The Minnesota Vikings were able to overcome a difficult first half and unusual kicking issues to get back into the win column, with a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Down 7-0 after the first half, the Vikings were able to gather themselves in the second half by outscoring the Colts 21-6 the rest of the way. If the Vikings were able to score a touchdown on a drive that ended in a terrible endzone interception by Darnold and make both FGs that now injured Will Reichard missed, this game would have been an absolute blowout. The Vikings dominated every aspect of this game, even though the final score didn't show it. Let's go take a look at Birdman's Blog's prediction from this game before talking over some postgame notes and pregame notes for next week:
"Colts Game Prediction:
I know primetime games can be scary for MN fans, but I think the Vikings are going to come into this game with a vengeance. With the players we have returning to the lineup, the 10 days of rest, and our great coaching staff putting together an excellent game plan... I think us fans are in for a treat (lol). Plus, we have JUSTIN JEFFERSON. I predict the Vikings to win this game 30-21 with the game never being in doubt. Lets improve to 6-2 and continue to win one game at a time! SKOL Vikings!"
Postgame Notes:
The Vikings are now 6-2 after beating the Colts 21-13.
The 1st half was bad, but the 2nd half turnaround was very nice to see. This team believes and has a resiliancy that is very fun to watch.
Justin Jefferson continues to be spectacular, going for 7 catches and 137 yards.
Jordan "Free 3" Addison was able to get going early, finishing with 5 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD, and 1 rush for a 9-yard first down. KOC made a conscious effort to get him involved early.
It was very good to have TJ Hockenson back. He only had 3 catches for 27 yards, but we were just easing him back in. I would expect him to have a big game very soon.
Sam Darnold played well going 28/34 for 290 yards and 3 TDs. He also threw 2 terrible interceptions that left us fans scratching our heads. Sometimes he is going to have those types of plays, but KOC has done a great job of reining him in and continuing to put the Vikings in position to win.
Colts DT, Grover Stewart, had one of the best plays I have ever seen. He completely bull-rushed Garrett Bradbury, knocking him on his butt, threw Sam Darnold down like a ragdoll, and forced the fumble which led the Colts scoring a defensive touchdown. Their only TD of the day. I haven't seen a dominant play quite like that in a long time. For Vikings fans saying it should have been a penalty on Stewart because he hit Darnold's facemask, stop being soft. That wasn't a penalty, we just have PTSD from the non-call facemask against the Rams. Appreciate the greatness of this play. Sometimes it's fun to enjoy a play like that, even if it's against our Vikings.
Vikings defense played awesome. Flacco and the Colts offense couldn't get anything going and never even got into the redzone. Just a brilliant defensive performance.
Next up, the 6-2 Vikings will travel to face the 2-7 Jacksonville Jaguars. I personally don't expect the Vikings to have much problem winning this game. Here are my predictions for the game:
The Vikings offense should have a really big day. This should be a nice confidence builder as we add on to a new winning streak.
Trevor Lawrence is dealing with a shoulder injury, so it sounds like Mac Jones will start at QB. Brian Flores and the defense should have a field day against Jones. I would expect 3+ turnovers by the Vikings defense, along with 4+ sacks.
MLB and captain, Blake Cashman, should be returning to the field. The Vikings have clearly missed him and it will be huge getting him back. Hopefully Cashman can stay healthy for the rest of the season.
Justin Jefferson's friend, Ja'Marr Chase, in Cincinnati just had a huge game on Thursday Night Football. Chase had 11 catches for 264 yards and 3 TDs. I would expect Jefferson to want to respond to that by having a big day of his own. Watch for Justin Jefferson to have his best game of the season this week against a Jaguars defense that is horrendous against the pass.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Jaguars decide to fire HC Doug Pederson after this game.
I predict a dominant performance by the Vikings, resulting in a 30-14 win, as we improve to 7-2 on the season.
Let's go, Vikings! Don't overlook the Jaguars. Just take care of business while keeping everyone healthy. We got this...BAAAROOOOO!
