Minnesota outplayed Indianapolis on Sunday, 21-13, in Indianapolis, ending a two-game losing run despite an errant quarterback Sam Darnold.
“I felt like we had that pop back. We were flying around, especially defensively, and offensively the execution was improved.” coach Kevin O’Connell said.
“I think there is a lot to pull from this and yet still have a lot of runway to improve as a team.” O’Connell added.
Justin Jefferson got 137 yards out of seven targets, and Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and Josh Oliver scored touchdowns for Minnesota’s sixth win in eight games.
The Colts’ well-advertised decision to swap young Anthony Richardson for 39-year-old Joe Flacco as a quarterback will therefore not have been effective.
Indy’s offence was anaemic throughout the game (4-5), with Flacco completing only 16 passes for 179 yards and the team MUSTERING 68 total rushing yards, 48 of which were by Jonathan Taylor.
Flacco was intercepted and fumbled a ball which was picked by the Minnesota defence.
“We go a few snaps, now, and some games without seeing [one-on-one matchups for Jefferson],” O’Connell said.
The Vikings must also thank their defensive side of the ball for a legitimate shot at staying relevant in this match, involving a Darnold fumble by Kenny Moore and a 38-yard return for the Colts’ solitary highlight.
Moore’s gutsy play put the Colts ahead 7-0 and that score would hold up at the half for Indianapolis.
In that regard, one cannot blame Will Reichard for two missed field goal attempts, while Darnold’s interception in the Colts’ end zone did not help.
The Vikings opened the second half fully charged for business and the only time Saint John flooded the scoreboard with fourteen points came on touchdowns by Addison and Nailor.
