The Minnesota Vikings improved on their rough preseason opener a week ago but couldn’t move the ball in a 12-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night.
The Vikings had a different approach to Saturday’s game as many of the starters played after sitting out last week. The decision to play almost backfired when Adam Thielen jammed his knee at the end of the Vikings’ first drive. Although Thielen limped off, he was checked on the sideline and deemed OK.
While the offense struggled to move the ball, the defense shined against Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger. After allowing a field goal to open the game, the Vikings rebounded when Troy Dye returned an Ehlinger interception for a touchdown.
TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE!!!@Tdye15dbTroy
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— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2021
While the defense did their job the offense struggled to move the ball without Thielen, Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. Kirk Cousins was uninspiring, completing 5-of-7 passes for 23 yards and Jake Browning went 6-of-15 for 82 yards in his bid to secure the backup quarterback job.
Although the offense struggled, the defense continued to hold the Colts at bay, forcing an interception that fell into the hands of Jordon Scott.
Teamwork! @cambeezy_ @fat_mac34 @MylesDorn1
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— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2021
Both teams exchanged punts throughout the second quarter before Joseph hit a 49-yard field goal to put Minnesota up 10-6 at halftime.
The Colts added a pair of field goals in the second half to secure the victory but the bigger story was the performance of Kellen Mond. The third-round pick added excitement to the second half but completed 6-of-12 passes for 61 yards.
With one game remaining in the preseason, the Vikings will need to decide if they want to add a veteran behind Kirk Cousins. Minnesota will wrap up its preseason next Friday when they travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
