MNF takeaways: Bills show Vikings the real contenders, with quarterback concerns rising before the deadline | Yardbarker

Vikings offense falls short

Minnesota entered the prime-time game at 6-1, but its offense could not support its defense. Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and threw two interceptions.

The Vikings went 0-for-8 on third downs and held the ball for 17 minutes and 28 seconds. Their defense faced 79 plays before Buffalo scored on a 15-play, 84-yard drive in the fourth quarter to build a two-touchdown lead.

Deadline puts quarterback focus

The loss came one day before the trade deadline, with the 4 p.m. ET cutoff approaching. The performance underscored Minnesota’s need to address its quarterback play. The article argues that average quarterback play could make the Vikings’ defense strong enough to contend for a Lombardi Trophy. Their defense was described as Super Bowl-caliber, but it was left with little support from the offense.

Allen steadies Buffalo

On that drive, Allen rolled right and connected with tight end Keleki Latu for a 25-yard touchdown. Allen finished 21 of 31 for 234 yards, one touchdown and one interception; Sumer Sports credited him with going 8 of 11 for 103 yards in the second half.

Murphy makes a standout play

Vikings defensive back Byron Murphy intercepted Allen in the end zone and returned the ball to Minnesota’s 47-yard line. NFL Next Gen Stats said Murphy traveled 118.7 yards on the play, the second-most by any player on a scrimmage play this season.

ESPN commentator Troy Aikman praised it as “one of the best plays” he had seen. The play reflected the range and effort of a Vikings defense that kept Buffalo in check for much of the game.