Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts: Second quarter recap and third quarter discussion

We’ve hit halftime at Lucas Oil Stadium, and after a very ugly second quarter, the Minnesota Vikings trail the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 15-3.

The Colts started the second quarter deep in Minnesota territory at the 11-yard line, and Philip Rivers tried to hit Mo Allie-Cox on a quick pass near the goal line. However, it bounced off of him and into the hands of Eric Wilson for Minnesota’s first interception of the season to squelch the drive.

Unfortunately, the Vikings’ offense went three-and-out, and an ugly punt from Britton Colquitt gave the Colts the ball at the Minnesota 35-yard line. It only took them four plays to cash in, as rookie Jonathan Taylor took the ball over the goal line from five yards out for the Indianapolis touchdown. Rodrigo Blankenship connected on the extra point, and the home team took a 7-3 lead.

The Vikings’ offense went three-and-out again on their next drive, aided by an awful offensive pass interference call against Irv Smith Jr. on a play where a Colts’ defender fell down. That was followed by the Vikings getting a stop on defense and taking over at their own 2-yard line.

As has become their wont in recent games, the Vikings then allowed a safety as Kirk Cousins was sacked by DeForest Buckner on third down. This is the third straight regular season game where the Vikings have allowed a safety, and it gave the Colts a 9-3 lead.

The Colts turned the ensuing possession into points as well, as Blankenship connected on a 28-yard field goal to extend the lead to 12-3 with just over a minute left in the half. The Vikings then turned the ball over, as Cousins attempted to find Adam Thielen in double coverage and was intercepted by Khari Willis with the return going deep into Minnesota territory. Blankenship then converted on another field goal, this one a 38-yarder to make it 15-3 going into the locker room.

The offense, as you’d expect, has been ugly thus far. Cousins has completed just 6-of-17 passes for 59 yards and a pair of interceptions, one of which came on a Hail Mary at the end of the half. Dalvin Cook has carried the ball six times for 26 yards, Alexander Mattison has three carries for 13 yards, and C.J. Ham has a four-yard run.

For the receivers, Thielen has a pair of catches for 31 yards, and rookie Justin Jefferson has a 22-yard catch. Irv Smith Jr. and Alexander Mattison each have a catch for three yards.

It’s been ugly once again, folks, as the Minnesota Vikings trail the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 15-3 at halftime at Lucas Oil Stadium.