Kevin O'Connell Defers QB Trade Query to Vikings GM Following Carson Wentz Struggles

After a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell deferred questions regarding a potential quarterback trade to GM Nolan Teasley.

The Minnesota Vikings fell to 6-2 following a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. Quarterback Carson Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards, recording two interceptions and a 2.3 QBR, the lowest mark in the NFL this season. Following the defeat, head coach Kevin O'Connell deferred questions regarding a potential trade for a new quarterback ahead of Tuesday's deadline to general manager Nolan Teasley.

Minnesota's offense failed to score a touchdown for the third time this season, tying them with the winless Los Angeles Chargers for the fewest touchdowns in the league at 11. Wentz finished the game with a 38% off-target rate, which O'Connell attributed in part to his own failure to run the ball more frequently. Running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason totaled only 11 carries across 46 offensive plays as the team held possession for just 17:28.

The Vikings are the first team since 1925 to record at least six wins and three touchdown-less games within their first eight contests. The 2.3 QBR posted by Wentz is the lowest by a Vikings starter since Tarvaris Jackson's 1.8 in 2006 and the lowest on Monday Night Football since Sam Darnold's 1.1 in 2019. Despite the performance, tight end T.J. Hockenson expressed belief in the current quarterback room, which includes Kyler Murray and Max Brosmer, while receiver Justin Jefferson suggested the team needs to simplify its offensive scheme.