Minnesota Vikings vs Indianapolis Colts: Week 15 game review
What were the good, bad, and interesting things from the Minnesota Vikings week 15 game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, December 18, 2016?
Prior to week 15 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, the Minnesota Vikings were on the outside of the playoff picture and trailing in the divisional race to the Detroit Lions with the surging Packers hot on their heels.
This game was essential for the Vikings to stay alive in the NFC North race and stay relevant in the playoff hunt, but it also was another measuring stick for the Vikings, as the Colts are a dangerous team in a similar situation.
Sadly, Minnesota was unable to come away with a win in week 15. The disappointing 6-34 loss makes the playoff hopes even more remote and likely pushes them right out of the NFC North title picture.
Still, there were a lot of things to discuss about this game. So, as always, let’s jump into the review of the week 15 game between the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts. Here are the good, bad, and interesting things that happened in the contest, starting with the positives.
Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New Minnesota Vikings kicker Kai Forbath (2) looks to the scoreboard during the game with the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Good Stuff
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) and defensive tackle David Parry (54) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Bad Things
Next: The Interesting Occurrences
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Interesting Occurrences
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Steam rises from the water around the Minnesota Vikings ship outside U.S. Bank Stadium before the game with the Indianapolis Colts. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Overall Impression
This was one of the most frustrating games ever. As a Minnesota Vikings fan, it’s hard to watch a game like this where Minnesota needed a big win at home to see a loss of this kind of magnitude to a team they should have been competitive against.
More from The Viking Age
Minnesota’s run game continued to be awful, despite the return of Adrian Peterson. The offensive line gave up far too many sacks and couldn’t get a push, making things even more difficult for a unit that has already been struggling.
Surprisingly, the defense was the biggest disappointment. Even though they didn’t have Harrison Smith and Trae Waynes available, there are still many talented players on this team that should have done a much better job containing the Colts offense.
The worst part of the game is that the Vikings should have been dominating a patchwork Colts offensive line. Instead, Andrew Luck wasn’t sacked once and had time to let plays develop, go through reads, and make some big throws.
The 6-34 loss was a heart breaker, and might be the nail in the coffin for the season’s playoff hopes and division aspirations.
The Minnesota Vikings will travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers in week 16. At this point, the importance of that game is unknown, but it should still be a game the team takes very seriously, since it is a division rival.
