Browns defense saves 14-7 win over Vikings – News-Herald



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By DAVE CAMPBELL

MINNEAPOLIS – Myles Garrett and the Cleveland defense produced another dominant performance, giving coach Kevin Stefanski a victory over his former team as the Browns beat the Vikings, 14-7, on October 3.

Garrett was credited with half of Cleveland’s two sacks and four hits over Kirk Cousins, Greedy Williams became the first player this season to intercept the Minnesota quarterback and the Browns (3-1) got back on track again relied on their hasty two-pronged attack with predictable success. .

Kirk Cousins ​​hit Justin Jefferson for a touchdown pass to cap an imposing opening order from the Vikings (1-3), who took possession 11 more times without scoring or even trying for a basket. The farthest they had come was the 26-yard line, where they had one last play to tie the game. The cousins ​​threw running into the end zone, where the ball fell incomplete.

Nick Chubb had 21 carries for 100 yards, Kareem Hunt ran 14 times for 69 yards and a touchdown and Chase McLaughlin scored two critical goals to help make up for a tough game for Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield got 15 for 33 for 155 yards. Cousins ​​was 20 for 38 for 203 yards.

Dalvin Cook’s return from a one-game absence to an ankle injury didn’t make a difference for the Vikings, who didn’t hurt their star running back and gave Alexander Mattison a lot of use. The cousins ​​didn’t connect on enough of the quick throws that the Vikings designed to minimize pressure from Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney and Takkarist McKinley, whose third and third sacks ended Minnesota’s first practice in the second half. time.

Just as the Vikings appeared to be finding their breakthrough, a 37-yard completion to Jefferson on the third and 12 of their own 27s midway through the third quarter, tight end Tyler Conklin was called up for holding an intimidating blockade. one on one. clash against Garrett.

YOUR MOVING

In his first game in Minnesota with the visiting team, Stefanski brought bold strategy to an intriguing chess match with his former boss, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer.

Stefanski kept the pitch offensive in fourth twice in the first half, as has been his tendency. Mayfield was sacked by Everson Griffen for an 11-yard loss on the fourth and fourth of the 6, stopping Cleveland’s first hard blow.

Mayfield’s pass for the fourth and the 2’s goal with 1:26 left before halftime was off target, but linebacker Eric Kendricks was called in to hold on to give the Browns another run of lows. Finally, in the sixth consecutive snap from inside the 3-yard line, Hunt charged across the goal line. This workout began at the Cleveland 36 after Zimmer started it in the fourth and sixth, and Cousins ​​failed to connect with Adam Thielen.

Then the game changed in a most unusual way. Sheldon Richardson, the former Browns defensive tackle, called a timeout the Vikings didn’t have for a disheveled moment before the extra point attempt. The Browns went 2 of 1 and took a baseball-like 8-7 lead on a Mayfield pass to back Andy Janovich.

INJURY REPORT

Browns >> SS Ronnie Harrison Jr. left the game in the first quarter with a concussion and did not return. … Lt. Jedrick Wills Jr. worsened his ankle injury in the third quarter and did not return. His replacement, rookie James Hudson III, was called up for a false start in fourth and 1st at Minnesota 42, forcing the Browns to kick instead.

Vikings >> CB Bashaud Breeland left ill in the first quarter and did not return, replaced by Cameron Dantzler. … DT Michael Pierce, who has been listed as questionable to play, worsened an elbow injury in the second quarter and was sidelined afterwards. … LB Anthony Barr (knee) was inactive again. He last performed on September 20, 2020.

FOLLOWING

Browns >> Play the Chargers on October 10th.

Vikings >> Play their third straight home game on October 10 against the Lions.

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