Vikings defense suffocates Flacco-led Colts; Jefferson and Addison flash in Minnesota win: Key takeaways

A strong defensive performance and a few eye-catching receptions led the Minnesota Vikings to a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium on Sunday. The win ended Minnesota's two-game losing streak, which followed the Vikings' five straight wins.

Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson was quarterback Sam Darnold's favorite target with 137 yards on seven catches, most of which resulted in explosive plays. Although he didn't score a touchdown, Jefferson shined on the field, wearing large diamond jewelry during the game and completing a 22-yard pass to Aaron Jones on a trick play.

Minnesota's three touchdowns came in the hands of Jalen Nailor, Josh Oliver and Jordan Addison, who tried to grab a one-handed grab in the corner of the end zone.

Oh my god… that Jordan Addison TD angle 🎥🔥 pic.twitter.com/0optsZlV8R

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Minnesota's defense shut down the Colts' ground game, limiting running back Jonathan Taylor to 48 yards and allowing just 227 total yards. Indianapolis' only touchdown came on defense after tackle Grover Stewart sacked Darnold early in the second quarter. Cornerback Kenny Moore II picked up the loose ball and ran it 38 yards to the end zone.

Joe Flacco, who started in the days leading up to the game after the Colts benched Anthony Richardson, completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and one interception.

Covering Jefferson remains a challenge

Sometimes a team's best player is just too good, and that was the case with Jefferson on Sunday night. Usually it's with him.

The Colts' secondary is young and full of new draftees like Samuel Womack III and Jaylon Jones. They covered Jefferson admirably, but he exposed them several times. He crossed the middle and dove for catches, absorbing hits as he reeled them in. He pushed the cornerbacks sideways away from the line of scrimmage and charged up the sideline with ease. He sprinted out routes and snatched catches along the sideline. And even when Darnold didn't try it over the middle, the Colts' cornerbacks played aggressively and were warned once for holding.

Justin. Jefferson. Good. At. Football.

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Jefferson's running mate Addison had been quiet the past two weeks, and his finishing line — five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown — doesn't justify the performance. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer

The defense upsets Flacco

The Vikings defense suffocated Flacco all night long. The performance was more similar to Minnesota's first five games, when Brian Flores' unit rattled every quarterback it faced.

Flacco seemed to be affected by the Vikings' pressure. Unlike last week's game against the Los Angeles Rams, the Vikings returned to their all-defensive formation and positioned linebackers Ivan Pace Jr. and Josh Metellus on the offensive line. Minnesota often got out of the formation, but Flacco and the Colts offensive line had to clear all of their protection calls.

Importantly, the Vikings also made sure Colts running back Taylor stayed quiet throughout the night. The lack of explosive runs repeatedly put the Vikings in advantageous situations on late downs. — Lewis

The Colts offense is sputtering

Colts coach Shane Steichen repeatedly stated that Flacco gave his team “the best chance to win,” which was the main reason for benching Richardson. Indianapolis' offense looked no different in Sunday's loss.

The Colts struggled to generate explosive plays and stay on the field when Flacco made his third start of the season. He is now 1-2 this year. Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. tackled Flacco in the third quarter after trying to force a throw on Josh Downs near the sideline.

After Flacco's tough outing, Steichen is under further scrutiny for moving the 39-year-old into the starting lineup instead of Richardson, the 2023 No. 4 pick. According to Steichen, the move was about winning now, but if the Colts don't win, it becomes increasingly difficult to justify the pick. — James Boyd, Colts beat writer

Indy's inconsistent defense

The Colts' defense had advantages with interceptions by Zaire Franklin and Nick Cross in the first and third quarters, but the Indianapolis offense was unable to capitalize and the defense finally gave up after giving up nearly 40 minutes in a 60-minute battle the field was.

With 2:49 remaining in the third quarter, Jefferson had outpaced the Colts' offense with 137 receiving yards compared to Indy's total yards of 128 yards. Oliver provided the final knockout late in the fourth quarter with a 14-yard TD reception. Minnesota totaled 415 yards on offense, marking the fourth time the Colts' defense has given up more than 400 yards this season. — Boyd

Required reading

(Photo: David Berding / Getty Images)