The Vikings try to get their defense back on track in prime time against the Colts as Flacco takes over

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings stormed to the top of the NFL with a five-game winning streak to start the season, fueled by a disruptive and relentless defense that suddenly took over became vulnerable Lost twice in five days.

Has the rest of the league cracked the code? Or were the Vikings simply outplayed one after the other by two elite quarterbacks and the abundance of receiving, blocking and running talent around them? The Indianapolis Colts I face the difficult task of traveling to Minnesota to find out.

“Our fans are really there and are definitely doing their part. We have to feed off of it, feed off of each other and take advantage of it,” said Vikings safety Harrison Smith, referring to Sunday night’s game, where the US Bank Stadium crowd will most likely be at its loudest.

The pre-snap disguises that defensive coordinator Brian Flores used in his pressure-driven scheme have unsettled many an opponent, especially when the Vikings have the lead and are playing at home. Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions didn’t shy away 31:29 comeback win in Minnesota on October 20th. Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams also didn’t make it last week 30:20 win. After returning from the West Coast and getting some extra rest, the Vikings (5-2) are eager to get their defense back on track.

They will be going up against another experienced quarterback Joe Flaccowho replaced 2023 fourth overall draft pick Anthony Richardson as the starter.

“He’s seen every type of disguise in the world, every defense, every pressure, every offense, so he knew we really had to be perfect in everything we did,” safety Cam Bynum said.

The Colts (4-4) have decided all eight games by six points or less.

“When I prepare for football games, that’s where I feel most comfortable,” Flacco said. “I feel at home here.”

Hockenson makes his debut

Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson has been reinstated to the active roster and has filled the spot Injured left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Hockenson spent the first eight weeks on the physically unable to perform list while he completed his rehabilitation from a torn ACL and ACL in his right knee sustained in the team’s game in Week 16 last season. The passing attack could use the boost.

“It’s the power he brings and the mismatch he can create against safeties and linebackers,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “His ability to win against the match or against man coverage, all of those things are pretty unique for a tight end that also gives you value in the run game like he does.”

Hockenson said he felt ready to play at full strength at the end of training camp two months ago, but he praised the team’s medical staff for not only keeping him on track but also making it clear why every step of the game rehabilitation program made sense.

“You really have to be patient with something like this,” Hockenson said. “I’ve been fine for months, but to actually go out, there’s data that says nine months is the key.”

Familiar faces

Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will have to visit some old friends after the game. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold’s former Southern California teammate also grew close with Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who played for the Colts in 2022. Pittman praised the 2019 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year for teaching him how to deal with strong and smart players, as the two often competed against each other in practice this season.

Changes caused by scooters?

Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter was tasked with optimizing the game plan to account for the differences in style, experience and skill between the 39-year-old Flacco’s pure drop-back passer and the 22-year-old’s dual-threat dynamic. year-olds must be taken into account. year old Richardson.

“Each guy has different strengths and weaknesses,” Cooter said. “Obviously Anthony is moving around and playing with his legs a little more and that’s the obvious thing. I keep the rest. I’ll let Flores and the gang in Minnesota think about it.”

Slow start for Addison

The Vikings are hoping to make a bigger impact from wide receiver Jordan Addison, who rushed for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie last season but hasn’t had more than three catches in any game this year. Addison, who missed two games last month with an ankle injury, had just two receptions for 22 yards last week against the Rams. He has scored once this season.

“I’m doing everything I can. I’m learning and watching film and trying to get better. “I’m looking forward to having a good game this week,” Addison said. “Just keep opening. That’s my job as a receiver, so that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”

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