Cardinals' three-game losing streak is the team's longest since they dropped six straight in 2011.

• Sunday's loss marks the eighth straight time the Cardinals' franchise has dropped a road game in Minnesota. Their last win was in 1977.

• Larry Fitzgerald's homecoming wasn't much fun for the ninth-year pro. He had just four catches for 29 yards.

• The Cardinals entered Sunday allowing the most sacks of any team in the NFL. The offensive line gave up seven more sacks against the Vikings in Week 7 and now have allowed 29 over their last four games.

Coming Up Next:

The Cardinals limp into next week's Monday Night Football showdown at University of Phoenix Stadium with the NFC West leading San Francisco 49ers. Monday's contest will begin at 5:30 p.m.

11 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    Jake6233 wrote...
    So
    October 21, 2012 1:23 pm
    were blaming Skelton's pick six on the defense now. The Defense was lights out and as usual the offense and the offensive coaching staff let them down.
  • Abuse
    DanTheTimid wrote...
    Painful
    October 21, 2012 1:35 pm
    Loved what I saw out of hyphen, definitely reminded us why he's been a fan favorite when healthy, but outside of that this game was painful to watch. The defense was good, but not great, the offense was at times okay, at times awful. If I had to nail down the reason for the loss, outside of the obvious (O-line), I hate to say it but I'd put it on Skelton. It's not often I pin a loss on a single player, but his turnovers really broke the back of multiple drives and that late pick 6 literally lost them the game.
  • Abuse
    KDub&ADub1324 wrote...
    Well.....
    October 21, 2012 1:35 pm
    at least the running game was solid…
  • Abuse
    CardinalsDUDE wrote...
    I think we should...
    October 21, 2012 1:36 pm
    I think we should get the Eagles ex- offensive cordinator because Mike Miller sucks! We should give the full back the ball, we pay him to do something!
  • Abuse
    DanTheTimid wrote...
    Importance of ball safety
    October 21, 2012 1:42 pm
    While Kolb never really wowed me with his play, other then his willingness to take hits, I had noted before that he was doing what he needed to do, namely, not turning the ball over and letting his D either keep them in games or out right win them. We saw today what is going to happen to this team when they don't do that. Our D can't defend against the pick 6, and while the defense didn't exactly dominate today, with out that pick 6 the game is tied at 14 and we're in OT right now.
  • Abuse
    Steve S. wrote...
    Both Played Like
    October 21, 2012 2:22 pm
    Crap but the Vikings were better. Ponder is still unsure after you chase him out of the pocket. He tends to make bad decisions. Besides that, the Vikes have played pretty well. As for the Cards, I see nothing that would tell me they're a playoff team.
  • Abuse
    AZ Hope wrote...
    GRRRR!!!
    October 21, 2012 2:23 pm
    Why can't the Cardinals play well when they have a winning record?
  • Abuse
    TheNewOriginal wrote...
    The Ugly
    October 21, 2012 2:37 pm
    Prepare yourselves for the long slide that already is at 3 games. The upcoming schedule is not kind for the Cards.
  • Abuse
    AZ Hope wrote...
    Please send a message
    October 21, 2012 3:09 pm
    Never hire your friends. Michael...fire Russ Grimm. And Horton...let Patrick Peterson and your defense know that they have NOT arrived.
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    Skelton turns the ball over way too much
    October 22, 2012 7:53 am
    Thats a big NO NO and deserving of a benching. Our offense can barely score TDs and FGs, there is no way in hades, that they can recover from turnovers, especially, when the other team scores off of that turnover. I see Skelton playing better in the 4th qtr, but by then, its too late. He's horrible the first 3 quarters. I thought he would be over it but hes not. Its disappointing because I supported him. But he doesnt take care of the football, passes inaccurately most of the game, and stares down recievers. Its the simple intangibles that he lacks. At this time, hes not a NFL QB...
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