The Viking Age
FanSided

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

By Jordan Schmidt

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: #47 Kevin McDermott talks on the sideline with #4 Ryan Quigley during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: #47 Kevin McDermott talks on the sideline with #4 Ryan Quigley during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Isaiah Crowell of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by Anthony Harris of the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Isaiah Crowell of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by Anthony Harris of the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings defense Grade: A-

The Vikings defense continues to excel this season as they held the Browns in check. After two first-half touchdowns, the defense stepped up in the second half and allowed only one field goal during the second half.

The Vikings didn’t force any interceptions against the rookie quarterback but were able to force two fumbles. The first fumble came on a punt.

The second fumble came when Danielle Hunter stripped the running back of the ball and then was recovered by Anthony Harris. With the two fumbles, the Vikings were plus one in the turnover battle.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Duke Johnson Jr of the Cleaveland Browns is tackled by Eric Kendricks of Minnesota Vikings during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Duke Johnson Jr of the Cleaveland Browns is tackled by Eric Kendricks of Minnesota Vikings during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

The defense continues to be a force on opposing quarterbacks as they sacked the Browns rookie quarterback three times. Tom Johnson, Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph all picked up a sack on Sunday. The pass rush as really improved over the last four weeks.

Eric Kendricks is having an excellent third season with Vikings as he finished with nine tackles which give him 61 tackles on the year which leads the Vikings. Harrison Smith finished second on the team in tackles with seven tackles.

Overall, the defense did not overlook their opponent on Sunday and was well prepared for the game. They held the Browns’ passing attack under 200 yards. Also, the defense unit made the Brown offense nonexistent in the second half.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News