The Indianapolis Colts have now lost two straight games after a 21-13 loss on Sunday Night Football to the Minnesota Vikings.
For a second time this season, the Indianapolis Colts have now lost two straight games following a 21-13 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. The Colts, now 4-5 on the season, will look toward their home matchup against the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.
COLTS’ OFFENSE NO-SHOWS IN AWFUL OUTING AGAINST VIKINGS
The Colts’ offense has struggled to create consistency at points throughout this season. Sunday’s outing was by far their poorest showing in 2024. In total, Indy’s offense produced a season-low 227 yards, averaged 4.6 yards per play, and managed just six total points all night long. Their offense also set season-lows in first downs (13) and red zone drives (0). Despite making a change at quarterback, yards and explosive plays were hard to come by Sunday night. Quarterback Joe Flacco finished just 16-of-27 for 179 yards and one interception. It’s easily the veteran’s worst performance of the season as the Colts’ starter.
Tonight, the Colts offense had:
— 6 points, their lowest of the year
— 0 red zone drives, their lowest of the year
— 13 first downs, their lowest of the year
— 227 yards of offense, their lowest of the year
— -0.35 EPA/play, their lowest of the year— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) November 4, 2024
For the most part, the Colts’ protection along the offensive line was fine. Outside of the last couple of drives in which Indy’s offensive line surrendered three sacks, Flacco had time to make plays but simply failed to do so. Indy’s ground game was just as ineffective, with running back Jonathan Taylor rushing for only 48 yards on 13 attempts. Granted, the Colts’ rushing attack hasn’t been nearly as dominant when quarterback Anthony Richardson isn’t on the field. In total, the Colts rushed for just 68 yards on 19 carries and averaged 3.6 yards per carry.
Indianapolis has seen Flacco put together more consistent performances than what he showed Sunday. In their last two games, Minnesota had given up 61 points and 777 total yards of offense, per IndyStar. Yet, Indianapolis’ offense failed to consistently move the ball down the field, making this a performance they’ll quickly want to forget. If the Colts’ end goal for 2024 is to make the playoffs, they’re going to need to need far more consistent performances from Flacco and the starting offense in general going forward.
COLTS’ DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKING CONTINUES DESPITE LOSS TO TOUGH VIKINGS’ OFFENSE
Sunday’s showing for the Colts’ defense was the exact opposite from what their offense showed. This is one of those performances where the final box score doesn’t tell the whole story. Believe it or not, the only touchdown for Indianapolis on the night came courtesy of defensive tackle Grover Stewart, who strip-sacked Vikings’ quarterback Sam Darnold while cornerback Kenny Moore II was there for the heads-up scoop-and-score. Playmaking from linebacker Zaire Franklin and safety Nick Cross, both of whom recorded interceptions of Darnold, deserves to be mentioned, as well.
Despite being held scoreless in the first half, Minnesota’s offense got things going quickly in the second half, scoring 21 points. The Vikings also managed to get into Indianapolis territory on 10 of their 11 possessions, but it was the Colts’ defense that made some impressive plays and pressured Darnold pretty consistently. In total, the Colts sacked Darnold four times.
For as well as Indianapolis’ defense played at points on Sunday, though, their performance was far from perfect. Vikings’ superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson hauled in seven receptions for 137 yards. Tight end Josh Oliver and fellow wideout Jordan Addison, both of whom scored touchdowns, also helped bring new life to the Vikings’ offense in the second half. Minnesota also rushed for a total of 133 yards on 32 attempts, an average of 4.2 yards per carry.
One could certainly make an argument that Indy’s defense played well enough to help their team come away with a win. The Colts’ offense let their defense down in a big way Sunday night. Given the list of reasons the Colts were unable to come away with a win in primetime, their defensive showing belongs near the very bottom.
