The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts face off in Week 9, with both teams looking for some change as the season hits its midway point. The Vikings got off to a blistering 5-0 start and Sam Darnold had found his way into the MVP discussion. Now, after a couple of losses in a row, the Vikings are looking to get back on track in a crowded NFC North, with all four teams in the division firmly in the playoff mix.
Indianapolis is making a change at quarterback heading into Week 9, turning to Joe Flacco over Anthony Richardson, who, in addition to tapping out for a play because he was tired in Week 8, has not played well this season, completing just 44% of his passes with four touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Through that, though, the Colts are 4-4 and very much alive in the AFC playoff picture, entering the Week 9 “Sunday Night Football” matchup just a half-game out of the final AFC wild-card spot.
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Kwity Paye with a big 3rd down sack to halt a Vikings drive.
With a 3rd down pressure package, the Colts are still hanging around, and while the offense hasn’t done much, it only takes one drive to be able to take the lead with under 10 minutes remaining.
Colts turn the pick into 3 points
Matt Gay connects on a 42-yard field goal to make the score 14-10 Vikings, but it was another drive where the Colts couldn’t get a first down. Indy has just nine first downs in the game — the Vikings had 13 at halftime, but the Colts are still connected because of a cavalcade of Minnesota miscues including three turnovers and two missed field goals.
And just as soon as it looked like Indy was out of it, Darnold gets picked off.
This is the VERY next play after the Byron Murphy interception, and Nick Cross came up with a giant play for the Colts, and they’re starting at the 25-yard-line in plus territory.
Vikings stop the Colts momentum with Murphy pick
After a spectacular catch by rookie A.D. Mitchell on a 2nd and 30 to get it to 3rd and 8, Joe Flacco found Byron Murphy — the problem with that is that he’s in purple, and not white and blue. First down Vikings after another bad mistake by the Indy offense.
Colts now on the move after Vikings touchdown
Josh Downs makes a big 3rd down catch to get Indianapolis into Minnesota territory.
Two second half drives. Two second half touchdowns. Vikings lead 14-7
Jalen Nailor’s first catch of the game goes for a touchdown, and the Vikings are now matching the scoreboard to their statistical advantage. Sam Darnold is 26-of-30 for 255 yards and a pair of touchdown passes.
Vikings rolling now with Justin Jefferson leading the way
18 in purple is just a monster on the field. Seven catches, 137 yards after this beauty.
Jordan Addison closes the drive for the Vikings
Nine plays and 70 yards on this first scoring drive for the Minnesota Vikings, and Addison made
Reichard with a doink from 31 yards and the Vikings are still scoreless
Minnesota has 13 first downs and has outgained the Colts nearly 2-to-1 in this first half, but the miscues have been devastating. Two missed field goals, two turnovers — one of which was turned into the game’s only score — and a turnover on downs. Justin Jefferson has four catches for 74 yards, and Sam Darnold is 13-for-16 for 138 yards.
If there’s any good news for Minnesota, it’s that the Indianapolis offense had just five first downs and 92 yards in the first half.
Make that three big catches for Jefferson in the first half
When it rains, it pours and the Vikings are inside the red zone.
Justin Jefferson on the scoresheet again
Justin Jefferson is heating up. His second catch went for 22, and Minnesota is on the move again.
Colts’ Matt Gay misses from 53
In a first half that’s been largely devoid of highlights, another lowlight for the Colts — a drive that has come up empty again in a game that hasn’t seen an offensive score as we approach halftime.
Vikings’ Reichard misses from 53
And the Vikings remain scoreless. Minnesota offense has turned the ball over on downs, has the Darnold pick, the sack-fumble and now a missed field goal. That would make it seem like the Vikings’ offense isn’t working, but they already have 11 first downs in the game and 150 yards of offense midway through the second quarter. Colts still lead 7-0.
Colts’ defense strikes first
Grover Stewart with a sack-fumble and Kenny Moore grabbed it for the scoop-n-score. While the game was still scoreless, the Colts needed that shot in the arm after having trouble moving the ball over their past few possessions.
Another Colts’ three-and-out
The defenses are in control of the game right now. Indianapolis’ receivers are having trouble getting open, and unlike the first drive, aren’t winning first down with Jonathan Taylor on the ground.
Vikings get the ball into Colts territory with Justin Jefferson’s first catch but punt it away
Jefferson’s first catch went for 20 yards. Sam Darnold has been mostly sharp early. While he has the one interception, that’s the only pass he’s thrown that wasn’t caught was that pick, and is 9-for-10 after the first quarter.
S’ struggles continue as they fail to find the end zone, while the Vikings squander multiple opportunities to put points on the board.
Highlight Reels and Missed Opportunities
The first half has been a rollercoaster of missed chances for both teams. Although the Vikings have dominated in terms of yardage and first downs, their inability to convert those advantages into points has been the story of the game. Sam Darnold’s interception, coupled with a sack-fumble, has hampered what could have been a productive afternoon for Minnesota’s offense.
In contrast, the Colts’ offense has managed to elude significant pressure, but they’ve been unable to capitalize. Kicker Matt Gay’s missed field goal attempt at 53 yards exemplifies the frustration for Indianapolis, highlighting their struggle to gain traction on the offensive side.
Standout Player Performances
Despite the scoreboard not reflecting it, Justin Jefferson of the Vikings is making an impact. With several crucial catches, he’s keeping Minnesota’s offensive hopes alive. His combination of speed and catching ability continues to put pressure on the Colts’ defense.
Additionally, rookie A.D. Mitchell has already begun to establish himself as a reliable target, contributing with a spectacular catch that briefly energized the Vikings fanbase.
Looking Forward
As the second half unfolds, both teams must adjust. The Vikings will need to capitalize on their offensive drives and minimize mistakes, while the Colts must find a way to generate more consistent offense and convert drives into points. With the game still closely contested, all eyes will be on how these teams adapt to the mounting pressure in the second half.