ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals hold on after missed FG as time expires to beat Vikings

Sep 19, 2021, 4:41 PM | Updated: 4:58 pm

Jonathan Ward #29 of the Arizona Cardinals does a back flip as teammates celebrate on the field aft...

Jonathan Ward #29 of the Arizona Cardinals does a back flip as teammates celebrate on the field after the Minnesota Vikings missed on their game-winning field goal attempt in the fourth quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

In a game full of ups and downs between the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, the player that would ultimately decide its outcome was on his own roller coaster.

Minnesota kicker Greg Joseph had missed an extra point earlier in the game, which was the reason his team was down 34-33. He had also made two field goals, each of them from 52 yards away, no small feat.

So, when he stepped up from 37 yards with four seconds left and a chance to win it, there was no telling what would happen.

What did was a kick that went wide right, sealing a 34-33 victory for the Cardinals in a thriller.

The Vikings got the ball back with 2:03 left and one timeout. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and his offense quickly made their way up the field, with gains of nine, 17, 12, nine and eight yards on their five positive plays.

The final one was a reception by K.J. Osborn, one he caught with over 30 seconds left that put the ball on Arizona’s 19-yard line right in the middle of the field. Instead of looking to gain more yards on a play or two, the Vikings let the clock run down from there, calling their last timeout with four seconds left.

That’s when Joseph stepped up, and Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury made the wise decision of not calling a timeout to ice him, as Joseph missed anyway.

The win put the Cardinals at 2-0 on the season.

Arizona Cardinals

Rams, 49ers...

Associated Press

Rams outlast 49ers on Thursday Night Football, top 2 NFC West teams creating separation

The Los Angeles Rams survived a slugfest against the San Francisco 49ers 12-6 on Thursday night in a key game for the NFC West race.

10 hours ago

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

Can Kyler Murray, Cardinals kick near-yearly tradition of late collapses?

Traditions are common during the holiday season. The Cardinals, however, are hoping to avoid one that's been attached to the franchise for years.

15 hours ago

Cardinals, injury report...

Arizona Sports

Cardinals-Patriots injury report: Trey McBride, Roy Lopez limited

Here is the Week 15 injury report from the Arizona Cardinals and the New England Patriots before they meet at State Farm Stadium this Sunday.

17 hours ago

TE Trey McBride is one of a handful of Cardinals who could make their case for an NFL Pro Bowl Game...

Tyler Drake

Which Cardinals have earned 2025 NFL Pro Bowl honors?

With NFL Pro Bowl Games voting ramping up, which Arizona Cardinals have made their case for the All-Star festivities in February?

2 days ago

The Cardinals signed punter Michael Palardy to the practice squad on Wednesday....

Tyler Drake

Cardinals sign P Michael Palardy to practice squad with Blake Gillikin injured

With Blake Gillikin's status up in the air, the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday signed punter Michael Palardy to the practice squad.

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals defenders try to chase down Seattle Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet in Week 14....

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ loss to Seahawks not entirely on QB Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray deserves a lot of the blame for Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He's not alone, though.

4 days ago

Cardinals hold on after missed FG as time expires to beat Vikings