One of the standout games of Week 9 is the Sunday Night Football matchup between Indianapolis Colts and the Minnesota Vikings.
While the Vikings (5-2) have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, thanks to Sam Darnold and a formidable defense, the Colts (4-2) have had a more inconsistent start. Promising young quarterback Anthony Richardson, after struggling with accuracy issues, was benched this week in favor of veteran Joe Flacco.
How will Flacco perform on the road in Minnesota? Stay tuned to NBC News for all the lates updates on this exciting game.
The Vikings have equalized the score!
With ten minutes remaining in the third quarter, Minnesota achieved its initial touchdown of the evening, showcasing an extraordinary display of concentration by receiver Jordan Addison, who caught the ball from four yards away. Despite the ball being momentarily mishandled, Addison managed to secure it with one hand while in mid-dive.
Sam Darnold. Jordan Addison.
Strong start to the 2nd half. #Skol
📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/5pjzLNzq70
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 4, 2024
Halftime: Colts 7, Vikings 0
This outcome is indeed surprising. Although Minnesota accumulated 194 yards, they concluded the first half with fewer than 10 points for the first time this season. The Vikings were hindered by two missed field goals, an interception, and a fumble. Conversely, the Colts experienced a fumble that terminated one of their drives and a missed field goal that affected another. The Colts managed to gain 92 yards in the first half.
Vikings miss another kick
The expression of resignation evident on the face of Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell stems from witnessing kicker Will Reichard miss a second field goal during this game. This particular attempt, from a distance of 31 yards, veered to the right. Prior to this evening, Reichard had successfully converted every kick he had attempted this season, making this occurrence quite unexpected.
It’s still Indianapolis 7, Vikings 0
Colts kicker Matt Gay failed to convert a 53-yard field goal attempt with two minutes left in the second quarter. This miss marks Gay’s record at 1-4 for the season on attempts from 50 yards or more. The failed kick concluded a drive that was initiated by a missed field goal from Minnesota and only advanced 22 yards over the course of seven plays.
Both teams are struggling to capitalize on their opponents’ errors. Indianapolis committed an early turnover, followed by a Minnesota interception. The Vikings were unable to convert a field goal, and the Colts subsequently mirrored that failure.
Vikings miss field goal
Indianapolis holds onto its 7-0 lead after Will Reichard misses a 53-yard field goal, wide right, with 5:50 left before halftime. Reichard had been 4-of-4 on kicks longer than 50 yards this season.
Old concerns surface for Darnold
Sam Darnold’s two turnovers during the game—an interception in the first quarter and a fumble in the second quarter—serve as a reminder of the challenges he faced in his first six seasons, primarily due to his propensity for turnovers.
Throughout his career, Darnold has accumulated a total of 90 touchdowns (including both rushing and receiving) but has also recorded 62 interceptions and 44 fumbles. It is important to acknowledge the efforts of Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who has developed an offensive system that has enabled Darnold to reduce these errors thus far.
Indianapolis scores on a defensive play
Colts 7, Vikings 0 after defensive tackle Grover Stewart mauled his way through the Vikings’ offensive line and forced QB Sam Darnold to fumble. The fumble was recovered by Kenny Moore and ran back for a touchdown after 36 yards.
Ope, lemme sneak by ya real quick.
📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/IsQY32QfOB
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 4, 2024
Scoreless first quarter
Minnesota approached this matchup as the NFL leader in first-quarter scoring, averaging 10.3 points, while Indianapolis held the fourth position with an average of 5.6 points. However, the first quarter concluded in Minneapolis without any points being scored, despite both teams initiating drives with several promising plays that ultimately failed to yield results. Joe Flacco completed 3 of 4 passes, and Sam Darnold achieved 9 of 10, yet this efficiency did not reflect on the scoreboard.
Another drive, another turnover!
Some boos can be heard inside Minnesota’s home stadium after Sam Darnold throws the sixth interception of his season, ending the Vikings’ first drive. It’s not just that he turned it over, but where: Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin caught the pass in the end zone. Minnesota loses out on getting at least a field goal.
PICK! Zaire Franklin intercepts Sam Darnold in the end zone! @Colts ball.
📺: #INDvsMIN on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/EGF53zlZBY— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2024
The stakes for tonight
The Vikings are currently favored with a record of 5-2. A victory for Indianapolis, which stands at 4-4, would enhance their chances of making the playoffs as they aim to keep up with teams such as Denver (5-4) and the Chargers (5-3) that are positioned ahead of them in the standings. The Vikings began the season as a surprising contender with a 5-0 start; however, a series of losses has diminished some of the initial excitement, necessitating a turnaround in their performance.
Colts linebacker among league leaders
Despite this, Franklin later stated that he still views Richardson as the future of the organization and expressed empathy, having been a rookie-year starter who was later benched himself.
Franklin’s performance this season is impressive, with 87 tackles, ranking him second in the NFL, including 29 solo tackles. This follows his strong seasons with 147 tackles in 2022 and 159 tackles last year.
Feel the rush?
Both Indianapolis and Minnesota are positioned in the lower third of the league in terms of defensive performance against rushing yards. The Colts are surrendering an average of 227 yards, while the Vikings are allowing 263 yards, marking the third-worst average in the NFL. Will either team be able to capitalize on this situation? Thus far, neither has demonstrated significant strength in their ground game.
Colts left tackle won’t play
The blind-side protection provided by the left tackle is crucial for a right-handed quarterback. Unfortunately, the Colts will be without left tackle Bernhard Raimann this evening, as he has been ruled out due to a concussion. Raimann did not participate in practice in the days leading up to the game. Either rookie Matt Goncalves or 2023 draft selection Blake Freeland may take his place.
Could Anthony Richardson be traded?
Colts supporters began the season with high hopes that Anthony Richardson would serve as their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. However, following his recent benching in favor of Joe Flacco due to underwhelming performance, uncertainties linger regarding Richardson’s future in Indianapolis.
Reports indicate that several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Richardson, yet it seems unlikely that he will be traded. He is still in the process of mastering the position and possesses significant potential for success, provided he can develop further. The critical question remains whether he will reach that potential.
The Indy Star has reported that the organization has no plans to part ways with Richardson.
Colts losing close games
Indianapolis suffered a defeat of 23-20 against Houston last week, marking their third loss this season by a margin of three points or less.
The Colts have made NFL history as the first team to have all of their first eight games decided by six points or fewer. In an effort to improve their performance, they announced this week that Joe Flacco will be the starting quarterback.
