The Vikings' defense is crawling with Joe Flacco, and the Colts are on their way to a dominant home win

It wasn't a high-octane game offensively for either team, but the Minnesota Vikings defense harassed the Indianapolis Colts all game long in a 21-13 win on Sunday night.

The Vikings improved to 6-2 on the season, while the Colts fell under .500 to 4-5.

The Colts' story this week was that head coach Shane Steichen said veteran journeyman Joe Flacco would take over as the team's starting quarterback, relieving 2023 NFL Draft No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson of his duties because he had big problems this season.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium. (Brad Rempel-Imagn Images)

But while Flacco has had success with the Colts' offense this season, defensive coordinator Brian Flores applied the right amount of pressure to keep him in check during this contest.

One of the most important things was stopping Jonathan Taylor and the Colts' strong running game. The Vikings held the Colts to just 68 total yards on the ground, while Taylor managed just 48 yards on 13 carries.

Because of this, Flores was able to disrupt Flacco in the pocket throughout the game, although he didn't get a sack all game until the Vikings brought him down three times on the final drive.

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Flacco finished the game 16 of 27 for 179 yards with no touchdowns thrown and one interception, while the Vikings' defense limited the Colts' offense to just six points. He was fired three times.

On the other hand, Sam Darnold managed to find the end zone three times through the air, although the first drive of the game was an interception just as the Vikings were knocking on the door.

Things went slow for Minnesota after that interception, as their drives resulted in a punt, a scoop-and-score touchdown for the Colts after Darnold's sack, and a few missed field goals, leaving them scoreless.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at US Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)

However, after a successful extra point early in the third quarter, Darnold finally managed to hit Jordan Addison on a four-yard strike, bringing the game to 7-7.

That seemed to get Darnold going, as his ensuing drive was solid again, bringing in Jalen Nailor for a seven-yard touchdown that brought Minnesota within seven yards.

Finally, Darnold and the Vikings secured the victory with a touchdown pass to Josh Oliver just before the two-minute warning.

Darnold finished the game with 290 yards on 28 of 34 passing with his three touchdowns and two interceptions. And despite failing to reach the end zone for the second straight game, Justin Jefferson was electric again, catching seven of his eight targets for 137 yards.

In the grand scheme of the NFC North standings, this win was crucial for Minnesota as they remain in second place following the Detroit Lions' win over the Green Bay Packers.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at US Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)

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With this win, Minnesota also ended its two-game losing streak after starting the season 5-0.

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