Five takeaways from the Vikings' 21-13 win over the Colts

After losing several games in a row, the Vikings desperately needed a win Sunday night at US Bank Stadium.

This primetime game against the Indianapolis Colts turned out to be just what the doctor ordered.

On paper, it was an impressive performance by the Vikings that could have been a smash without three turnovers. That kept things interesting, even though the Vikings mustered 415 yards of total offense and held the Colts to 227 yards of total offense.

Here are five takeaways from the Vikings' 21-13 win over the Colts:

The complete Sam Darnold experience

As good as quarterback Sam Darnold was all game, he was also the only reason the game was close in the end.

He completed 28 of 34 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions and recovered a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.

The best thing about Darnold's makeup continues to be its durability. Many players in his position would have collapsed in the face of so many mistakes. He managed to shake it off and continue to play at a high level.

Darnold's highlights on this special night included an incredible throw to receiver Jordan Addison in the back of the end zone, a perfectly placed pass to star receiver Justin Jefferson along the sideline and a dagger to tight end Josh Oliver in the final minutes.

The next step for Darnold is to fix some of the silly mistakes.

Jordan Addison looked pretty free

The cryptic social media post caused a stir last week when Addison posted a picture of herself on Instagram with the phrase “Free 3” typed at the bottom.

Although he claimed it had nothing to do with his use on offense – he said the phrase “Free 3” was something he'd been using since college – Addison certainly made the most of his increased opportunities under the lights .

After adding two balls in the opening drive of the game, Addison later made an incredible catch in the back of the end zone that put the Vikings on the field. On this play, Addison seemingly put the ball out of reach, then somehow caught the ball with his left hand.

Asked after the game where that catch ranked for him, Addison said he would probably put it at No. 1.

The defense dominated again

After some difficult performances in losses to the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, the defense was again dominant against the Colts.

It started with the Vikings stopping the run thanks to some brilliant plays in the trenches. The lack of explosion from running back Jonathan Taylor hampered the Colts' offense, and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco never got into a rhythm.

Not once did the Colts take a snap inside the red zone.

Fittingly, the Vikings improved their stats over time, with edge rusher Jonathan Greenard recording two sacks and fellow edge rusher Jihad Ward also contributing.

Cam Robinson has been a consistent force

Not to mention, left tackle Cam Robinson had about 72 hours to prepare. He started at left tackle for the Vikings and more than held his own.

It's safe to assume that Robinson has lost his instincts in most cases between the Vikings and the Colts. He should continue to get into shape in the coming weeks as he learns more about the offense.

As a replacement for injured left tackle Christian Darrisaw, Robinson is under a lot of pressure. He seems up to the challenge.

Will Reichard finally missed a kick

It appears that rookie kicker Will Reichard is actually human.

An audible gasp could be heard when Reichard missed right on a 53-yard field goal attempt. That shock turned to fear when Reichard later hit the upright on a 31-yard field goal attempt.

It's safe to assume that Reichard will bounce back sooner rather than later. The only problem is that he seems to have changed something during the game.

This development will be worth watching as the Vikings begin to prepare for a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.