Vikings find second-half spark, hold off Colts

Field Level Media|published: Sun 3rd November, 23:52 2024

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings

Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) tackles Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Sam Darnold threw three touchdown passes in the second half and the Minnesota Vikings held on for a 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night in Minneapolis.

Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and Josh Oliver had one touchdown reception apiece for Minnesota (6-2), which bounced back from a two-game skid. Darnold completed 28 of 34 passes for 290 yards, the three touchdowns and two interceptions, and Justin Jefferson finished with seven catches for a game-high 137 yards.

Cornerback Kenny Moore II scored the only touchdown for the Colts (4-5) on a fumble recovery. Joe Flacco completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and one interception.

The Vikings outgained the Colts 415-227.

After being held scoreless in the first half, Minnesota pulled even at 7-7 on the opening drive of the third quarter. Darnold rolled right and passed to Addison, who made a one-handed catch in the back of the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown.

Minnesota scored again to grab a 14-7 advantage with 2:49 remaining in the third quarter. Darnold connected with Nailor for a 7-yard touchdown to finish a nine-play, 80-yard drive.

Indianapolis cut its deficit to 14-10 with 12:41 to go in the fourth quarter. Matt Gay drilled a 42-yard field goal just inside the left upright.

The Vikings grabbed a two-score lead with 2:05 left in the fourth quarter. Darnold kept the ball on a play-action fake and found Oliver near the front left pylon for a 14-yard touchdown.

Gay made a 54-yarder to bring the Colts within 21-13 with 28 seconds remaining.

Jefferson recovered the Colts' last-ditch onside kick to secure the victory for Minnesota.

The Colts' defense provided the only points of the first half.

Defensive lineman Grover Stewart applied pressure and forced a fumble by Darnold. Moore scooped up the ball and sprinted 38 yards for a touchdown to put Indianapolis on top 7-0 with 10:56 to go in the first half.

Vikings left tackle Cam Robinson made his team debut less than a week after he was acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

--Field Level Media