newsweek
Carson Wentz's Monday night performance for the Minnesota Vikings ended with a statistical comparison to one of Sam Darnold's worst career games. According to ESPN Insights, Wentz's 8.9 passer rating in Minnesota's 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills was the lowest by any NFL player with at least 25 pass attempts since Darnold's notorious 'seeing ghosts' game against the New England Patriots in 2019.
The Vikings remained within striking distance into the fourth quarter, but Wentz's three turnovers and eight completions forced their defense to shoulder a heavy load that the offense never alleviated. The trouble began on Minnesota's second possession when Wentz threw toward Justin Jefferson, and officials initially ruled the pass incomplete. Replay showed the ball had traveled backward, and Buffalo defensive end Greg Rousseau recovered the loose ball for the Bills' first takeaway.
Wentz finished 8-for-25 for 81 yards and two interceptions while starting in place of Kyler Murray, who injured his hamstring at Detroit. Darnold's benchmark also occurred on a Monday night. Playing for the New York Jets, he was caught by an ESPN microphone saying he was 'seeing ghosts' with New York already trailing 24-0. He finished with four interceptions and a 3.6 passer rating in a 33-0 loss.
Minnesota gave Wentz considerably more room to recover. Will Reichard's 53-yard field goal with five seconds before halftime cut Buffalo's lead to 10-6, and the Vikings went into the locker room needing one touchdown to move ahead. They never scored again. Buffalo linebackers Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard intercepted Wentz on Minnesota's first two possessions of the third quarter. On the second drive, Jordan Mason had gained 24 yards on three consecutive carries before Wentz's throw toward Jefferson found Bernard instead.
Even when Buffalo gave him time, Wentz struggled. According to ESPN Insights, he completed 36% of his throws without pressure, the lowest single-game mark this season. His 25% completion rate to wide receivers tied the season low, while 38% of his throws were charted off target, the highest rate since 2024. Jefferson finished with three catches on 11 targets.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said afterward, 'Told the team it starts with me.' Minnesota still trailed just 13-6 when the fourth quarter began. Buffalo then kept the ball for 8:32, handing it to James Cook nine times on a 15-play drive. His final carry went for a 5-yard touchdown with 6:17 left. Wentz got one more possession before O'Connell turned to Max Brosmer.
Wentz's final line put him alongside Darnold, but one number showed how close the Vikings had come to giving him a different ending. Minnesota was within a touchdown for each of Wentz's first eight throws after halftime. He completed one.
Key Analysis
Wentz's performance not only drew statistical parallels to Darnold's low point but also underscored the Vikings' offensive struggles. The comparison highlights the thin margin between redemption and infamy in the NFL, as Minnesota's defense kept the game close while the offense failed to capitalize. With Murray's status uncertain, the Vikings may need to reassess their quarterback situation moving forward.
Originally reported by newsweek.