Browns: Recapping the Vikings game with the 3 good and 3 bad of Week 4

By Chad Porto | Oct 3, 2021

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 03: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates 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 Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

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Oct 3, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) breaks loose with Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) in pursuit at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good

The front four

The Browns defense stood up all game. Their ability to get after Kirk Cousins paid off in the second half, as Cousins was reliant on his happy feet to avoid the pressure. That, in turn, caused some bad passes, which really hindered the Vikings’ offense. They also really handled the rushing game all day as well. Something this defense is getting much better at.

The pass coverage

The Vikings‘ offense was pretty good heading into the game, so to see the Browns’ defense do what they did all game against Minnesota was pretty exciting. The defensive line got after the Vikings but the defensive backs and linebackers smothered them in the passing game. They held the high-powered Vikings offense in check all day, save for the opening drive, and fans should be excited about that.

The special teams

The Browns relied heavily on the punting and kicking games today, with Chase McLaughlin going 2-2 on field goals with a 53 yarder. Jamie Gillan also had a nice day, punting six times covering 245 yards, and averaging 40.8 yards per punt. Neither player has been overly relied on before Week 4, so it’s good to see both men execute when called upon.

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