A Monday night matchup that pitted the NFL's best scoring offense against the league's best scoring defense was a slugfest, as both teams struggled to get their offenses in gear. However, it was the Buffalo Bills who got their offense moving in the second half, and they wore down the vaunted defense of the Minnesota Vikings en route to a 23-6 win at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Playing without two of their starting offensive linemen, the Bills (7-1) faced relentless pressure from the Vikings (6-2) and managed only a field goal over their first six drives. Meanwhile, Minnesota fared even worse in the first half, gaining only one first down on their first six possessions. With the game tied 3-3 late in the 2nd quarter, Buffalo mounted an 80-yard drive by using a quick passing attack, and Josh Allen culminated the march with a 25-yard touchdown pass to his fourth tight end, Keleki Latu. His first career NFL touchdown put Buffalo up 10-3, and the Vikings responded with a field goal to close the gap to 10-6 by halftime. In the second half, Buffalo's defense and running game took over. Linebackers Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard had an interception apiece in the 3rd quarter, with Williams' pick leading to a field goal. In the 4th quarter, the Bills chewed up 8:32 of the clock on a 15-play, 84-yard drive. James Cook capped it with a 5-yard touchdown run to extend the Buffalo lead to 20-6, and Tyler Bass tacked on a field goal later in the 4th quarter to cement the victory.
James Cook carried the ball 31 times for 107 yards in the win, while Josh Allen -- despite getting sacked four times -- went 21-for-31 for 234 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Bills dominated the time of possession, holding to the ball for 42:32. Buffalo's defense registered three turnovers on the night and gave up just 178 total yards to a Vikings offense playing without starting quarterback Kyler Murray. Carson Wentz, who got the starting nod, went just 8-for-25 for 81 yards and two picks.
The Bills will face another road test next week when they take on the New York Jets in a Sunday afternoon kickoff.
Photos by the Buffalo Bills
