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Cleveland Browns instant reactions: Defense holds off Vikings in Week 4 win

By John Suchan

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 03: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second quarter in the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 03: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second quarter in the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled while running the ball by Dalvin Tomlinson #94 of the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns offense, and Mayfield, struggle

The offensive line struggled again with keeping Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield clean during the game. Offensive lineman Jedrick Wills, still struggling with that ankle injury, had multiple penalties called on him. The offensive line had several calls called on them and didn’t give the team that needed consistency.

What was really noticeable all game was Mayfield, who seemed rattled throughout the game, throwing passes away, high and just not accurately. Mayfield finished 15-of-33 for 155 yards. It was really a scary game for Mayfield who seemed to go back in time with some of his decisions. That confident player was lost for most of the game.

The Browns opening series that went eight minutes went south after Browns coach Kevin Stefanski continued his questionable play-calling as the Browns couldn’t convert a fourth down in the red zone. On the Browns second drive, the offense got bailed out on another fourth and goal as there was a holding call on the Vikings in the endzone. The Browns finally made good and scored and took the lead 8-7.

Late in the game, the Browns and Mayfield had several opportunities to run the clock, get first downs and win going away yet Mayfield’s inability to make throws really hurt the team today. It was magnified on Mayfield’s final passing attempt as he threw behind a wide-open wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. that could have secured the victory. However, it gave the Vikings that final attempt. Fortunately, the Browns defense stepped up big in this game.

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