Vikings struggle in home loss to Browns

The Minnesota Vikings had a huge struggle on Sunday against the Browns.

Minnesota:
QB:
K. Cousins 20/38 203 yds 5.3 avg 1 TD 1 INT 2 sacks 66.0 rtg

RB:
D. Cook 9 car 34 yds 3.8 avg 13 long
A. Mattison 10 car 20 yds 2.0 avg 6 long

WR: 
J. Jefferson 6 rec 84 yds 14.0 avg 1 TD 31 long
A. Thielen 3 rec 46 yds 15.3 avg 22 long
KJ Osborn 3 rec 26 yds 8.7 avg 20 long
T. Conklin 4 rec 18 yds 4.5 avg 14 long
D. Westbrook 1 rec 17 yds 17.0 avg 17 long

K:
G. Joseph 1/1 XP

Game Summary:
This game was a defensive slugfest on the surface. The Vikings offense started out hot, they drove down the field on a 14 play 75 yard drive that ended in a Cousins-Jefferson touchdown to put the Vikings on the board. After that the Browns had a drive of their own. It was also a 14 play drive, but the Vikings defense stalled their drive and forced a turnover on downs. The Vikings wasted this and punted for the first time all game. The Browns punted back and the Vikings had good field position. They drove down to the 30 yard line of Cleveland and decided to go for it on 4th and 6 and of course didn't get it. This will be important later. 
In the second quarter the Browns had a really good couple drives that ended in a touchdown and field goal. The Vikings did have a decent drive in the 3rd quarter that ended in a missed 4th and 10 around the 35 yard line of Cleveland.
In the 4th quarter, Cleveland got a field goal to extend the lead. The Vikings got so many chances in the final 3 minutes. The first one ended in a 3 and out. The second decided to be extended by a defense PI call that brought the Vikings down to the Cleveland 40. Adam Thielen caught a pass from Kirk that brought it down to the 25 yard line. But the Vikings wasted multiple opportunities and the game fell flat.

Overall, the reason the Vikings lost was because the offensive line couldn't keep up with Cleveland's defensive front. Kirk and the offense couldn't get more then 1-2 seconds per play to throw or rush. The defense had their best day by far. Some of that could be attributed to Baker Mayfield having a rough day but they were able to keep the big plays to a minimum. 

Injury Report
LB Anthony Barr missed his 4th straight game due to recovery from injury. No one really knows if he will ever return.
OT Christian Darrisaw has returned from injury and was dressed on Sunday, but was a backup.
During the game, the Vikings lost CB Bashaud Breeland (illness) in the first quarter and DT Michael Pierce (elbow) in the second quarter. 

Up Next
The Vikings will stay at home next weekend when they host Detroit on Sunday at 12 PM CT.

​#Skol