'David Blough leads Cardinal's comeback, securing 18-17 victory over Vikings in preseason finale'

The Arizona Cardinals rally in the second half to beat the Minnesota Vikings 18-17 in their final preseason game.

The Arizona Cardinals staged an impressive comeback in their final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, winning 18-17. Quarterback David Blough played a key role in the rally, throwing a touchdown pass and rushing for a score in the second half. The Cardinals' defense also shined, with Zach McCloud recording three of the team's six sacks on rookie quarterback Jaren Hall. Despite being down 17-3 at halftime, the Cardinals showed resilience and determination to secure the victory.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating that it demonstrated the desired qualities and character in the locker room. Blough, who spent last season on the Vikings' practice squad, showcased his skills and made a strong case for a spot on the Cardinals' roster. With Colt McCoy not playing in the game, it appears likely that he will be the starting quarterback in Week 1, although Gannon has yet to officially announce the decision. Blough is competing with other quarterbacks, including rookie Clayton Tune, recent acquisition Joshua Dobbs, and journeyman Jeff Driskel, for a place on the roster.

Blough and Tune both expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to play in the game and gain valuable experience against different coverages and pressures. The Vikings started the game strongly, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. Coach Kevin O'Connell praised Hall's preparation and performance, as the rookie quarterback showed improvement and efficiency throughout the game. Hall completed 16 of 27 passes for 178 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 21 yards on six carries. Despite a penalty negating a potential game-changing completion in the final minutes, O'Connell commended Hall's athleticism and expressed a desire to keep him on the roster.

The Vikings' preseason losing streak extended to 10 games, as they fielded a team without any projected starters for the second consecutive week. The Cardinals' Corey Clement made a strong case to be the team's backup running back, rushing for 79 yards on 14 carries. B.J. Ojulari, the Cardinals' second-round draft pick, made his preseason debut after recovering from a knee injury. He recorded one tackle in the game. Both teams rested their starting lineups, using the game as an opportunity to evaluate their depth players.

In terms of injuries, the Cardinals' center Jon Gaines hurt his right knee on the first offensive snap, while left guard Dennis Daley suffered a left ankle injury in the second quarter. Cardinals rookie wide receiver Daniel Arias entered the concussion protocol. These injuries will be a concern for the team as they head into the regular season.

Looking ahead, the Cardinals will open their regular season against the Washington Commanders on September 10, while the Vikings will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their regular-season opener on the same day. The preseason has provided valuable insights for both teams as they finalize their rosters and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.

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