The Minnesota Vikings got back into the win column with a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium. The Vikings’ defense only allowed two FGs on the night as seven of the Colts’ points came from a defensive touchdown on a fumble recovery.
Minnesota Vikings Had Slow 1st Quarter
The Vikings’ offense started the game well on their first drive as Quarterback Sam Darnold completed passes to different receivers. However, the drive ended when Darnold threw a pass right to Colts LB Zaire Franklin. Franklin caught the pass in the endzone and got tackled for a touchback.
The Vikings defense came up big as they forced a 3-and-out after the INT. Brandon Powell had a decent punt return and things are starting to go Minnesota’s way. They changed things up by giving WR Jordan Addison a handoff for a 10-yard gain and Justin Jefferson reeled in his first catch of the game with a 20-yard reception but the drive ultimately stalled after a big loss on a screen pass to Aaron Jones. The Minnesota Vikings were forced to punt.
2nd Quarter
Cam Akers gets the run game going a bit with a 12-yard and 4-yard run on consecutive plays. The Minnesota Vikings got tricky on their 3rd and 16 play with a passing play that wound up gaining 22 yards on a completion from Justin Jefferson to Aaron Jones. Unfortunately, the drive ended in disaster for the Vikings as Sam Darnold got sacked and fumbled the ball. The Colts come up with the fumble recovery and take it 38 yards to the house for six points.
Minnesota ended up settling for a 53-yard FG attempt on their next drive. The regularly sure-footed Will Reichard missed the field goal wide right and appeared to limp after the attempt. The Vikings’ defense continued its stingy effort and forced the Colts to a 53-yard field goal attempt of their own. The Colts missed their attempt wide left and the Vikings took over at their 43-yard line. Darnold had a few big completions to Jefferson on the drive but they settled for a 31-yard FG attempt.
Reichard misses this attempt as he hits the right upright. He again seemed to be hobbled and a wrap was applied on the sideline. Fortunately for the Minnesota Vikings, the Colts did not have enough time to take advantage of the turnover and they knelt the ball to head into halftime with a 7-0 lead over the Vikings.
3rd Quarter
The Minnesota Vikings offense started the second half on a hot streak as Darnold made big passes to Jefferson, Hockenson, and Addison. The Vikings finally find pay dirt with a short pass from Darnold to Addison in the endzone for a diving TD. Minnesota’s defense continues piling up stops, along with taking advantage of an offensive holding penalty. They forced the Colts to punt.
The next Vikings’ offensive drive was highlighted by a huge pass from Darnold to Jefferson for 41 yards. Unfortunately, Aaron Jones lost yardage on the next two plays. However, Darnold was still able to find Jalen Nailor in the endzone for a TD. The Vikings lead 14-7 with a few minutes left in the third.
4th Quarter
Indy’s drive stalled after a chop block penalty on Jonathan Taylor and a false start on Braden Smith. Their drive was over when Byron Murphy picked off Joe Flacco at the 23-yard line. Unfortunately, the Vikings gave the ball right back on a pass that was intended for Jefferson but ended up in the hands of Nick Cross for an interception. He returned the ball 20 yards to the 25-yard line.
The Colts were not able to get anything going on their next offensive drive but their Kicker Matthew Gay connected on a 42-yard field goal attempt to close the gap to 14-10. Minnesota’s defense continued their masterful effort and forced the Colts off of the field on a turnover-on-downs.
The offense took advantage of that by putting together a touchdown drive. A reception by Josh Oliver capped off the drive. The Minnesota Vikings led 21-10 with two minutes left in the game. The Minnesota Vikings gave up a couple of big passing plays before getting a big sack by Jonathan Greenard. The Vikings defense had a couple of miscues as they first got caught with too many men on the field, and then a defensive pass interference penalty by Stephon Gilmore allowed the Colts to get into field goal range.
Matthew Gay connected on a 54-yard field goal attempt to make the score 21-13 in favor of the Vikings. The Colts attempted an onside kick with their punter but Justin Jefferson secured the ball. Darnold ended the game in the victory formation as the Minnesota Vikings came out on top 21-13 and improved their record to 6-2 on the season.
Final Thoughts
The Minnesota Vikings will begin to prepare for a road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday. That is the first game of three consecutive road games that can determine if Minnesota can be a true contender in the NFL this season. The Colts have a tough game coming up as the Buffalo Bills come to town next week.
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