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Colts-Vikings Preview
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Vikings surged to the top of the NFL with a five-game winning streak to start the season, fueled by a disruptive and relentless defense that suddenly became vulnerable in losing twice in a five-day span.
Did the rest of the league crack the code? Or did the Vikings simply get successively outplayed by two elite quarterbacks and the wealth of receiving, blocking and running talent around them? The Indianapolis Colts have the tough task of traveling to Minnesota to find out.
“Our fans really show up and do their part for sure. We’ve got to feed off that, feed off each other and take advantage of that being an advantage,” said Vikings safety Harrison Smith, looking ahead to the Sunday night matchup that more than likely will have the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd at its loudest.
The pre-snap disguises employed by defensive coordinator Brian Flores in his pressure-driven scheme have flustered many an opponent, particularly when the Vikings have the lead and are playing at home. Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions didn't flinch in a 31-29 comeback victory at Minnesota on Oct. 20. Neither did Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams last week in their 30-20 win. After returning home from the West Coast and having extra time to rest, the Vikings (5-2) are eager to get their defense back on track.
They'll face another veteran quarterback in Joe Flacco, who replaced 2023 fourth overall draft pick Anthony Richardson as the starter.
“He’s seen every type of disguise in the world, every defense, every pressure, every blitz, so knowing that we really just have to be perfect on all of our assignments,” safety Cam Bynum said.
The Colts (4-4) have had all eight of their games decided by six points or fewer.
“When I’m preparing to start football games, that is where I feel most comfortable,” Flacco said. “This is where I feel at home.”
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has rejoined the active roster, taking the place of injured left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Hockenson spent the first eight weeks on the physically unable to perform list while completing his rehabilitation from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that occurred in the team’s Week 16 game last season. The passing attack could use the boost.
“It’s the production that he brings and the mismatch that he can create against safeties and linebackers,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “His ability to win versus match or man coverage, all those things are pretty unique for a tight end that also gives you value in the run game like he does."
Hockenson said he felt ready to play at full speed two months ago at the end of training camp, but he praised the team's medical staff for not only keeping him on track but making it clear why each step of the rehab program made sense.
“You do really have to stay patient with something like this,” Hockenson said. “I’ve felt good for months now, but to actually go out there, there’s data that says nine months is the key."
Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will have a couple of old friends to seek out after the game. The former Southern California teammate of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold also grew close to Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who played for the Colts in 2022. Pittman credited the 2019 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year with teaching him how to cope with strong and savvy players in the secondary, as the two of them frequently squared off in practice that season.
Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has been tasked with tweaking the game plan to account for the difference in styles, experience and skills between the pure drop-back passer in the 39-year-old Flacco and the dual-threat dynamism of the 22-year-old Richardson.
“There’s some different strengths and weaknesses with each guy,” Cooter said. “Obviously, Anthony moves around, makes plays with his legs a little bit more often, and that’s the obvious one. I’ll hold the rest. I’ll let Flores and the gang at Minnesota sort of think about that.”
The Vikings are eager for a bigger impact from wide receiver Jordan Addison, who had 911 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie last season but has not had more than three catches in any game this year. Addison, who missed two games last month with an ankle injury, had just two receptions for 22 yards against the Rams last week. He has scored once this season.
“I’m doing everything that I can. I’m learning and watching the film and trying to to get better. I’m looking forward to having a good game this week,” Addison said. "Just keep getting open. That’s my job as a receiver, so that’s what I’m going to keep doing.”
