Darnold responds from missed call, turnovers, leads Vikings to 21-13 win over Colts

Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings hands the ball off to Cam Akers #27 during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ((Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images))

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – For the second straight week, it appears Sam Darnold was at the center of a controversial play that went against the Minnesota Vikings. Last week, officials missed an obvious face mask on the Rams that resulted in a sack and safety.

Sunday night, Darnold got clothes-lined for a sack fumble that the Colts recovered and ran back for a touchdown in the second quarter. The officials immediately threw a flag for what could’ve been unnecessary roughness, and then deemed the contact legal and picked it up. One has to wonder if it were Aaron Rodgers or Patrick Mahomes, would they get those calls?

Darnold responded from the early missed call and three turnovers with 290 yards passing and three second half touchdowns in a 21-13 win over the Colts. The Vikings snap a two-game skid, and improve to 6-2 on the season.

The big play

The Colts faced a 4th-and-2 at their own 40-yard line in the fourth quarter down 14-10, and the Vikings defense rose to the occasion. Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore combined for a pass break-up on Ashton Dulin for a turnover on downs with 5:24 to play.

Darnold delivers through some adversity

After throwing a bad interception and losing a fumble for a touchdown in the first half, Darnold delivered in the second half. He hit Jordan Addison on a 4-yard touchdown where Addison made a one-handed catch to tie the game 7-7 in the third quarter. Darnold hit Jalen Nailor for a 7-yard touchdown on the next drive to give the Vikings a 14-7 lead.

Darnold threw his second interception of the night trying to force a ball to Justin Jefferson. It turned into the Colts’ first offensive points of the night on a field goal.

When it mattered most, Darnold hit Josh Oliver on a 14-yard touchdown to give the Vikings a 21-10 lead with 2:05 to play. Kevin O’Connell stuck with his quarterback despite three turnovers, and Darnold delivered.

Will Reichard’s streak ends at 34

Rookie kicker Will Reichard came into Sunday night a perfect 34-for-34 on the season between field goals and extra points. He finally missed from 53 yards out in the first half, which also means he’ll be getting a new haircut next week. To compound matters, he clanked one off the right upright at the end of the first half from 31 yards out, which should be a chip shot for the rookie.

What’s next

The Vikings hit the road to face the Jacksonvill Jaguars next Sunday.