Clinch-chasing Vikings put rebound ability to test vs. Colts

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) There's a connectivity and resiliency these Minnesota Vikings have crafted and harvested, helping put them on the brink of a division title despite being .Time for another test of that character.After allowing 400-plus yards in a defeat last week at Detroit, the Vikings (10-3) will take another crack at clinching when they host Indianapolis (4-8-1) on Saturday. The NFC North crown will be theirs with a win, or a lo s by the Lions.Though the Vikings were far more competitive than in earlier setbacks against Philadelphia and Dallas, the lo s in Detroit further external doubts about whether their defense is strong enough for a deep run through the playoffs. Everybodys kind of on them at this moment, so I feel like theyve got a lot to prove, wide receiver Justin Jefferson said.So, is the art of bouncing back an actual ability a team can po se s Wade Boggs Jersey , like scoring touchdowns in the red zone or consistently rushing the pa ser? That's up for debate.Its hard to say, Oh, weve done that before, so we have a reputation for doing that, so well lean on that. I dont believe in that. I think youve got to strap it up every week, quarterback Kirk Cousins said. I dont think the Colts really care what happened last week or whats happening next week.What's clear is the environment implemented by first-year coach Kevin O'Connell has driven some measure of succe s, considering that largely the same collection of players had a 15-18 record over the previous two seasons and the Vikings this year are the first NFL team to win at least 10 of their first 13 games with a negative point differential (313-312).It's about the proce s with which we go about the week, never being in denial of reality, O'Connell said. The important thing is continuing to attack each week with the emphasis on what its going to take to win this week, and that may involve a lot of corrections and things from previous weeks or the previous game. But ultimately thats what we try to do, just be consistent in that and make sure were very much accountable for what we do.STAYING THE COURSEColts interim coach Jeff Saturday during the bye last week, but quarterback Matt Ryan stayed the starter despite three interceptions and a lost fumble in a 54-19 lo s to the Cowboys. Ryan has an NFL-worst 18 turnovers this season, but Super Bowl 52 MVP Nick Foles who beat the Vikings for the NFC championship five years ago with the Eagles will remain as the backup.With 125 more yards, Ryan who was in the same 2008 draft cla s as fellow quarterback O'Connell will be the Gleyber Torres Jersey eighth player in history with 3,000 pa sing yards in 13 straight seasons.Theres part of his game that has to improve, and we talked about that with a number of different guys, Saturday said. If were going to win, we need Matt playing his A game. Thats my expectation for him. Hes mentally tough.GETTING OFF THE GROUNDThe Vikings netted 22 rushing yards on 17 carries against the Lions, the second time in their last three games they've averaged 2.5 yards or fewer per attempt. They're eager for a blocking boost from the return of left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who mi sed three games with a concu sion.Hes as good as he wants to be, running back Dalvin Cook said. The upside and the potential of him being an All-Pro and a superstar tackle in this league is right Masahiro Tanaka Jersey there for him. Just keep putting in that work and just keep being him.CATCH HIM IF YOU CANJefferson has a league-leading 1,500 receiving yards and a legitimate opportunity to break the all-time single-season record set by Calvin Johnson (1,964) in 2012. He's just 23, in his third year, but he said he sees a higher level still he can reach.Thats unbelievable to say, aint it? But I feel like theres always a better that I can be," Jefferson said. "I feel like I can catch the ball better. I feel like I can have route running better. Theres always room for improvement in my game.MORE OF GILMORE Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley wouldn't give any hints about the plan for Jefferson, but this much is clear: cornerback Stephon Gilmore needs to play a key role. The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts this season, his healthiest since winning the award with New England. He's fully aware of the challenge of covering Jefferson.Hes fast, hes shifty, hes great at the catch point, Gilmore said. Hes a great receiver. Kirk Cousins is playing good ball, too, so theyve got a great offense. Itll be a big matchup for us.___AP NFL: hub/NFL and AP_NFL in this topic
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