Indianapolis Colts ride Luck to win over Vikings - KMSP-TV

The Vikings hit the road for the first time in the 2012 season as they traveled to Indianapolis. A week after a 55 yard field goal forced overtime, it was the Colts who drove the field and watched as AdamVinatieri kicked a 53 yard field goal giving the Colts a 23-20 win. 

"A tough loss for our team, credit the Indianapolis Colts for defending their home field," said head coach Leslie Frazier. "We did not play our best football over four quarters."

After Christian Ponder led two fourth quarter scoring drives including the game tying pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph with 31 seconds left, the defense could not keep the Colts led by rookie quarterback Andrew Luck drove the field setting up the game winning score.

The defense continued to struggle to get off the field on third down. BothColts touchdowns came on third down and they converted on 7-of-16 third downplays. On the day, Luck finished 20-31 for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

Ponder who went 27-for-35, continued his inconsistent play. After two solid drives that resulted in field goals to begin the game, the Vikings offense bogged down as they only ran 11 plays the rest of the way, including a three and out midway through the second quarter.

"We won a close one last week and to lose a close one this week is tough, that's football," said Ponder. "I'm definitely proud of the way we fought to the very end."

Percy Harvin dealt with cramping in his right calf for much of the second half.Despite that, he continued his strong start catching 12 passes for 104 yards in the loss.

Not helping the cause were the 11 penalties for 105 yards. Two came on one drive that extended the first drive of the second half resulting in a 43 yard field goal.

Adrian Peterson couldn't shake free from a Colts defense playing with out starDwight Freeney. AP carried 16 times only picking up 60 yards.

The Vikings (1-1) return home next Sunday with a match up against Randy Moss and the 49ers.