Vikings vs. Browns score: Cleveland's defense carries team as Baker Mayfield's struggles continue

Cleveland retains a share of the AFC North lead with win

The Cleveland Browns were able to outlast the Minnesota Vikings 14-7 to retain a share of the AFC North lead. Cleveland's defense held Minnesota to 268 yards of total offense as Baker Mayfield struggled. Mayfield was notably inaccurate and antsy in the pocket. The Browns had opportunities to put that game away much sooner. 

Why the Browns won

Cleveland's ability to slow down the Minnesota run game is why it emerged victorious. Minnesota was held to 65 yards rushing on 23 carries (2.8 YPC) despite Dalvin Cook returning from injury. Cook was held to 34 yards on nine carries. It is difficult for that style of offense to successfully work in the play-action if the ground game isn't doing its part. The Browns did not have to respect the play-action or screen game because they were winning the line of scrimmage. Jadeveon Clowney is mocked for his lack of sack production but his influence in run defense is quantifiably important. 

Why the Vikings lost

Minnesota was unable to string together completions or achieve anything on the ground. For those reasons, it was going to be impossible to sustain a drive beyond its scripted opening possession. Meanwhile, the Browns were rushing all over the Vikings. They rolled over 184 yards on 38 carries (4.8 yards per carry). When Mayfield was unable to prolong drives with his arm, the run game took over. They were responsible for big first downs and draining the clock at the end.

Turning point

The game was separated by one score for the duration of the game. It was up for grabs when every series began. Cleveland was stopped on fourth down with 1:33 remaining in the first half but Eric Kendricks was flagged for defensive holding in the end zone, which led to a fresh set of downs for the Browns' offense. Three plays later, Hunt punched it in and the Browns converted  a 2-point try after a Vikings penalty for what turned out to be the game-winning score. 

Play of the game

With 11:39 remaining in the second quarter, Cousins dropped back and found wide receiver K.J. Osborn for a 20-yard completion down the left boundary. Osborn turned and twisted his body while simultaneously high-pointing the football over Browns cornerback A.J. Green. The play was reviewed and upheld. 

In the grand scheme of things, it was a rather unimportant play in the outcome of the game. The team account did not even tweet it out. Minnesota would turn the ball over on downs later in the drive.

What's next 

Cleveland will travel to Los Angeles for next week's showdown with the Chargers. It is the beginning of a tough stretch of games that includes the undefeated Cardinals and Broncos. The Browns currently have a share of the AFC North lead alongside Cincinnati. Baltimore has a chance to join them with a win over Denver.

The Vikings fall to 1-3. They have a potential get-right game against Detroit next week before a brutal six-game stretch against the Panthers, Cowboys, Ravens, Chargers, Packers and 49ers. A loss to the Lions would essentially end all hopes of a playoff berth. 

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:18 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Thank you all for tuning into our coverage of the Week 4 matchup between Minnesota and Cleveland. We hope to see you all back next week! 

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:11 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Ball doesn't theoretically have to go to the end zone. They could throw close and try to make a play after the catch. Cleveland is gassed.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:10 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Ball at the 26-yard line. Cleveland takes its final timeout. 

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:10 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

One final play coming. Vikings have to go to the end zone.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:09 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Vikings somehow ran a fade in only three seconds. Still eight seconds.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:09 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Minnesota uses its last timeout. Minnesota at Cleveland's 32-yard line with 11 seconds remaining. Time for two shots to the end zone or attack the sideline.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:07 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Cleveland will use a timeout with 17 seconds remaining. I'm guessing they want to give Myles Garrett a breather and get him back in the game for this 3rd & 10. 

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:07 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Jadeveon Clowney back in the game in case that wasn't obvious. Myles Garrett off the field in another passing situation.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:03 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

By not running the ball, Cleveland left Minnesota with one timeout and 1:01 remaining in the fourth quarter down 7.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 4:02 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Baker Mayfield with another missed touchdown opportunity; that would have ended the game.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 3:59 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Minnesota still has three timeouts remaining so they will get the ball back if Cleveland goes three-and-out. 1:21 remaining.

Cleveland has two timeouts. 

[Oct 3, 2021 at 3:58 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Jadeveon Clowney was slow to get up after that third down play. He collided with Myles Garrett. Clowney has been sensational stopping the run.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 3:57 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Minnesota potentially facing its last offensive play of the game. Failure to convert this 4th & 3 would give the ball back to Cleveland and afford the chance to run out the clock. 

[Oct 3, 2021 at 3:50 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Myles Garrett is the NFL's active leader in sacks (6). 

[Oct 3, 2021 at 3:46 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Kirk Cousins went 6-for-6 on the Vikings' opening drive, punctuated by a 12-yard TD pass to Justin Jefferson.

His 2nd attempt of the game was his 202nd consecutive attempt without an interception, breaking the franchise record that he set in 2019. Greedy Williams just ended that streak at 224.

[Oct 3, 2021 at 3:43 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Browns extend their lead but it is still a one score game. 6:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

[Oct 3, 2021 at 3:34 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Cleveland is winning in spite of Baker Mayfield today. He has been awful. Off the top of my head, I can think of three plays that should have been easy first downs and the missed touchdown to Odell Beckham Jr.