MINNEAPOLIS — You know how the entire summer and through the preseason and maybe even through the first two games of the regular season we were wondering about the Browns' defense? Was it going to be strong?
The answer is a definitive yes right now. They had a big performance last week against the Bears, but it's what they did today against the Minnesota Vikings that really tells you this defense could be (and at least today, was) very, very special.
It was an amazing performance in that the opening drive of the game saw Minnesota march 75 yards downfield with big plays and a touchdown. After that, Cleveland shut the door.
Their pass rush flustered Kirk Cousins throughout the afternoon, led by Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett. In the secondary, how 'bout Greedy Williams? The kid that waited so long to get healthy came up with a huge interception, and then the defensive backfield held fort with Denzel Ward, John Johnson III, and Troy Hill playing exceptional football. Let me throw in Grant Delpit, too.
Offensively, it was a different story, a tough day. Baker Mayfield was below 50% throwing the football all game long. Finally, they busted through at the end of the first half, and it was first-and-forever for the Browns. They moved down the field on an 18-play drive that had them inside the Vikings 5-yard line, and they couldn't get it in until Kareem Hunt scored from one yard out.
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A Viking mistake — calling a timeout when they didn't have any — led to the Browns going for two, and they succeeded. Add two more long field goals by Chase McLaughlin, and suddenly we've found a kicker. He's 7-for-7.
One more point before we wrap it up: Remember Arrowhead Stadium? Game 1 of the season? The Browns had the lead until there were seven minutes to go and then they came apart? They did not come apart today. The defense hung in there, made the plays, and they get a precious road victory.
Three in a row for the Browns. They go out to LA next week to take on Justin Herbert and the Chargers, but as we focus on today, a great win, and a great homecoming for Kevin Stefanski and his coaching staff. He and many of them spent decent time in Minnesota.
One to remember. The defense really answered the bell on this day.
Listen to Jimmy's best calls from today's game in the player below: