Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) encourages the crowd to cheer in the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium.
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
The Buffalo Bills made sure Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz had a night to forget during their win on Monday Night Football matchup. Buffalo's defense showed just how much pressure it could put on the veteran quarterback, and linebacker Greg Rousseau openly discussed the team's approach after the game.
Following the game, Rousseau appeared on SportsCenter, where host Scott Van Pelt asked him how the Bills managed to put Wentz “in hell” throughout the night. The Bills linebacker explained that putting consistent pressure on the quarterback was part of Buffalo's defensive identity every week.
“That's our mindset every week,” Rousseau said. “We rushed solid. We rushed solid up front, and same with the DBs. DBs were strapped in the back end. I got some really good receivers.
“The offense was finally able to keep the Viking defense on the field for a while for that run game to lean on him enough at the damn final burst. But man, they made your offense work.”
The veteran quarterback struggled throughout the game, completing only 8 of his 25 passing attempts for 81 yards and throwing two interceptions. He ended the game with a passer rating of 8.9, which stands as the second-lowest single-game passer rating in Vikings history among starting quarterbacks with at least 20 pass attempts.
As Minnesota struggled to mount a comeback, Wentz was eventually replaced by backup quarterback Max Brosmer, but the change did little to alter the outcome. The loss marked the Vikings' second consecutive loss following an impressive 6-0 start to the season.
Meanwhile, Minnesota's defense remained effective for much of the night, making things difficult for Buffalo's offense. However, Josh Allen and the Bills gradually found their rhythm, moving the football more effectively and extending their lead.
Allen completed 21 of 31 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown, while running back James Cook also played a key role in Buffalo's offensive success. Cook recorded 107 rushing yards and a touchdown on 31 carries.