The game wasn’t pretty. Football isn’t going to be pretty when a team is starting their third-string left guard, third-string center, and second-string right tackle. The Vikings offensive line has been a weekly question of “who’s next?” The London game provided the latest edition. This time it was against one of the best defensive lines and best defenses in the league. The Browns present a significant challenge against the best offensive lines. It can be a devastating deal against a team struggling to field five players with a pulse. Somehow, the Vikings offense managed 97 rushing yards, 252 passing yards, and 349 total yards. That makeshift line was even more makeshift in the fourth quarter. Christian Darrisaw is still on a snap-count as he’s returning from the ACL that ended his 2024 season in October. He hit that snap as the Vikings offense entered the fourth quarter. With the game in the balance, sticking to that plan was daring against the Browns.
The Vikings offensive line in the fourth quarter:
Justin Skule - LT2
Joe Huber - LG3
Blake Brandel - C3
Will Fries - RG1
Walter Rouse - RT3
Three third-stringers and a second-stringer. Thank goodness for Will Fries! That offensive line was at its best on the final drive. With 3:05 to play, Carson Wentz was 9/9 for 71 yards as the Vikings drove 80 yards in 2:40. Wentz to Addison for the game-winning 12-yard touchdown. When the offensive line was needed most, they provided Wentz time and room to operate.
Justin Jefferson was great. As always. 7 catches for 123 yards.
The Browns entered the game with a quarterback change. Joe Flacco had started the team’s first four games. He was benched in favor of third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel for this game. The Vikings entered this game as fairly easy favorites. With all of the injuries, no game should be considered easy for the Vikings. Gabriel managed things but not much was asked of him. Handing off to rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was his main duty. He did attempt 33 passes, completing 19, but most were within five yards of the line of scrimmage. Judkins was the Vikings biggest problem. It felt like the first tackler always failed in getting him to the ground. Other than Judkins, the Browns main weapon was often starting possessions with terrific field position. Two Vikings fumbles twice gifted the Browns the ball around midfield. One was cashed in for a touchdown. When they were tasked with traveling the bulk of the field, the Browns usually ended up punting. The Browns third quarter-touchdown drive of 13 plays and 69 yards was their only possession of real substance. On that drive, their offensive line dominated the defensive front of the Vikings. It gave the Browns a 17-14 lead with just over 18 minutes to play. Fortunately the Vikings defense rebounded as they spent those remaining 18 minutes repeatedly getting the ball back for the offense. The offense finally did something on their final opportunity.
The difference between the two teams in this game can be seen in what it took on their respective scoring drives:
Browns Scoring Drives:
TD: 7 plays, 47 yards
FG: 14 plays, 53 yards
TD: 13 plays, 69 yards
Vikings Scoring Drives:
TD: 8 plays, 82 yards
TD: 8 plays 71 yards
TD: 10 plays, 80 yards
Throughout the game, the Browns had a decided advantage in field position. It was starting to get annoying. Even when the Vikings put themselves on the right side of the 20-yard line with a productive kick return, a penalty put them back on the other side. They must stop with the special teams penalty. This game brought another three. The special teams penalties this season have been ridiculous.
The Vikings completed their ridiculous 10-day international commitment with a win. After last week’s disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, this was a must-win game. It was only a Week 5 game but it was a must-win Week 5 game. Now, the Vikings have their bye week. It’s a much-needed bye week as they need a host of players to get healthy. The post-bye schedule is brutal and it starts with the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7.
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