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Vikings vs. Bills Game Observations: Offense's Misfires & Turnovers Add Up

MINNEAPOLIS — Missed opportunities on offense early and miscues added up late, aggregating into a disadvantageous time of possession for Minnesota's defense.

Over time, Buffalo runs that were stopped for gains of 1 and 2 leaked into 6 and 7, keeping the Bills ahead of the chains.

Three Vikings turnovers, including one on the fourth play of the game for Minnesota and two interceptions in the third quarter, disrupted any rhythm for forming in an eventual 23-6 loss.

Carson Wentz started in place of Kyler Murray, who was out with a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 8 at Detroit, but seemed high with his placement of footballs early.

Aside from a 2-minute drill at the end of the first half, he struggled throughout the night.

Wentz finished 8-of-25 passing (32 percent) with 81 yards and two interceptions, which led to a passer rating of 8.9.

Second-year pro Max Brosmer entered the game in the fourth quarter and went 6-for-7 passing with 58 yards and a passer rating of 101.1, but that possession ended with a turnover on downs.

Wentz also was charged with a fumble lost on an overhand throw to Justin Jefferson that went behind the line of scrimmage (barely). The ball hit the turf and was recovered by Greg Rousseau at the Minnesota 44-yard line.

The ill-fated play erased a drive that started at the Minnesota 47 thanks to a 55-yard interception return by Byron Murphy, Jr.

Minnesota (6-2) went 0-for-8 on third down, compared to a 7-for-18 showing by Buffalo (7-1), helping the Bills win time of possession 42:32 to 17:28.

Here are four more observations.

1. All Day's Night

Adrian Peterson was formally inducted to the Vikings Ring of Honor during halftime. His last name and No. 28 were unveiled, and Vikings Owners Mark, Zygi and Lenny Wilf joined Peterson on stage to present Peterson with his custom ring.

Peterson was introduced for the moment in a video narrated by his mother Bonita Jackson. He strolled through the Delta 360 Club, walked past video boards displaying images from multiple levels of his career and was greeted with a hug from Jackson and his father Nelson Peterson before proceeding on a Purple carpet.

He was welcomed to the Ring of Honor by fellow members Cris Carter, Randy Moss, Chuck Foreman, Scott Studwell, Kevin Williams, Bobby Bryant, Ron Yary, Steve Jordan and John Randle, the latter of whom had helped surprise Peterson with the news over the summer.

2. Defense Grinds

The Vikings defense limited the Bills to an average of 4.3 yards per play. The problem was Buffalo ran a whopping 79 plays for 339 yards, compared to 46 plays by Minnesota for 178 net yards.

The disadvantage in plays for Minnesota's defense, which rotated players frequently, could compound into further problems on a short week with the Vikings heading to Lambeau Field in Week 10.

3. Rough third quarter

Minnesota hoped to build momentum in the third quarter after making it a 10-6 game at halftime, but the opposite happened.

A run of 5 by Aaron Jones, Sr., was followed by a run for no gain.

After a 19-yard pass interference penalty moved the ball to the Buffalo 37, Wentz tried to hit T.J. Hockenson down the seam.

It was intercepted by linebacker Dorian Williams at the Buffalo 11.

The Bills followed with a 14-play, 83-yard drive to make it 13-6 with 6:03 remaining in the third quarter.

That drive was helped when the Bills converted a third-and-8 with a 36-yard pass to Ty Johnson. It appeared the play clock was on 0 before the ball was snapped, but the play stood. Eventually Tyler Bass kicked a 25-yard field goal to end a possession that lasted more than seven minutes.

Minnesota followed with runs of 8, 11 and 5 by Jordan Mason to move the ball to midfield.

Wentz faked a handoff on the next snap and directed a slant to Jefferson, and it was picked off by linebacker Terrel Bernard.

4. Reichard, Price & Thorson

Vikings specialists did what they could.

Kicker Will Reichard aimed true on field goals of 43 and 53 yards.

Myles Price totaled 124 yards on four kickoff returns.

Punter Brett Thorson punted five times for 240 yards, a gross average of 48.0, highlighted by a career-long of 66 and placed four inside the 20-yard line. Tai Felton downed one of Thorson's punts at the Buffalo 1 in the second quarter.