---
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Copyright 2024 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | FPTS |
A. Richardson
5 QB
69 FPTS
|
A. Richardson | 59/133 | 958 | 4 | 7 | 69 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Flacco
15 QB
67 FPTS
|
J. Flacco | 71/108 | 716 | 7 | 1 | 67 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A. Mitchell
10 WR
21 FPTS
|
A. Mitchell | 1/1 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
J. Taylor
28 RB
88 FPTS
|
J. Taylor | 92 | 454 | 5 | 29 | 88 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Richardson
5 QB
69 FPTS
|
A. Richardson | 41 | 242 | 1 | 26 | 69 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Goodson
31 RB
30 FPTS
|
T. Goodson | 27 | 128 | 1 | 33 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Sermon
27 RB
34 FPTS
|
T. Sermon | 45 | 127 | 2 | 17 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Flacco
15 QB
67 FPTS
|
J. Flacco | 6 | 26 | 0 | 21 | 67 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Dulin
16 WR
15 FPTS
|
A. Dulin | 2 | 21 | 0 | 12 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Mitchell
10 WR
21 FPTS
|
A. Mitchell | 2 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Downs
1 WR
83 FPTS
|
J. Downs | 1 | 12 | 0 | 13 | 83 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
A. Pierce
14 WR
70 FPTS
|
A. Pierce | 30 | 16 | 394 | 3 | 65 | 70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
M. Pittman
11 WR
73 FPTS
|
M. Pittman | 53 | 29 | 352 | 2 | 33 | 73 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Downs
1 WR
83 FPTS
|
J. Downs | 47 | 32 | 351 | 3 | 69 | 83 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A. Mitchell
10 WR
21 FPTS
|
A. Mitchell | 31 | 11 | 118 | 0 | 30 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
M. Alie-Cox
81 TE
22 FPTS
|
M. Alie-Cox | 13 | 7 | 100 | 1 | 22 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Taylor
28 RB
88 FPTS
|
J. Taylor | 11 | 7 | 89 | 0 | 25 | 88 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A. Dulin
16 WR
15 FPTS
|
A. Dulin | 5 | 2 | 67 | 1 | 54 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Sermon
27 RB
34 FPTS
|
T. Sermon | 9 | 9 | 59 | 0 | 14 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A. Ogletree
85 TE
15 FPTS
|
A. Ogletree | 7 | 5 | 56 | 1 | 22 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
K. Granson
83 TE
7 FPTS
|
K. Granson | 9 | 3 | 53 | 0 | 40 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Goodson
31 RB
30 FPTS
|
T. Goodson | 10 | 8 | 47 | 0 | 24 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
W. Mallory
86 TE
2 FPTS
|
W. Mallory | 5 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 7 | 2 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT | FF |
E. Speed
45 LB
|
E. Speed | 49-21 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
N. Cross
20 SAF
|
N. Cross | 46-30 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Z. Franklin
44 OLB
|
Z. Franklin | 42-45 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Jones
40 DB
|
J. Jones | 37-15 | 0.0 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Blackmon
32 SAF
|
J. Blackmon | 35-14 | 0.5 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Moore
23 CB
|
K. Moore | 20-15 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Carlies
57 LB
|
J. Carlies | 14-7 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
G. Stewart
90 DT
|
G. Stewart | 14-18 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
G. Stuard
41 LB
|
G. Stuard | 12-8 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Paye
51 DE
|
K. Paye | 11-4 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Lewis
94 DE
|
T. Lewis | 10-7 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
L. Latu
97 DE
|
L. Latu | 9-5 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Odeyingbo
54 DE
|
D. Odeyingbo | 9-6 | 3.0 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Bryan
96 DT
|
T. Bryan | 8-4 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. Lammons
35 DB
|
C. Lammons | 8-2 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. Womack
33 CB
|
S. Womack | 7-2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Buckner
99 DT
|
D. Buckner | 7-3 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
R. Thomas II
25 SAF
|
R. Thomas II | 5-2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
R. Davis
98 DT
|
R. Davis | 5-3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Adebawore
95 DT
|
A. Adebawore | 3-2 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Brents
29 CB
|
J. Brents | 3-4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Gotsis
96 DE
|
A. Gotsis | 3-4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. Olubi
50 LB
|
S. Olubi | 1-2 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
I. Land
55 DE
|
