Josh Allen, James Cook Lead Bills Past Vikings 23-6 for 7-1 Start/ NEWSLOOKS/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Josh Allen threw a touchdown pass and James Cook rushed for 107 yards as Buffalo defeated Minnesota 23-6 on Monday night. The Bills improved to 7-1, controlling possession for more than 42 minutes while forcing three Carson Wentz turnovers. Minnesota fell to 6-2 after producing just 178 total yards with injured quarterback Kyler Murray sidelined.
Quick Look
- Final score: Bills 23, Vikings 6.
- Buffalo’s start: The Bills matched their best eight-game record since 1993 at 7-1.
- Allen’s performance: He completed 21 of 31 passes for 234 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
- Cook’s workload: The running back carried 31 times for 107 yards and a late touchdown.
- Defensive takeaways: Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams intercepted Wentz, who also lost a fumble.
- Minnesota’s struggles: Wentz finished 8 of 25 for 81 yards before Max Brosmer replaced him.
- Kicking streak: Tyler Bass made three field goals, extending his franchise record to 24 consecutive successful attempts.
- Next games: Buffalo visits the Jets, while Minnesota travels to Green Bay on Sunday.
Deep Look
Bills Grind Past Minnesota’s Aggressive Defense
MINNEAPOLIS — Josh Allen supplied a crucial touchdown before halftime, James Cook carried a demanding rushing workload and Buffalo’s defense smothered Minnesota’s struggling offense as the Bills earned a 23-6 victory Monday night.
Buffalo improved to 7-1, matching its best eight-game start since 1993. Minnesota dropped to 6-2 after failing to generate sustained offense with Kyler Murray sidelined by a hamstring injury.
The Bills entered with the NFL’s highest scoring average but adapted to a physical contest against Minnesota’s relentless defense.
“We stuck with it, stuck with it, and eventually we broke it,” Cook said. “We knew what type of game it was going to be, a bloody game.”
Cook finished with 107 yards on 31 carries and added a late touchdown to help Buffalo close out the victory.
Allen Finds Latu for Crucial Touchdown
Minnesota pressured Allen throughout the gamerecording four sacks and forcing an early interception.
On third-and-23 in the first quarter, Allen launched a pass into the end zone that Byron Murphy intercepted and returned 55 yards.
Buffalo remained patient, eventually finding a breakthrough with 44 seconds remaining before halftime.
Rolling right under pressure, Allen located tight end Keleki Latu in the back of the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown while taking a hard hit from Andrew Van Ginkel.
Allen completed 21 of 31 passes for 234 yardswith one touchdown and one interception.
“It’s just a mindset of going out there and not being result-driven, going out there and being process-driven and understanding what they’re trying to do,” Allen said. “At the end of the day, having fun playing the game of football.”
Buffalo Controls Possession and Wins Turnover Battle
The Bills held the ball for 42 minutes, 32 seconds, steadily wearing down Minnesota despite encountering resistance early.
“There was no panic early in the game when things weren’t going our way,” Buffalo coach Joe Brady said. “Eventually you end up making it a game that they weren’t willing to play.”
Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams each intercepted Carson Wentz, while Minnesota also lost possession on a backward pass.
Tyler Bass contributed three field goals, extending his franchise-record streak to 24 consecutive successful attempts.
Wentz Struggles as Vikings Waste Field Position
Starting in place of Murray, Wentz endured one of the poorest performances of his 11-year career.
He completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and committed three turnovers. One came in the first quarter when a backward pass sailed beyond Justin Jefferson’s reach, producing a lost fumble near midfield.
Wentz was evaluated in the medical tent for an apparent lower-leg injury and completed only 1 of 8 second-half passes before Max Brosmer replaced him midway through the fourth quarter.
Minnesota finished with 178 total yards.
The Vikings repeatedly failed to capitalize on favorable field position. Four consecutive first-half possessions began beyond their own 40-yard line, but none advanced farther than Buffalo’s 48.
“Put tonight 100% on me. It’s not about any one particular player,” Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said. “But we’ve got to improve offensively, at a rapid pace.”
O’Connell Questions Run-Pass Balance
O’Connell faulted himself for not relying more heavily on Minnesota’s running game as Wentz struggled.
Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones combined for only 11 carries.
Jefferson caught three passes for 58 yards despite receiving 11 targets.
“I’ve always said it doesn’t really matter who’s throwing the ball, as long as it gets there,” Jefferson said. “That’s all that matters. It’s up to us to make those plays. It’s tough, definitely tough.”
Allen Matches Peyton Manning’s Touchdown Total
Allen reached 322 regular-season touchdownstying Peyton Manning for the most through a player’s first 10 NFL seasons.
His total includes 232 passing touchdowns, 88 rushing scores and two receiving touchdowns.
Allen reached the mark halfway through his ninth season.
Injuries and Upcoming Games
Buffalo played without starting left tackle Dion Dawkinswho had a rib injury, and starting left guard Alec Anderson, who had an ankle injury.
Minnesota wide receiver Jauan Jennings was inactive with a calf injury, while free safety Theo Jackson missed the game with a quadriceps injury.
The Bills visit the New York Jets on Sunday. The Vikings travel to Green Bay.
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