Indianapolis Colts 13-21 Minnesota Vikings: Sam Darnold throws three second-half touchdowns in comeback win

nfl Monday 4 November 2024 07:48, UK

Sam Darnold overcame four sacks and three turnovers by throwing three second-half touchdown passes to lead Minnesota Vikings to a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.

Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and Josh Oliver each had one touchdown reception for Minnesota (6-2), while Darnold completed 28 of 34 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Justin Jefferson finished with seven catches for a game-high 137 receiving yards for the Vikings, who avoided a third straight loss, while Kenny Moore II scored the only touchdown for the Colts (4-5).

The Minnesota defense made Indianapolis quarterback Joe Flacco's return to the starting role a rough one, limiting him to 179 yards and one interception, while the Colts' defeat was their first game all season that wasn't decided by six points of fewer.

The Colts provided the only points of a low-scoring first half when defensive lineman Grover Stewart applied pressure on Darnold and forced a fumble, allowing Moore to scoop up the ball and sprint 38 yards for a touchdown with 10:56 to go.

Minnesota pulled level with the opening drive of the third quarter when Addison made a one-handed catch at the back of the end zone from Darnold's pass, before they scored again with 2:49 remaining of the quarter.

Darnold connected with Nailor for a seven-yard touchdown to finish a nine-play, 80-yard drive, although a Matt Gay 42-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter saw Indianapolis cut the deficit to 14-10.

The Vikings moved into a 21-10 lead with 2:05 remaining as Darnold threw to Oliver for a 14-yard touchdown, before Gay made a 54-yarder to bring the Colts within eight points with 28 seconds remaining.

Jefferson recovered the Colts' last-ditch onside kick to secure the victory for Minnesota, who outgained their opponents 415-227.

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