CARDINALS CORNER

The onus is on Cardinals OL to set the tone vs. Vikings

Nov 29, 2024, 5:05 PM | Updated: Dec 6, 2024, 8:42 am

The Arizona Cardinals OL and QB Kyler Murray midgame against the Seahawks...

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares for the hike during the first quarter asea at Lumen Field on November 24, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals starting offensive line didn’t need last Sunday’s tape to know the obvious:

It got handled last week against the Seattle Seahawks.

From an almost nonexistent run game that mustered 49 yards to the five sacks on quarterback Kyler Murray, it was an uncharacteristic showing for a unit usually credited for bringing the physicality to the trenches.

If the Cardinals are going to have any chance against the 9-2 Minnesota Vikings, that kind of performance cannot be replicated.

As quarterback Kyler Murray said Wednesday, “the game starts up front.”

Heading into a matchup against a Vikings defense that’s excelled at the two very things the Cardinals struggled with last week, those words couldn’t be truer.

“It wasn’t our best effort and we didn’t play as cleanly as we needed to, but it’s not any different than Week 16 last year. … Whether you think you played good or you think you played bad, you got a lot of stuff to get better at,” Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams said Friday.

“That’s the approach every single week for us is how do we maximize our opportunity to play well and get what we need to get done during the week. To me, the mindset doesn’t change at all.”

The mindset might not change, but the level of competition sure does against Minnesota.

Entering play Sunday, the Vikings are first in the NFL in rushing yards (74.7 yards per game) and rushing touchdowns allowed (five). In the sacks department, they sit fourth (38).

Linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard have been at the forefront of Minnesota’s success, combining for 18 sacks and 27 tackles for loss.

For a Cardinals offense that prides itself on running the rock — and running the rock well — this is the ultimate test as the season begins to wind down.

“I think every game is different. That’s the beautiful thing about football,” Murray said Wednesday. “You get to go out there and compete. Obviously, they’re very good against the run. We’ve been known to be good running the ball.

“We didn’t do it last week, but we get another opportunity to go out there and right those wrongs.”

Cardinals Corner

Arizona Cardinals CB Garrett Williams looks on during practice...

Tyler Drake

The Cardinals’ CB1 of the future is already on the roster

Led by Garrett Williams, the Cardinals' youth movement at cornerback has Arizona trending toward long-term continuity and success.

2 months ago

Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride celebrates with his teammates....

Tyler Drake

As if Cardinals fans needed another reason to rock with Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride added another big accomplishment to his NFL resume on Thursday.

2 months ago

Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride stiff arms a Seattle Seahawks defenders...

Tyler Drake

Clean it up! The critical changes Cardinals must make for final stretch

For the Arizona Cardinals to be successful across these next five games, they've got to get back to the basics and focus on the little things.

2 months ago

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks....

Tyler Drake

The stakes surrounding Cardinals-Seahawks couldn’t be higher

It may only be Week 14, but the Arizona Cardinals' NFC West title hopes hinge on what happens against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday.

2 months ago

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker warms up pregame...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ contract extensions can’t stop at James Conner

The Arizona Cardinals continue to make good on those who embody what the new regime wants out of its players. The work's far from over, though.

2 months ago

Arizona Cardinals rookie DL Darius Robinson looks on during practice...

Tyler Drake

What to make of Cardinals DL Darius Robinson’s NFL debut vs. Vikings

The impact of Arizona Cardinals rookie DL Darius Robinson's NFL debut against the Vikings on Sunday goes well beyond the stat line.

2 months ago

The onus is on Cardinals OL to set the tone vs. Vikings