Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell deferred to general manager Nolan Teasley regarding potential moves for a new quarterback before Tuesday’s league trade deadline.
Following a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, Nov. 9, 2026, O’Connell addressed the team’s offensive struggles and the possibility of acquiring a veteran passer. The Vikings’ offense struggled throughout the matchup, as quarterback Carson Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions.
O’Connell noted that the team had been in dialogue regarding various positions. We’ve had dialogue about a lot of different positions. And tight turnaround obviously playing the Monday night game before that, and we’ll get right to work on any potential moves that can be there. But really just focused on the game tonight, which was not good enough in any way, shape, or form.
, O’Connell said.
The Vikings’ offense managed only 178 total yards during the contest. While the Vikings' defense held the Buffalo offense to 23 points, the offense's inability to sustain drives pressured the unit.
Wentz, who was starting in place of Kyler Murray due to a hamstring injury, was benched for third-stringer Max Brosmer in the final minutes of the game. Murray is currently considered week-to-week with a hamstring strain.
O’Connell expressed personal accountability for the offensive performance, stating, Put tonight 100% on me.
He also noted that the unit failed to capitalize on opportunities, explaining that four consecutive possessions in the first half started beyond the 40-yard line, yet the furthest Minnesota advanced was the Bills’ 48-yard line.
O’Connell attributed part of the struggle to his play-calling, noting he did not call enough running plays; Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones combined for only 11 carries during the game.
The Vikings' quarterback situation is a major concern. The team is facing a deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Potential veteran options mentioned in the context of the market include Kirk Cousins and Geno Smith.
| Player | Team | Stat Line |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | Bills | 21/31, 234 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| James Cook | Bills | 31 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD |
| Carson Wentz | Vikings | 8/25, 81 yards, 2 INT |
| Justin Jefferson | Vikings | 3 catches, 58 yards |
Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson was targeted 11 times but finished with three catches for 58 yards. Jefferson commented on the difficulty of the game, saying, It’s tough, definitely tough.
LIVE: Head Coach Kevin O'Connell https://t.co/YqvtHWhV6n
In the first quarter, Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted a pass from Allen and returned it 55 yards. This occurred after Allen threw a pass into the end zone on a third-and-23 attempt.
The Bills’ defense also saw notable contributions from linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams, who both recorded interceptions. The Vikings, who blitz 41% of the time, sent blitzers at Allen from every angle possible, racking up four sacks.
Buffalo’s offensive rhythm was aided by a kickoff return by Greg Dortch that moved the ball past midfield.
The Buffalo Bills will play at the New York Jets on Sunday.
The Minnesota Vikings will play at Green Bay on Sunday.