The first Saturday NFL game of the season ended up being one of the greatest games in the history of the National Football League, as the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts.
After being down 33-0 at halftime, the Vikings defeated the Colts 39-36, making the accomplishment the greatest comeback in NFL history; while also ensuring the NFC North division title.
It was a tale of two half’s in this one as the Indianapolis Colts held a commanding 33-0 lead at halftime, as previously stated. With that said, it wasn’t a dominant start for the Colts offense as they totaled just one touchdown on a 1-yard pass and catch from Matt Ryan to Deon Jackson throughout that first-half lead.
The two other touchdowns scored by the Colts in the first half came on a blocked punt that was returned to the endzone by JoJo Domann, with the other coming on a 17-yard pick-six by Julian Blackmon. Amidst a non-dominant performance by the offense, Indianapolis still held a very significant lead.
Then came the second half as Minnesota was able to fire off from the get-go with their first score of the game coming on a 2-yard pass from Kirk Cousins to K.J. Osborn; the former University of Miami wideout had a stellar performance as he added ten receptions for 157 yards along with the touchdown to make him Minnesota’s receiving leader on the day.
KINGS OF NORTH 👑
Let’s Gooooo ! pic.twitter.com/8qRFeNmSDc— KJ Osborn (@KJ_Osborn) December 18, 2022
The Colts would immediately answer back with a field goal to make it a 36-7 lead with a little under five minutes left in the third quarter. With that said, the Colts would no longer get on the board, and the Vikings would score 32 straight points to secure the largest comeback in NFL history.
Joining Osborn in the Cousins receiving touchdown crew were fellow wideouts Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen; Jefferson caught twelve passes for 123 yards along with the touchdown, while Thielen added four catches for 95 yards and the one score.
While tailback Dalvin Cook and fullback C.J. Ham added touchdowns on the day, Cook added 95 yards on the ground and 95 yards in the receiving game as the superstar halfback had a phenomenal performance for the Vikings in this one.
Two other standouts were the Vikes in this one were kicker Greg Joseph and quarterback Kirk Cousins; Joseph nailed a 40-yard field goal as time expired in overtime to give Minnesota the win, while Cousins threw for 460 yards and four touchdowns in this comeback for the ages.
THE @VIKINGS CAP OFF THE LARGEST COMEBACK IN NFL HISTORY.
FROM 33-0 DOWN TO 39-36. #INDvsMIN pic.twitter.com/p4vtjhuPY7
— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2022
As for Minnesota’s defense, it was a solid performance for the unit, and much credit should be given to the defensive staff and players on the adjustments made at halftime to completely shut down the Colts offense in the second half of the game.
As for the Colts, the season of disappointments continues; unfortunately, allowing the largest comeback in NFL history was not the only loss on the day, as superstar running back Jonathan Taylor suffered an injury that will most likely sideline him for the remainder of the season.
The Vikings will look to keep their winning ways alive on Christmas Eve as they host the Giants.
The Colts will look for a win in week sixteen at home against the Chargers on Monday Night Football.
Let us know what you think about the Vikings historic comeback against the Colts by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.