I. Land | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
M. Gay
7 K
54 FPTS
|
M. Gay | 12/14 | 52 | 16/16 | 52 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | FPTS |
S. Darnold
14 QB
140 FPTS
|
S. Darnold | 127/189 | 1610 | 14 | 5 | 140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N. Mullens
12 QB
0 FPTS
|
N. Mullens | 1/1 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Chandler
32 RB
21 FPTS
|
T. Chandler | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
A. Jones
33 RB
104 FPTS
|
A. Jones | 104 | 501 | 2 | 39 | 104 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Chandler
32 RB
21 FPTS
|
T. Chandler | 44 | 151 | 0 | 25 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. Darnold
14 QB
140 FPTS
|
S. Darnold | 27 | 106 | 0 | 19 | 140 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. Ham
30 FB
8 FPTS
|
C. Ham | 2 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Addison
3 WR
47 FPTS
|
J. Addison | 1 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Jefferson
18 WR
133 FPTS
|
J. Jefferson | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 133 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Nailor
83 WR
51 FPTS
|
J. Nailor | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 51 | ||||||||||||||||||||
N. Mullens
12 QB
0 FPTS
|
N. Mullens | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. Gaskin
37 RB
2 FPTS
|
M. Gaskin | 3 | -1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
J. Jefferson
18 WR
133 FPTS
|
J. Jefferson | 60 | 41 | 646 | 5 | 97 | 133 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Addison
3 WR
47 FPTS
|
J. Addison | 23 | 14 | 231 | 1 | 51 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Nailor
83 WR
51 FPTS
|
J. Nailor | 20 | 14 | 229 | 3 | 33 | 51 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A. Jones
33 RB
104 FPTS
|
A. Jones | 25 | 22 | 227 | 1 | 25 | 104 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Mundt
86 TE
27 FPTS
|
J. Mundt | 20 | 14 | 93 | 1 | 20 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Oliver
84 TE
25 FPTS
|
J. Oliver | 8 | 7 | 72 | 2 | 25 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Sherfield
11 WR
12 FPTS
|
T. Sherfield | 5 | 4 | 43 | 1 | 17 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Chandler
32 RB
21 FPTS
|
T. Chandler | 6 | 6 | 42 | 0 | 10 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
B. Powell
4 WR
5 FPTS
|
B. Powell | 6 | 3 | 29 | 0 | 13 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
M. Gaskin
37 RB
2 FPTS
|
M. Gaskin | 1 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 11 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
C. Ham
30 FB
8 FPTS
|
C. Ham | 2 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT | FF |
B. Murphy
7 CB
|
B. Murphy | 29-6 | 0.0 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
H. Smith
22 FS
|
H. Smith | 27-18 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. Bynum
24 S
|
C. Bynum | 25-18 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Van Ginkel
43 OLB
|
A. Van Ginkel | 25-8 | 5.0 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Metellus
44 SAF
|
J. Metellus | 24-17 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
I. Pace Jr.
0 LB
|
I. Pace Jr. | 23-18 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. Gilmore
23 CB
|
S. Gilmore | 22-7 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. Cashman
51 LB
|
B. Cashman | 20-19 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Greenard
58 LB
|
J. Greenard | 15-6 | 5.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
P. Jones II
91 LB
|
P. Jones II | 11-11 | 5.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Bullard
90 DE
|
J. Bullard | 10-8 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. Griffin
1 CB
|
S. Griffin | 9-5 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
H. Phillips
97 DT
|
H. Phillips | 8-15 | 2.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Grugier-Hill
54 OLB
|
K. Grugier-Hill | 7-3 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Tillery
99 DT
|
J. Tillery | 4-9 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Turner
15 LB
|
D. Turner | 4-2 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Jackson
25 DB
|
T. Jackson | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Taimani
94 DL
|
T. Taimani | 1-2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. Richter
98 LB
|
B. Richter | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Redmond
61 DE
|
J. Redmond | 1-1 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. Asamoah
2 LB
|
B. Asamoah | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. Ham
30 FB
|
C. Ham | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
W. Reichard
46 K
70 FPTS
|
W. Reichard | 14/14 | 58 | 20/20 | 62 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |