Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed Daniel Jones will start against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, even after Tennessee sacked him six times on Sunday. Indianapolis' struggling pass protection gives Brian Flores an obvious weakness to exploit.
Jones has absorbed 15 sacks through six games and threw two interceptions in Indianapolis' 26-20 loss to Tennessee. The Colts blew a 13-point halftime lead and fell to 2-4.
Minnesota enters the matchup at 5-0, fresh off its bye, with a defensive coordinator who specializes in disguising pressure. Indianapolis' struggling protection gives Flores plenty to work with.
Minnesota Vikings can attack Daniel Jones with disguised pressure
Flores sent extra rushers on 61.5 percent of New Orleans' dropbacks in Minnesota's last game and generated pressure on half of them, according to NFL.com. The Saints managed 142 yards of offense, while quarterback Tyler Shough threw for just 96 and was intercepted twice.
The Vikings finished that game with only one sack. That's an important distinction. Flores doesn't need a defender to bring down the quarterback on every series. Forcing a rushed throw, disrupting a protection call, or moving a passer off his first read can accomplish plenty.
Tennessee attacked Jones from multiple directions. Minnesota has the personnel to do the same without showing its hand before the snap. Dallas Turner already has 5.5 sacks, while Andrew Van Ginkel has four. Linebacker Eric Wilson can threaten an interior gap, and Flores can still drop a potential blitzer into coverage while sending someone from the secondary.
Jones has some firsthand history with Minnesota, too. He joined the Vikings' practice squad in 2024 after leaving the Giants. Two seasons earlier, he shredded Ed Donatell's defense in a playoff loss that Vikings fans haven't forgotten. Flores has a knack for making quarterbacks question what they're seeing, and Jones could be next. The defense is designed to punish hesitation, something Jones can hardly afford behind Indianapolis' struggling O-line.
Anthony Richardson would present a different challenge for Minnesota
ESPN analyst Ben Solak advocated giving Richardson a chance before the Titans game, citing the former first-round pick's ability to create offense with his legs. As Horseshoe Heroes explained in its response, that argument has a serious drawback. Richardson's inconsistent accuracy could leave Indianapolis with fewer dependable ways to move the ball.
Richardson's mobility would also change Minnesota's defensive responsibilities. A designed quarterback run can punish an aggressive edge rusher who loses contain, and Flores would need a more disciplined plan against the read option. Jones can scramble, including for 30 yards against Tennessee, but Richardson offers a different level of running threat.
Jones posted a 100.2 passer rating in 2025, and this year's passing-game problems aren't entirely his doing. Indianapolis has been without injured receiver Alec Pierce, while Michael Pittman Jr. was traded during the offseason. Even with those challenges, Jones has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, and that's a problem -- a good one for Minnesota.
Jonathan Taylor presents the most obvious counterpunch to a blitz-heavy plan. He ran for 94 yards against Tennessee, and Indianapolis can punish Minnesota with play-action, screens, and quick throws if its linebackers get too eager. The Vikings' defense has carried much of their unbeaten start, but forcing Jones into predictable passing downs will be essential.
Kevin O'Connell's offense has a role in creating those opportunities. An early lead would force Indianapolis to lean more heavily on Jones rather than Taylor, allowing Flores to attack protections without constantly worrying about the run. The Vikings have leaned on Flores' defense enough already. O'Connell's offense needs to start finishing drives.
Indianapolis also has Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren as short-area outlets. If Steichen keeps extra blockers in to slow Turner and Van Ginkel, Flores can counter with four rushers and more defenders occupying those passing lanes. But a delayed release by Warren could punish Minnesota's linebackers if they're too aggressive attacking the backfield.
Add us as a preferred source on Google