Schmidt’s Week 8 game grades: Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns

Minnesota Vikings offense: B-

The Vikings offense battled throughout Sunday win as they faced a solid young Browns’ defense. Case Keenum provided a good passing attack for the Vikings as he threw for 288 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

It was a good bounce-back week for Keenum who struggled last week when he threw for only 188 yards. He did an excellent job spreading the ball around as he connected with eight different receivers.

Keenum’s two touchdown passes were to Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph. Both touchdown passes Keenum showed patience and mobility to find the open wide receiver. The throw to Rudolph’s touchdown was an excellent throw that had touch and Keenum placed it where only Rudolph could get it.

Adam Thielen had another great week with five catches for 98 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Thielen is becoming one of the better wide receivers in the NFL and will look for a strong second half.

Kyle Rudolph finished with six catches for 27 yards and one touchdown. He established himself as a red zone threat with his size and great hands which were shown on his touchdown.

The running game was split between Jerick McKinnon (14 carries) and Latavius Murray (19 carries). However, it was McKinnon who looked better on Sunday rushing for 50 yards and one touchdown compared to Murray’s 39 yards and zero touchdowns.

But where McKinnon really dominated was in the receiving game. He finished with six catches for 72 yards and was the check down choice for Keenum. Both backs have shown promise and each will contribute every week. It is a two-man backfield instead of one back like it was when Dalvin Cook was healthy.

Overall, the Vikings offense did their job to get the win on Sunday. This unit is not a high powered offense but one that is efficient in getting enough points and wearing down other defenses.