ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- A few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' 17-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday:
What it means: In a game that Mike Zimmer coached while dealing with kidney stones, the Vikings left with a gut-wrenching loss that felt all too similar to last season. They missed a chance to put the game away late, and then saw Kyle Orton drive the Bills the length of the field in the game's final three minutes, converting a fourth-and-20 and a third-and-12 in the process, before throwing a game-winning touchdown to Sammy Watkins with one second left. The loss wiped out a day in which Teddy Bridgewater showed some progress after a pair of early interceptions, the Vikings sacked Orton six times and managed to run for 158 yards despite the loss of center John Sullivan and guard Vlad Ducasse to injuries. But a year after the Vikings blew five last-minute leads, they blew yet another on Sunday, missing their chance to get to 3-4.
Late defensive lapses: It had been a positive day for the Vikings' defense, which had created four turnovers and pressured Orton all day. The Vikings were able to get pressure on Orton on the game's final drive, a year after players chafed at a conservative approach from defensive coordinator Alan Williams. But linebacker Chad Greenway and cornerback Josh Robinson appeared to be responsible for the big conversions on the Bills' final drive, and Orton made a perfect throw to beat Xavier Rhodes on the final play.
McKinnon runs for 100: Running back Jerick McKinnon again got the bulk of the work against the league's top running defense, and thanks to a game plan that kept him away from the Bills' impressive defensive tackles, he surpassed 100 yards for the second time this season. McKinnon gained 103 yards on 19 carries.
Game ball: When the Vikings gave Everson Griffen nearly $20 million in guaranteed money in March, they were gambling on a supremely talented, but inconsistent player turning into a force at defensive end. Griffen certainly looked like one on Sunday. He matched his career high with three sacks, and could eventually get credited for another half-sack for a takedown of Orton in the fourth quarter that was initially given to Sharrif Floyd.
What's next: The Vikings (2-5) travel to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers next Sunday.
