The Vikings celebrate after the win (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTSEach team punted on its opening possession of overtime, the Vikings finally striking for the win on their second OT opportunity.
Minnesota had won the coin toss and had the first possession of overtime, but their drive stalled. Their defence then forced a punt and the Vikings had the ball at their own 10 yard line with 1:41 to play.
Cousins directed a six-play, 60-yard drive capped by Joseph’s game-winner. Cousins threw for a career-high 460 yards, including 417 in the second half and overtime. His four touchdowns helped overcome two interceptions.
The Colts had returned a blocked punt in the first quarter for a touchdown to seize an early 10-lead.
A Vikings fumble then gave Indianapolis the ball for a drive that resulted in another Colts TD.
Minnesota trailed 23-0 when cornerback Chandon Sullivan appeared to return a fumble for a touchdown, but the play had been whistled dead before the fumble.
The Colts then took a 30-0 lead when Julian Blackmon returned a Cousins interception 17 yards for a touchdown.
Indianapolis kicker Chase McLaughlin capped the first-half scoring with the third of his four field goals.
“It was an ugly first half,” Cousins admitted.
He said there “was belief” in the Vikings locker room at halftime, when cornerback Patrick Peterson said “all we need is five touchdowns.” “I thought he was being sarcastic,” Cousins admitted.
The Vikings have captured their first division title since 2017. “It’s really the goal every year when the season starts, it’s to win your division, get a home playoff game and get in the dance,” Cousins said.
“That’s the first goal, we’ve been able to secure that. But we’ve got to play better.”
