Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
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Darnold throws 3 TD passes in 2nd half as Vikings overcome 3 turnovers to beat Flacco, Colts 21-13
Sam Darnold overcame four sacks and three turnovers by throwing three second-half touchdown passes, and the Minnesota defense made Indianapolis quarterback Joe Flacco's return to the starting role a rough one as the Vikings beat the Colts 21-13 on Sunday night.
“I’m sure Sam will be hard on himself for those two interceptions, but I’m going to stay aggressive with him because of my confidence in him," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said.
Justin Jefferson had 137 receiving yards, Jordan Addison made a one-handed diving grab in the back corner of the end zone to get Minnesota on the board after a sloppy and scoreless first half, and Jalen Nailor had the tiebreaking touchdown reception to help the Vikings (6-2) stop a two-game skid.
“The turnovers are nothing. Those are just little minor errors that we can fix easily,” Jefferson said. “We've just got to protect the ball, just not try to make that big play. Sam is a phenomenal quarterback.”
Kenny Moore II had a 38-yard fumble return in the second quarter, the only touchdown for the Colts (4-5) in their first game all season that wasn't decided by six points or fewer.
“It definitely shows that if we could have made this one play here or this one play here, things could be different,” wide receiver Alec Pierce said.
Flacco Anthony Richardson, with the 2023 fourth overall NFL draft pick struggling badly and becoming the self-created subject of a week of hot takes after taking himself out for a play last week because he was tired.
The AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award winner with Cleveland last season after he came off his couch to help the Browns make the playoffs, Flacco went 16 for 27 for 179 yards and one interception.
“Coming in here against a team like this is going to be difficult," Flacco said, "but I don’t think you ever anticipate something like that.”
He moved the Colts to the Minnesota 40 midway through the fourth quarter facing a 14-10 deficit, but Harrison Smith, who recovered an opening-drive fumble by Jonathan Taylor, broke up consecutive passes to force a turnover on downs.
“Sometimes going through certain situations can help you grow. There's no growth in comfort,” Smith said. “I think we took a step in the right direction.”
Darnold, who finished 28 for 34 for 290 yards, hit Josh Oliver for the game-sealing score with 2:05 left.
“That's not how you draw it up, for sure, but we've battled through adversity throughout this year and we do it in games as well,” Darnold said. “We've got a really resilient group.”
Will Reichard, who started his rookie season by making his first 34 kicks, became the last regular in the league to miss by pulling a 53-yard field goal try right. Then his 31-yarder bounced off the right upright.
Darnold spoiled a promising first possession for the Vikings with an on-the-run, across-his-body throw to T.J. Hockenson in double coverage that was intercepted in the end zone by Zaire Franklin.
After Byron Murphy picked off Flacco in the fourth quarter, Darnold gave it right back on the next play when Nick Cross undercut an overeager throw to Jefferson.
The Colts have a dangerous defensive line, no matter who's blocking, and their pressure up the middle was a problem for Darnold. Grover Stewart steamrolled center Garrett Bradbury on a dropback near midfield and dislodged the ball as he slammed Darnold to the turf for Moore to scoop up for the score.
Stewart, whose forearm grazed Darnold's facemask with so much force that it knocked him down, was initially flagged for the hit. The penalty was waved off.
Vikings: LB Blake Cashman (toe) was sidelined for the third straight game.
Vikings: Visit Jacksonville next Sunday.
How can I watch Colts vs. Vikings?
- TV Channel: Colts at Vikings 2021-22 NFL, week 9 is broadcasted nationally on NBC and Peacock.
- Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.
In Canada, viewers can watch Colts vs. Vikings on DAZN.
Scoring Summary
TD | 2nd Period 10:56 | Kenny Moore II 38 Yd Fumble Return (Matt Gay Kick) | |
TD | 3rd Period 10:23 | Jordan Addison 4 Yd pass from Sam Darnold (Will Reichard Kick) | |
TD | 3rd Period 2:49 | Jalen Nailor 7 Yd pass from Sam Darnold (Will Reichard Kick) | |
FG | 4th Period 12:41 | Matt Gay 42 Yd Field Goal | |
TD | 4th Period 2:05 | Josh Oliver 14 Yd pass from Sam Darnold (Will Reichard Kick) | |
FG | 4th Period 0:28 | Matt Gay 54 Yd Field Goal |
Statistics
IND | MIN | |
---|---|---|
13 | 1st Downs | 29 |
9 | Passing 1st downs | 17 |
3 | Rushing 1st downs | 10 |
1 | 1st downs from penalties | 2 |
3-11 | 3rd down efficiency | 6-12 |
1-2 | 4th down efficiency | 1-1 |
49 | Total Plays | 71 |
227 | Total Yards | 415 |
4.6 | Yards per Play | 5.8 |
10 | Total Drives | 11 |
159 | Passing | 282 |
16/27 | Comp/Att | 29/35 |
5.3 | Yards per pass | 7.2 |
1 | Interceptions thrown | 2 |
3-20 | Sacks-Yards Lost | 4-30 |
68 | Rushing | 133 |
19 | Rushing Attempts | 32 |
3.6 | Yards per rush | 4.2 |
0-0 | Red Zone (Made-Att) | 3-5 |
7-50 | Penalties | 3-41 |
2 | Turnovers | 3 |
1 | Fumbles lost | 1 |
1 | Interceptions thrown | 2 |
1 | Defensive / Special Teams TDs | 0 |
23:06 | Possession | 36:54 |
Game Information
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Attendance: 66,954 · Capacity:
2024 AFC South Standings
TEAM | W | L | PCT | T | PF | PA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Houston | 4 | 226 | 224 | 0 | .600 | 6 |
Indianapolis | 6 | 223 | 208 | 0 | .400 | 4 |
Tennessee | 7 | 240 | 157 | 0 | .222 | 2 |
Jacksonville | 8 | 264 | 202 | 0 | .200 | 2 |
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