ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- A few thoughts on the Buffalo Bills' 17-16 win Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
What it means: It was an ugly game, but the Bills (4-3) somehow won. After playing shoddy football for three-plus quarters, the Bills put together a game-winning drive that ended in a touchdown. They turned the ball over four times Sunday, including fumbles in the red zone by Kyle Orton and Chris Hogan. Yet Hogan redeemed himself with a 28-yard catch to the Vikings' 2-yard line in the final seconds, setting up Orton's 2-yard scoring pass to Sammy Watkins.
Two crushing injuries: The Bills suffered two potentially crushing blows in the first half. Top running backs Fred Jackson (groin) and C.J. Spiller (shoulder) were carted off with injuries. Both were visibly upset as they headed to the locker room and were immediately ruled out for the game. In their place, Anthony Dixon was the Bills' only healthy back. He rushed 13 times for 51 yards. The Bills also have Bryce Brown in their backfield; he has been inactive for each of the first seven games.
Stock watch: Run defense, down. Who needs Adrian Peterson? The Vikings had little trouble moving the ball on the ground against the Bills' run defense, which entered Sunday ranked first in the NFL. Led by Jerick McKinnon (103 yards), Minnesota averaged 5.4 yards per carry and finished with 158 rushing yards total. The Bills allowed 2.8 yards per carry through their first six games.
Game ball: CB Leodis McKelvin. A week after McKelvin was on the wrong end of a 56-yard touchdown grab by New England's Brandon LaFell, McKelvin had a career game. His two interceptions give him four on the season, which is a career high. He was in the right spot for his first pick, a pass that was deflected off the back of linebacker Brandon Spikes. McKelvin also jumped a Teddy Bridgewater pass in the second quarter.
Williams injured: Safety Aaron Williams left in the second half with a neck injury. He did not return.
What’s next: The cardiac Bills head back on the road next weekend to face the New York Jets (1-6), who will be coming off extra rest following their close Thursday night loss to the Patriots. It's the final game before the Bills' bye week.
