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Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings: 3 Key matchups to watch

By Joe Kipp

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 20: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on November 20, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 20: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on November 20, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 30: Defensive end Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals sacks quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 30: Defensive end Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals sacks quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Rashod Hill vs. Chandler Jones

A traditional right tackle, Rashod Hill will be thrust over to the left side after starting left tackle Riley Reiff (foot) was ruled out for Sunday’s game, according to Vikings.com. Hill will be tasked with protecting Kirk Cousins from one of the NFL’s best pass rushers in Chandler Jones.

Last season, Jones led the NFL in sacks (17), QB hits (28) and tackles for loss (38), and already has four sacks in five games this season. Hill was a backup for the first two seasons of his career before taking over for an injured Mike Remmers in 2017. It could be a long day for Hill.

Cardinals offensive line vs. Vikings defensive line

Traditionally, rookie quarterbacks don’t fare well against top 10 defenses, especially on the road. Josh Rosen may be running for his life on Sunday, as the Vikings boast one of the best defensive lines in the NFL – even without  Everson Griffen.

Currently, Pro Football Focus rates Arizona’s offensive line as the worst in the NFL after five weeks, with their highest-graded lineman being left tackle D.J. Humphries (64.9). Rookie Mason Cole (40.1) is the lowest-rated center among those that qualify, while former Pro Bowler Mike Iupati (50.1) has been extremely disappointing so far.

After a career day last Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, defensive tackle Linval Joseph may be feasting once again against the Cardinals’ weak interior, which could cause problems for David Johnson and the running game. On the outside, pass rusher Danielle Hunter should have a nice day as well, as he looks to continue his streak of having a sack in each game played this season (5).

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