The Vikings snapped their two-game shedding streak with a 21-13 win on “Sunday Evening Soccer” in opposition to the Colts.
Listed here are 5 takeaways from Sunday’s nightcap.
Vikings broad receiver Justin Jefferson belongs in MVP race
The Vikings broad receiver had one other monster recreation, main all gamers with seven receptions for 137 yards. He was Minnesota’s finest participant, serving to arrange the Vikings’ second landing with a 41-yard reception on a third-and-2 within the third quarter.
This season, Jefferson has 48 receptions, 783 yards and 5 touchdowns. He is the focus of Minnesota’s offense however hasn’t been slowed down with the elevated consideration. Whereas quarterbacks dominate MVP voting, Jefferson is significant to the Vikings’ success. Any listing of potential 2024 MVPs that does not embody Jefferson is incomplete.
Anthony Richardson wasn’t the issue
This wasn’t the very best recreation for Flacco to have his Colts introduction to a large viewers. Minnesota has one of many league’s finest defenses, so the 17-year veteran’s probabilities of struggling have been already moderately excessive.
Whereas Flacco was extra correct than former starter Anthony Richardson, that is a minor comfort.
Flacco threw an terrible interception to Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. inside Vikings territory early within the fourth quarter, then did not convert a fourth down after forcing the ball to broad receiver Ashton Dulin.
Flacco additionally fumbled a snap on the Minnesota 26-yard line on Indianapolis’ first drive.
When head coach Shane Steichen introduced Flacco’s move into the starting lineup, he mentioned, “I really feel like Joe offers us the very best probability to win proper now.”
Whereas he’ll have simpler matchups in future weeks, Flacco’s largest errors have been self-inflicted.
Ghosts nonetheless hang-out Sam Darnold
Darnold accomplished 28 of his 34 cross makes an attempt but in addition had his first two-interception recreation since Week 18 of the 2022 season.
Each have been dangerous selections from Darnold.
His first got here within the Colts’ crimson zone on a throw on the run on to linebacker Zaire Franklin.
He compelled his second to Jefferson, who was blanketed in protection, and Colts security Nick Cross intercepted it one play after Flacco threw an interception.
Darnold overcame his errors to have a stable recreation, nevertheless it in all probability would not harm him to all the time carry sage.
The Purge: Sam Darnold’s Facemask
In “The Purge” film franchise, there’s one 12-hour interval annually when all crime is authorized. We’re reminded of that watching Darnold the previous two weeks as a result of, apparently, anybody can get away with should-be facemask penalties in opposition to him.
After referees missed an egregious facemask in Minnesota’s 30-20 Week 8 loss to the Rams, they did not flag one other hit to Darnold’s faceguard in opposition to the Colts.
Indianapolis defensive lineman Grover Stewart hit Darnold excessive on his second-quarter fumble that defensive again Kenny Moore returned for a landing.
It is bizarre to see two blatant penalties missed on one participant in consecutive weeks. It is much more weird contemplating how a lot the NFL normally protects quarterbacks.
Kevin O’Connell must be the Coach of the Yr front-runner
Whereas Commanders head coach Dan Quinn recently took the lead within the race, O’Connell reasserted his place because the Coach of the Yr via Week 9 after Minnesota’s win.
O’Connell has executed a powerful job this season, and Sunday was no completely different.
The Vikings have been disciplined, solely being flagged 3 times. Additionally they held a major statistical benefit over the Colts, ending with a 29-13 edge in first downs and outgaining Indianapolis 415-227.
O’Connell referred to as a superb play to ice the sport.
Minnesota was able on second down and a couple of:10 left to run twice, kick a discipline aim for a 17-10 lead and ask its protection to win the sport with a cease.
As an alternative, O’Connell referred to as a play-action cross, and Darnold rolled to his left, connecting with tight finish Josh Oliver for a landing to take a two-possession lead.
O’Connell does an excellent job of getting ready the Vikings week to week. He has them executing at a excessive stage and in stable playoff positioning as they enter the again half of their schedule.
If Minnesota’s final 9 video games go in addition to its first eight, O’Connell ought to earn his first Coach of the Yr Award on the finish of the season.
