The Vikings stumbled out of the gate on Sunday and never pushed the Colts in a 34-6 home loss that put a major whammy on their hopes for the playoffs.

Not much positive about the game that was 27-0 by halftime, but here are three stats that help explain the outcome:

21 to 2

The Colts gained a whopping 21 first downs in the first half and only allowed two to be gained by the Vikings.

Indianapolis finished with 27 first downs, compared to 20 by Minnesota. The breakdown of first downs was also particularly telling. The Colts gained nine by rushing, 14 by passing and four via penalty. The Vikings obtained 18 by passing and two off penalties, which was particularly surprising in Adrian Peterson's first game back since Week 2.

161 to 34

The Colts racked up 161 rushing yards on 40 carries, which were both greater than the precious season highs of 158 yards on 29 carries by the Bears in a similarly disappointing showing.

Frank Gore led the way with 101 yards on 26 carries, and Robert Turbin gained 32 yards on seven carries, nearly equaling Minnesota's total of 34 yards on nine carries. Turbin's day featured two touchdown runs, including a 6-yarder with three missed tackles.

Indianapolis' ability to consistently run the ball mitigated Minnesota's opportunity to create long down-and-distance situations to set up its pass rush. After allowing 40 sacks in their first 13 games, the Colts didn't allow one against the Vikings.

49 to 13

Keep away worked pretty well for Indianapolis. The Colts ran 49 plays in the first half, compared to 13 by the Vikings and won time of possession by a total of 23:32 to 6:28 in the game's first 30 minutes.

Indianapolis had three possessions that each lasted 5:35 or more, and scored three touchdowns and two field goals on its first six opportunities.

The Vikings possessions in the first half were three-and-punt, four-and-punt, three-and-punt, two-and-fumble and an interception on the first snap of Minnesota's fifth drive.