Darnold throws 3 TD passes in 2nd half as Vikings overcome 3 turnovers to beat Flacco, Colts 21-13

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Wherever this robust begin to the season winds up main the Minnesota Vikings, it’s clear that perception and resilience will likely be chargeable for a big measure of their success.

Sam Darnold overcame 4 sacks and three turnovers by throwing three second-half landing passes, and the Minnesota protection made Indianapolis quarterback Joe Flacco’s return to the beginning function a tough one because the Vikings beat the Colts 21-13 on Sunday evening.

“I’m positive Sam will likely be onerous on himself for these two interceptions, however I’m going to remain aggressive with him due to my confidence in him,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell stated.

Justin Jefferson had 137 receiving yards, Jordan Addison made a one-handed diving seize within the again nook of the top zone to get Minnesota on the board after a sloppy and scoreless first half, and Jalen Nailor had the tiebreaking landing reception to assist the Vikings (6-2) cease a two-game skid.

“The turnovers are nothing. These are simply little minor errors that we will repair simply,” Jefferson stated. “We’ve simply obtained to guard the ball, simply not attempt to make that huge play. Sam is an outstanding quarterback.”

Kenny Moore II had a 38-yard fumble return within the second quarter, the one landing for the Colts (4-5) of their first sport all season that wasn’t determined by six factors or fewer.

“It positively exhibits that if we might have made this one play right here or this one play right here, issues might be completely different,” vast receiver Alec Pierce stated.

Flacco changed Anthony Richardson, with the 2023 fourth general NFL draft choose struggling badly and turning into the self-created topic of per week of scorching takes after taking himself out for a play final week as a result of he was drained.

The AP NFL Comeback Participant of the Yr award winner with Cleveland final season after he got here off his sofa to assist the Browns make the playoffs, Flacco went 16 for 27 for 179 yards and one interception.

“Coming in right here towards a group like that is going to be troublesome,” Flacco stated, “however I don’t suppose you ever anticipate one thing like that.”

He moved the Colts to the Minnesota 40 halfway by the fourth quarter going through a 14-10 deficit, however Harrison Smith, who recovered an opening-drive fumble by Jonathan Taylor, broke up consecutive passes to power a turnover on downs.

“Generally going by sure conditions may also help you develop. There’s no development in consolation,” Smith stated. “I feel we took a step in the appropriate course.”

Darnold, who completed 28 for 34 for 290 yards, hit Josh Oliver for the game-sealing rating with 2:05 left.

“That’s not the way you draw it up, for positive, however we’ve battled by adversity all through this 12 months and we do it in video games as nicely,” Darnold stated. “We’ve obtained a extremely resilient group.”

A a lot much less dramatic comeback

The Vikings set an NFL document two years in the past by rallying from a 33-0 halftime deficit to beat the Colts 39-36 in time beyond regulation, and their first half was eerily just like that sport. The handy distinction was they solely trailed by a landing, after limiting the Colts to 92 yards on 20 performs.

Will Reichard, who began his rookie season by making his first 34 kicks, grew to become the final common within the league to overlook by pulling a 53-yard area aim attempt proper. Then his 31-yarder bounced off the appropriate upright.

Darnold spoiled a promising first possession for the Vikings with an on-the-run, across-his-body throw to T.J. Hockenson in double protection that was intercepted ultimately zone by Zaire Franklin.

After Byron Murphy picked off Flacco within the fourth quarter, Darnold gave it proper again on the following play when Nick Cross undercut an overeager throw to Jefferson.

Hassle up entrance

The Vikings welcomed their two-time Professional Bowl tight finish Hockenson again from the knee harm that ended his 2023 season prematurely. His third-down catch that will’ve moved the chains was erased by a holding penalty on left deal with Cam Robinson, who was unexpectedly acquired this week after a season-ending knee harm to standout Christian Darrisaw.

The Colts have a harmful defensive position, regardless of who’s blocking, and their strain up the center was an issue for Darnold. Grover Stewart steamrolled middle Garrett Bradbury on a dropback close to midfield and dislodged the ball as he slammed Darnold to the turf for Moore to scoop up for the rating.

Stewart, whose forearm grazed Darnold’s facemask with a lot power that it knocked him down, was initially flagged for the hit. The penalty was waved off.

Accidents

Colts: LT Bernhard Raimann (concussion) was held out and changed by rookie Matt Goncalves.

Vikings: LB Blake Cashman (toe) was sidelined for the third straight sport.

Up subsequent

Colts: Host Buffalo subsequent Sunday.

Vikings: Go to Jacksonville subsequent Sunday.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL