The Cleveland Browns escaped Minnesota with a win over the Vikings by the score of 14-7.
This game was every bit as close as the score indicates, and there were times when spectators thought the end result could go either way.
Browns offensive miscues and subpar play calling nearly became the headline for Coach Stefanski’s homecoming to Minnesota.
Watch my video recap of the game that talks about the good, bad, and ugly because this game had a little of each.
@brownsspice The 4 Week of the NFL Season #fyp #foryou #browns #nfl #brownsfan #brownsnation #clevsmin #viral #SoFiMoneyMoves
With the win, the Browns stay on pace in an extremely competitive AFC North division; there is a three-way tie for the lead at 3-1.
The AFC North after Week 4:
1. #Bengals (3-1)
2. #Ravens (3-1)
3. #Browns (3-1)
4. #Steelers (1-3) pic.twitter.com/ZaM4eFbwGa— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) October 3, 2021
Here are the news and notes from the Week 4 win.
1. Defense Steps Up To The Plate
This is the second week in a row that the Browns defense lived up to its preseason billing.
Given the offensive woes of late, the Browns D is keeping the team competitive.
The fact that Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins only scored on their first possession of the game, and Greedy Williams hauled in the first Cousins interception of the season are both telling as to how dominant the defense is playing.
This is the first time the #Browns: allowed single-digit points in consecutive games since returning to the NFL in 1999, per @ESPNStatsInfo
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) October 3, 2021
We all saw that Baker had a really bad game. Sometimes you need your defense to win a game for you. We’ll take it! On to the next!#Browns
— Aaron (@FL_Buckeye88) October 3, 2021
2. Offense Is “Off”
Quarterback Baker Mayfield and Coach Kevin Stefanski each took responsibility for an erratic and odd offensive outing.
There are likely a host of reasons for the offense being a little out-of-sorts.
This could be among them.
I have to say…the offense seems off since Jarvis went down #Browns
— LaVidaLysandra™ • CLEFan4Life (@LaVidaLysandra) October 3, 2021
No. Only two weeks removed from left shoulder subluxation. Likely still dealing with decreased strength and stability. https://t.co/yYs1kdLrJ9
— Dr. Brandon Bowers (@drbrandonbowers) October 3, 2021
The Baker talk will overshadow it but Chubb hasn't looked as explosive the past 2 weeks. Bit strange. Hunt has been the Browns best RB last two weeks.
— Offseason Chopz (@Pchopz_) October 3, 2021
There will be a week of diagnosis and critiques in the media and inside the facility at Berea.
Suffice it to say, things need to get better before the Browns play a very good Los Angeles Chargers team in Week 5.
3. Fan Reaction
Social media had a myriad of fan reactions to this game that was extremely frustrating to watch.
There was plenty of negativity to be had, but the bottom line is that the Browns are 3-1.
This glass half-full reaction reiterates that perspective.
This is a game the old #Browns would have choked away. Relax fam. Great team win. #VictoryMonday
— Rhonda_M (@rhondame95) October 3, 2021
In the end, a win is a win, and it is way better than a loss.
NEXT: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Proving To Be A Special Player
Miscues? Like Baker is 7th worst passer in the lg. Our receivers can’t seen to find space where Baker can throw into. And does anybody watch film? I’m noticing he’s throwing to guys less open then other guys. Check the film you’ll find that too. Throw the replay flag. Baker got a first down on the dive he made to it and nobody seems to care about questioning that he made it. Throw the flag. If not for the superlative running game we’d have lost that game, either of our runners are better than Dalvin Cook, thats saying something. The season just started. There’s some receiver improvement necessary. up in here.
Second game in a row, where Baker has missed wide open targets. My count is five. Two from last week, and three this week. For all you people that think this dude is a top tier QB, and for some reason want to see him get paid (why???) he is holding this team back from being elite.
Said it all offseason. The Browns win in spite of Baker, not because of him.