Action Reaction: 2nd Quarter Derails Vikings Again in Week 2

[Viktor]

In-game action:


Situational football has been a hallmark of the Vikings under Zimmer.


In-game wins on third downs, in the red zone or with goal-to-go and with time of possession and/or field position have often correlated with Vikings victories in the past six seasons. Playing clean football — avoiding penalties and self-harm — also have helped.


The Vikings lines on Sunday:


2-for-9 on third downs on offense (22 percent), although the defense did limit Indianapolis to 3-for-11 (27 percent)


Red zone: Vikings (1-2); Colts (2-4)


Goal-to-go: Vikings (1-2); Colts (2-2)


Time of possession: Vikings (21:35); Colts (38:25)


While the last one is a whopping discrepancy, the average starting field position was equally, if not more, important. Minnesota averaged starting at its own 20-yard line, compared to Indianapolis taking over on average at its own 45.


The Vikings had scoring drives on which they gained 60 (plus 15 via penalty) on their opening drive and 61 (plus a 14-yard penalty) on their final possession. In between the 21-yard field goal by Dan Bailey to start the game and the 3-yard touchdown run by Dalvin Cook that might have swayed some fantasy games, the Vikings had one drive of more than 20 yards out of their other eight possessions.


The Colts, however, gained at least 35 yards on five of their 10 possessions and ended four such possessions with points.


The worst absences of complementary football were: 1) the offense following Eric Wilson's first career interception at the Minnesota 5-yard line to halt Indianapolis' opening possession with a quick three-and-punt that lasted 1:39; and 2) special teams allowing a punt to be downed at the 2-yard line with 5:59 left in the first half.


The score was 7-3 at that moment, but a safety three plays later completed the momentum shift to the Colts, who then closed the half by alternating between two drives for field goals and two interceptions of Kirk Cousins.


The Vikings ran the ball just 18 times, compared to 40 attempts by the Colts.