MINNEAPOLIS — In a gripping Sunday night football showdown, Sam Darnold triumphed over adversity—tackled four times and committing three turnovers—by delivering three touchdown passes in the second half, propelling the Minnesota Vikings to a 21-13 victory against the Indianapolis Colts. The Minnesota defense also left a mark on the game by challenging Joe Flacco in his return to the starting role for the Colts.
Darnold demonstrated resilience, finishing the game with a solid 28 completions on 34 attempts, amassing 290 passing yards. Star receiver Justin Jefferson showcased his prowess through the air with 137 receiving yards, while rookie Jordan Addison contributed a spectacular one-handed catch for a touchdown in the back corner of the end zone. This marked Minnesota’s first score after a scoreless first half. Jalen Nailor delivered the go-ahead touchdown reception, helping the Vikings (6-2) break a two-game losing streak.
On the Colts’ side, Kenny Moore II made headlines with a 38-yard fumble return touchdown in the second quarter, marking the only score for Indianapolis (4-5) in a game that notably was not decided by a margin of six points or less—unusual compared to their previous matchups this season. Flacco came in to replace Anthony Richardson, who had struggled significantly. The rookie quarterback faced harsh critiques after opting out of a play last week due to fatigue.
Flacco, the former AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the Browns last season, put together a performance of 16 completions on 27 attempts for 179 yards and one interception. He managed to advance the Colts to the Vikings’ 40-yard line midway through the fourth quarter, holding onto a narrow 14-10 deficit before being thwarted by a couple of broken-up passes from Harrison Smith, after he had also recovered a fumble earlier in the game.
In a nod to the thrilling comeback the Vikings had pulled off against the Colts two years ago, when they erased a staggering 33-point halftime deficit, the first half of this game mirrored that intensity despite Minnesota only trailing by a touchdown. Remarkably, the Vikings contained the Colts to just 92 yards on 20 plays, marking a strong defensive effort.
Will Reichard, making his debut season in the NFL, had a challenging game as he missed his first field goal attempts, including a 53-yarder that went wide right and a 31-yarder that hit the upright. Darnold faced his share of challenges; his promising opening drive ended in disappointment after his intended pass to T.J. Hockenson was intercepted in the end zone. He later gave away possession again when Nick Cross intercepted a throw intended for Jefferson after a pick made by Byron Murphy.
With injuries affecting the match, the Vikings welcomed back Hockenson from a prior knee injury, and Darnold quickly sought him out. However, crucial plays were taken off the board due to penalties, particularly a holding call on left tackle Cam Robinson. The Colts’ fierce defensive line exerted continuous pressure, especially after standout Christian Darrisaw’s injury, complicating Darnold’s performance. Grover Stewart pressed hard against center Garrett Bradbury during a dropback, causing a fumble recovered for a touchdown by Moore. A controversial forearm hit on Darnold that had drawn a penalty was ultimately waived off.
In terms of injury updates, the Colts were without left tackle Bernhard Raimann, who suffered a concussion, while rookie Matt Goncalves took his place. The Vikings also missed linebacker Blake Cashman, sidelined for the third consecutive game due to a toe issue.
Looking ahead, the Colts will face the Buffalo Bills in their next matchup on Sunday, while the Vikings will travel to Jacksonville for their upcoming game the same day.