Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills secured a 23-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium, maintaining the top record in the AFC at 7-1, ESPN Deportes reported.
Defensive Struggle in Minneapolis
The Vikings limited the Bills to their lowest point total of the season while cutting their league-leading yards-per-play average by two yards. Minnesota’s defense kept the contest close through three quarters, but an anemic offensive output hampered the hosts. ESPN Research noted that Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz registered a 5.2 passer rating before head coach Kevin O’Connell benched him for backup Max Brosmer late in the fourth quarter.
Wentz Struggled with High off-Target Rates Against Buffalo
Wentz struggled mightily against a Buffalo defense that entered the contest ranked 30th against the pass. According to ESPN Research, Wentz posted a 38 percent off-target rate, the worst in the NFL this season, alongside a 36 percent completion rate when facing no pressure.
The veteran quarterback threw nine off-target passes, marking the highest single-game total for a Vikings quarterback since Christian Ponder in 2012. Home fans at U.S. Bank Stadium booed Wentz throughout the second half as the offense managed a time of possession of just 17 minutes and 28 seconds compared to Buffalo’s 42 minutes and 32 seconds.
James Cook and Josh Allen Milestones
Running back James Cook III carried the ball 31 times for 107 yards and a touchdown, marking the second time in his career he exceeded 30 carries in a single game. During the third quarter, both Allen and Cook surpassed 5,000 career rushing yards on the same offensive drive.
Allen joined Lamar Jackson, Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Russell Wilson as the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach the 5,000-yard rushing mark, while Cook and Allen sit fourth and fifth respectively on the Bills’ all-time franchise rushing list.
Keleki Latu Delivers Unexpected Score
Tight end Keleki Latu recorded his first career NFL reception and touchdown on a 25-yard scoring grab near the end of the first half. Latu entered the game with just one career reception for four yards across two professional seasons, but stepped into an expanded blocking and receiving role as offensive coordinator Joe Brady utilized four tight ends to combat Minnesota’s pass rush.
Bills Improve to 7-1 Before Facing Jets
The victory improves the Bills to 7-1. Buffalo returns to action on Sunday against the New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Vikings dropped to 6-2 following their second loss and will face the Green Bay Packers on November 16.
