MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Darnold overcame 4 sacks and three turnovers by throwing three second-half landing passes, and the Minnesota defence made Indianapolis quarterback Joe Flacco’s return to the beginning function a tough one because the Vikings beat the Colts 21-13 on Sunday evening.
Justin Jefferson had 137 receiving yards, Jordan Addison made a one-handed diving seize within the again nook of the top zone to get Minnesota on the board after a sloppy and scoreless first half, and Jalen Nailor had the tiebreaking landing reception to assist the Vikings (6-2) cease a two-game skid.
Kenny Moore II had a 38-yard fumble return within the second quarter, the one landing for the Colts (4-5) of their first sport all season that wasn’t determined by six factors or fewer.
Flacco changed Anthony Richardson, with the 2023 fourth total NFL draft choose struggling badly and changing into the self-created topic of per week of scorching takes after taking himself out for a play final week as a result of he was drained.
The AP NFL Comeback Participant of the Yr award winner with Cleveland final season after he got here off his sofa previous midseason to assist the Browns make the playoffs, Flacco went 16 for 27 for 179 yards and one interception.
He moved the Colts to the Minnesota 40 halfway by means of the fourth quarter going through a 14-10 deficit, however Harrison Smith, who recovered an opening-drive fumble by Jonathan Taylor, broke up consecutive passes to power a turnover on downs.
Darnold, who completed 28 for 34 for 290 yards, hit Josh Oliver for the game-sealing rating with 2:05 left.
A a lot much less dramatic comeback
The Vikings set an NFL document two years in the past by rallying from a 33-0 halftime deficit to beat the Colts 39-36 in additional time, and their first half was eerily much like that sport. The handy distinction was they solely trailed by a landing, after limiting the Colts to 92 yards on 20 performs.
Will Reichard, who began his rookie season by making his first 34 kicks, turned the final common within the league to overlook by pulling a 53-yard discipline purpose attempt vast proper. Then his 31-yarder bounced off the proper 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 protection that was intercepted ultimately zone by Zaire Franklin.
After Byron Murphy picked off Flacco within the fourth quarter, Darnold gave it proper again when Nick Cross undercut an overeager throw to Jefferson.
Hassle up entrance
The Vikings welcomed Hockenson again from the knee harm that ended his 2023 season prematurely, and Darnold wasted no time on the lookout for his long-haired and limber-bodied tight finish. Hockenson’s third-down catch that will’ve moved the chains was erased by a holding penalty on left sort out Cam Robinson, who was rapidly acquired this week after a season-ending knee harm to standout Christian Darrisaw.
The Colts have a harmful defensive position, regardless of who’s blocking, and their strain up the center was an issue for Darnold. Grover Stewart steamrolled middle Garrett Bradbury on a dropback close to midfield and dislodged the ball as he slammed Darnold to the turf for Moore to scoop up for the rating.
Stewart, whose forearm grazed Darnold’s facemask with a lot power that it knocked him down, was initially flagged for the hit. The penalty was waved off.
Accidents
Colts: LT Bernhard Raimann (concussion) was held out and changed by rookie Matt Goncalves.
Vikings: LB Blake Cashman (toe) was sidelined for the third straight sport.
Up subsequent
Colts: Host Buffalo subsequent Sunday.
Vikings: Go to Jacksonville subsequent Sunday.
