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Every week for every NFL team is a big one, especially for the Minnesota Vikings, who entered week 11 at 8-1. The Vikings headed into their Sunday matchup vs. the Dallas Cowboys with just one loss and looked to have big wins in back-to-back weeks. They had defeated the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller last week.
However, the Vikings faced the Dallas Cowboys and got annihilated 40-3 in their opponents' backyard.
Many thought after an exclamation point victory over the Bills that MInnesota would build off their momentum and get a win over the Cowboys. Dallas had other plans.
With the loss, the Vikings are 8-2, but still have one of the best records in the NFL. Despite the loss, the team is still confident about their abilities this season.
Defensive back Duke Shelley spoke with Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview on his team's 8-2 start and being part of the side. He thinks the Vikings have what it takes to compete for a Super Bowl despite Sunday's loss.
“I feel like it's definitely in everyone's head. We try not to look that far and we take everything one game at a time. But we know what kind of team we got and we know we're very capable and we're just trying to keep it one game at a time.
"Keep the main thing the main thing, that's probably the best way to go about it. But it's definitely in everyone's head and we kinda know what kinda group we got here. It's definitely possible. So just try not to speak too early and think too far ahead and just keep everything in front of you. Week by week.”
Duke Shelley says being signed to the Minnesota Vikings active roster felt surreal
Duke Shelley began his NFL career in 2019 as he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2019 draft.
In his career, he has recorded 53 total tackles and four pass deflections. On August 31, 2022, Shelley was waived by the Bears and then signed to the Vikings practice squad shortly after.
On November 12th, he was brought into the active roster. Shelley said it was a surreal feeling to be activated to the roster by the Vikings.
"But being that I was signed a week ago, it definitely is just kinda like a surreal feeling. One week you're on the practice squad and then next week you're out there making plays in pretty big game of the season so far. So you know, it's definitely a surreal feeling for me. But nothing that I was signed away from something that kind of expected to happen for me. So none of this here just kinda be ready for the moment and thank God for the opportunity."
With Akayleb Evans recovering from a concussion and with Cameron Dantzler on injured reserve, it creates more opportunities for Shelley to play and make a name for himself.
Minnesota's next game will be against the New England Patriots. They would look to get their campaign back on track with that match.
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