It wasn’t a high-octane sport offensively for both workforce, however the Minnesota Vikings’ protection was pestering the Indianapolis Colts all sport in a 21-13 win on Sunday evening.
The Vikings improved to 6-2 on the season, whereas the Colts fell again below .500 at 4-5.
The story this week for the Colts was head coach Shane Steichen saying veteran journeyman Joe Flacco was taking up because the workforce’s beginning quarterback, relieving No. 4 total choose of the 2023 NFL Draft, Anthony Richardson, of his duties as he’s struggled mightily this season.
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Minnesota Vikings broad receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up earlier than the sport towards the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. (Brad Rempel-Imagn Photos)
However whereas Flacco’s had success with the Colts’ offense this season, defensive coordinator Brian Flores was dialing up all the suitable strain to maintain him at bay all through this contest.
One of many foremost issues was stopping Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ stout run sport. The Vikings held the Colts to only 68 complete yards on the bottom, as Taylor completed with solely 48 yards on 13 carries.
Due to that, Flores was capable of disrupt Flacco within the pocket all sport, although he did not take a sack all sport till the ultimate drive when the Vikings received him on the bottom thrice.
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Flacco completed 16-of-27 for 179 yards with no touchdowns thrown and one interception, because the Vikings’ protection held the Colts’ offense to only six factors. He was sacked thrice.
On the opposite facet, Sam Darnold was capable of finding the tip zone thrice by the air regardless of the primary drive of the sport being an interception simply because the Vikings have been knocking on the doorstep.
It was gradual for Minnesota after that interception, as their drives resulted in a punt, a scoop-and-score landing for the Colts after Darnold was sacked, and a pair missed area objectives to stay scoreless.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throws a cross towards the Minnesota Vikings throughout the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos)
Nonetheless, Darnold was lastly capable of hit Jordan Addison on a four-yard strike to make it a 7-7 sport after a profitable further level early within the third quarter.
That appeared to get Darnold going, as his ensuing drive was yet one more stable one, discovering Jalen Nailor for a seven-yard landing to place Minnesota up seven.
Lastly, Darnold and the Vikings iced the win with a landing cross to Josh Oliver simply earlier than the two-minute warning.
Darnold completed with 290 yards on 28-of-34 passing along with his three touchdowns and two interceptions. And although he didn’t discover the tip zone for the second straight week, Justin Jefferson was electrical as soon as extra, hauling in seven of his eight targets for 137 yards.
Within the grand scheme of the NFC North standings, this win was essential for Minnesota, as they continue to be in second place following the Detroit Lions’ win over the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a cross towards the Indianapolis Colts throughout the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos)
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Minnesota additionally snaps a two-game shedding streak with this win after beginning the season 5-0.
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