Bills lose to Vikings in heartbreaker as Allen’s struggles continue

The Buffalo Bills looked to turn things around against the Minnesota Vikings in week ten of their season this past Sunday, Nov. 13. The Bills surprisingly dropped their last matchup against the New York Jets, falling to 0-2 in divisional play. The Vikings, on the other hand, came into Buffalo sitting at 7-1 after winning seven straight games and looking like a real powerhouse in the NFC.

Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins quickly displayed what would become a recurring theme throughout the game: deep shots to star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. The duo connected on a 46-yard deep shot before scoring a 22-yard touchdown to put their team up early.

The Bills responded emphatically, starting their drive at the Vikings’ 47-yard line after a huge kick return by running back Duke Johnson. A five-yard rushing touchdown by RB Devin Singletary tied the game for the home team before they quickly regained possession. A twelve-yard scramble by quarterback Josh Allen on third and eleven took them into the red zone before Singletary’s second rushing score of the game put the team up by seven.

On the last drive of the first quarter, Bills’ cornerback Christian Benford intercepted Cousins and returned the ball 35 yards to the opposing 27-yard line. The ball was almost turned back over to Minnesota after a near interception thrown by Allen was tipped away from the defender. The Bills were able to score on the drive with a 34-yard field goal by kicker Tyler Bass. 

The Vikings were able to bring the score to within seven after tallying a 27-yard field goal of their own. Buffalo took over for their final drive of the half and started it off with a bang with Allen dropping back and scrambling up the middle for a 25-yard gain. They were able to punch the ball in for the score via an impressive eleven-yard catch by Gabe Davis over the Vikings’ defender. The team headed to the half with a 24-10 lead. 

Minnesota came out of the break with the ball but were unable to produce, with Buffalo’s cornerback Dane Jackson picking off Cousins after the quarterback was hit by defensive end, Shaq Lawson. Later in the quarter, the Bills took over possession and settled for another field goal, this one from 45 yards away. 

The Vikings made quick work of the Bills’ defense on their next possession with running back Dalvin Cook finding a hole through the defenders and chugging downfield for an 81-yard touchdown. The rush acted as a major turning point in the contest, in favor of the Vikings. 

On the final play of the third quarter, Stefon Diggs ran downfield and made a huge one-handed reception for a gain of 25 yards. The Bills converted on a third and 16, only to turn the ball over as Allen forced a ball to tight end Dawson Knox on fourth and two which was picked off by the Vikings. Cousins was able to complete multiple short passes before scrambling into the red zone. Fullback C.J. Ham pushed the ball in for a touchdown, bringing the Vikings' deficit to four early in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings got the ball back as Justin Jefferson completed one of the best catches of all time on fourth and eighteen to continue the drive. A quarterback sneak by Cousins at the one-yard line was unsuccessful and the ball was turned over. 

The game looked all but over before an awful misplay by the Bills gave the Vikings a free touchdown. The Vikings led by three with 41 seconds left before Buffalo marched downfield and tied the game on a 29-yard field goal with two seconds left to play. 

Overtime began with the Vikings earning first possession as some great effort by Cousins and Jefferson led the team to a field goal, putting them up by three again. The Bills' final possession started well with Allen scrambling downfield twice, for eighteen and twenty yards, respectively. After a near game-winning touchdown catch by Knox was dropped, Allen made another mistake and forced an interception to the defenders, sealing the win for Minnesota. 

Buffalo will look to make some changes in order to turn things around down the stretch. The first step is a week eleven victory against the 3-6 Cleveland Browns at home next Sunday, Nov. 20.