The Indianapolis Colts hit the road and dominated the Minnesota Vikings, 34-6. A perfect first half saw the Colts jump out to a 27-0 lead the home team never recovered from.
After a disappointing effort at home just a week ago, the Colts picked themselves up and dominated the Vikings. The Colts were clicking at every position, even with a injury plagued roster, and beat the Vikings in every phase of the game.
Andrew Luck finally got the help he has desperately needed as the Colts ground game finally materialized. Robert Turbin found the endzone twice.
Frank Gore broke the century mark with 101 rushing yards on 26 carries. It was the second time this season he’s broken 100 yards rushing in a game. He also had four receptions for 14 yards.
Luck was extremely efficient, completing 21-of-28 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Erik Swoope was the recipient of Luck’s first touchdown, on a drive that featured all three of his receptions for 50 yards.
Luck would find Phillip Dorsett for a 50 yard touchdown and the final dagger of the day from the Colts offense early in the fourth quarter. It was Dorsett’s lone reception of the day.
Most important stat of the day: zero sacks taken by Luck. The Colts line featured three rookies and managed to hold up against the fourth best pass rush in the NFL. Luck also entered the game with concerns about his shoulder and elbow, but made a number of throws that put those issues to rest.
The Colts defense shut down Adrian Peterson in his first action since Week 1. Peterson was held to just 23 total yards, and didn’t see the field in the second half.
The defense didn’t give up a touchdown and came away with three turnovers. Mike Adams stripped Peterson at the end of a big run and then came away with an interception to kill a late scoring chance for the Vikings at the end of the half (and set up a field goal for the Colts).
Robert Mathis had a strip-sack in his return game and the ball was recovered by Henry Anderson. The Colts defense also racked up five sacks.
Up next, the Colts will be on the road again to face the Oakland Raiders on Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24th.