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

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Vikings have risen to the top of the NFL with a five-game winning streak to start the season, fueled by a disruptive and ruthless defense that suddenly found itself vulnerable after losing twice in a five-day span.

Has the rest of the league cracked the code? Or were the Vikings simply outplayed in succession by two elite quarterbacks and the wealth of receiving, blocking and leading talent around them? The Indianapolis Colts have the tough task of traveling to Minnesota to find out.

“Our fans are really showing up and definitely doing their part. We have to take advantage of that, feed off each other and take advantage of the fact that that’s an advantage,” Vikings safety Harrison Smith said, looking ahead to Sunday night’s game, which will most likely have the US Bank Stadium crowd at its loudest. .

The pre-snap disguises that defensive coordinator Brian Flores used in his pressure-driven scheme have confused many an opponent, especially when the Vikings have the lead and are playing at home. Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions didn’t flinch in a 31-29 comeback win at Minnesota on Oct. 20. Neither did Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in their 30-20 win last week. After returning home from the West Coast and getting extra time to rest, the Vikings (5-2) are eager to get their defense back on track.

They will face another veteran quarterback in Joe Flacco, who replaced Anthony Richardson, the 2023 fourth overall draft pick, as the starter.

“He’s seen every type of disguise in the world, every defense, every pressure, every blitz, so he knew that we really just have to be perfect in all our assignments,” safety Cam Bynum said.

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

“When I’m preparing to go into 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 rejoined the active roster, taking the place of 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 MCL in his right knee that occurred in the team’s Week 16 game last season. The passing attack could use a boost.

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

Hockenson said he felt ready to play at full speed 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 each step of the rehabilitation program was useful.

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

Familiar faces

Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will have some old friends to visit after the game. The former Southern California teammate of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold also grew close to Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who played for the Colts in 2022. Pittman named the 2019 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year for teaching him how to deal with strong and smart players in the secondary, as the two regularly faced off in practice that season.

Changes coming from Cooter?

Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has been tasked with adjusting the game plan to account for the difference in style, experience and skill between the pure drop-back passer in the 39-year-old Flacco and the dual-threat dynamic of the 22- year-old Flacco. year-old Richardson.

“Each guy has some different strengths and weaknesses,” Cooter said. “Obviously Anthony is moving, playing with his legs a bit more, and that’s obvious. I’ll hold on to the rest. I’ll let Flores and the gang in Minnesota think about that.”

Slow start for Addison

The Vikings would like a bigger impact from wide receiver Jordan Addison, who had 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 due to an ankle injury, had just two receptions for 22 yards against the Rams last week. This season he scored once.

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