The Vikings never were as good as their 10-3 record, but Minnesota regressed hard in the first half of Saturday's game.
The Colts jumped to a 23-0 lead with 10:41 left in the second quarter after taking advantage of multiple mistakes made by Kevin O'Connell's team.
Minnesota's defense remained an easy one to pass against, and on the following drive, Ryan Wright had his punt blocked and returned for a touchdown. The Vikings' response: A Dalvin Cook fumble.
Facing a 17-0 deficit with less than four minutes left in the fourth quarter, it made sense for O'Connell to go for it on fourth down. But the Vikings failed on their fourth-down conversion after running it up the middle with Cook, despite starting center Garrett Bradbury not playing in the game. The loss likely was felt harder when right guard Ed Ingram stepped on Kirk Cousins, which is what caused the Vikings to stall and attempt a fourth-down conversion.
Minnesota went for it again on the following drive -- a logical choice -- but failed again after trying to catch Indianapolis off guard with a fake punt.
Again, the Vikings always were destined for regression. They ranked 21st in DVOA heading into Saturday, with ranks of 18th and 22nd on offense and special teams, respectively. But Minnesota was hit hard in the first half.
Justin Jefferson was held to two receptions for eight yards off three targets with 6:29 left in the second quarter. With how the Vikings' season has been going, it would not be shocking if Cousins led a miraculous comeback, but Minnesota's prospects for the postseason continue to look bleak.
