Vikings Show Resilience in Hard-Fought 21-13 Win Over Colts, Ending Skid

The Minnesota Vikings’ promising season continues to be fueled by grit and determination, as their resilience shines through each game.

In a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, quarterback Sam Darnold shook off early struggles—four sacks and three turnovers—to rally with three touchdown passes in the second half. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s defense put the pressure on Colts QB Joe Flacco, making his return to the starting lineup a tough task.

“Sam will probably be hard on himself over the interceptions, but I’m staying aggressive with him because of the trust I have in him,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell shared.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson showcased his talent with 137 receiving yards, and Jordan Addison made a stunning one-handed touchdown grab to get Minnesota on the scoreboard after a scoreless first half. Jalen Nailor added the go-ahead touchdown that helped the Vikings (6-2) halt a two-game losing streak.

“The turnovers? Those are fixable mistakes,” Jefferson said. “We just have to be smart with the ball and avoid forcing big plays. Sam is a fantastic quarterback.”

The Colts (4-5) scored their only touchdown on a 38-yard fumble return by Kenny Moore II in the second quarter. This was the first time this season that the Colts had a game decided by more than six points.

“There’s always something to build on—just a few key plays, and the outcome might have been different,” receiver Alec Pierce said.

Flacco, stepping in for the struggling Anthony Richardson, went 16-of-27 for 179 yards and an interception. The 2022 Comeback Player of the Year had led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs last season but struggled against Minnesota’s defense on Sunday.

“Facing a team like the Vikings in this environment is tough,” Flacco said, “but I didn’t expect it to be quite this challenging.”

The Colts had a fourth-quarter chance to take the lead, but Harrison Smith’s key defensive stops forced a turnover on downs.

“Sometimes, it’s the tough situations that help us grow,” Smith remarked. “I think we moved in the right direction tonight.”

Darnold, who finished 28-of-34 for 290 yards, connected with Josh Oliver late in the game for a final touchdown, sealing the win.

“This wasn’t picture-perfect, but our team has overcome challenges all season,” Darnold said. “This is a resilient group.”

A Familiar Comeback Tale

Two years ago, the Vikings mounted a historic comeback against the Colts after trailing 33-0 at halftime. On Sunday, their first-half deficit was far less severe, with the team only down by a touchdown after holding the Colts to a mere 92 yards on 20 plays.

Rookie kicker Will Reichard, who had previously gone 34-for-34, missed a 53-yard field goal attempt and later struck the upright on a 31-yarder. Darnold also threw a red zone interception to Zaire Franklin on the first drive, stalling early momentum.

After Byron Murphy intercepted Flacco in the fourth quarter, Darnold’s next pass was picked off by Nick Cross on an overthrown pass intended for Jefferson.

Offensive Line Challenges

Returning Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson saw a crucial third-down catch wiped out by a holding penalty on new left tackle Cam Robinson, who joined the Vikings to fill in after Christian Darrisaw’s season-ending knee injury.

The Colts’ defensive line created trouble for Darnold, with defensive tackle Grover Stewart breaking through the line to force a fumble that Moore returned for a touchdown. Stewart’s hit on Darnold initially drew a facemask penalty but was ultimately waved off.

Injury Updates

Colts: Left tackle Bernhard Raimann (concussion) was sidelined, with rookie Matt Goncalves filling in.

Vikings: Linebacker Blake Cashman (toe) missed his third consecutive game.

Looking Ahead

Colts: Return home to host the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.

Vikings: Travel to Jacksonville for a matchup with the Jaguars next Sunday.