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
4 of 4
Next
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) /

Minnesota Vikings special teams’ grade:  A-

The special teams forced the first fumble of the game. The fumble came on a punt when the Browns return man misplayed the ball which then recovered by Emmanuel Lamur.

The special teams unit was led by Kai Forbath for the second straight week as he was 4/4 on field goal attempts. Forbath made kicks from 35, 34, 43 and 51. By adding the 51 yard field goal on Sunday, Forbath now has made four kicks from 50 or beyond on the season.

However, as good as he has been on field goals it was another missed extra point on Sunday. He made on of the two tries. Forbath now has missed an extra point the last two weeks and has missed four on the season.

More from The Viking Age

Ryan Quigley has been a huge improvement from last year punters’ Jeff Locke.  Quigley had six punts on the day that totaled 221 yards. His longest punt was 44 yards and had two punts inside the 20.

Quigley has good hangtime on his punts allowing the coverage team to get down. Also, he has 14 punts inside the 20 with zero touchbacks. He pinning opposing teams deep in their own territory.

The return game was held in check as Marcus Sherels had a total of 3 returns. He had one kick return that went for 24 yards and two punt returns that went for 15 yards. Sherels has become the main guy returning kick returns since Jerick McKinnon has become more involved in the offense since Dalvin Cook’s injury.

Next: Vikings stand pat as trade deadline passes

Overall the special teams had a solid game. The punt team forced a turnover giving the offense good field position. Also, Forbath has capitalized on his field goal attempts and has been the main reason why the Vikings have won the last two games.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News