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Vikings Snatch Dramatic Victory from Browns in London Showdown Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London—The Minnesota Vikings secured a vital and dramatic 21-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in an American Football Conference match-up staged at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. The contest, which served as the conclusion to the NFL’s 2025 international double-header in Europe, was decided in the final 30 seconds, providing a sharp lesson in late-game execution for a promising, yet ultimately undone, Browns squad. Wide receiver Jordan Addison, who had been disciplined earlier in the day, sealed the win with a decisive touchdown reception, propelling the Vikings to a 3-2 record heading into their bye week, while the Browns slipped to 1-4. The lead-up to the game was dominated by narratives of fragility on both sides. Minnesota arrived with a patchwork offensive line, facing one of the league’s statistically best defenses, while Cleveland featured rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel making his first professional start. This blend of inexperience and injury fostered a low-scoring, defensive affair for much of the afternoon, with neither team able to generate sustained offensive momentum in the early stages. The Browns struck first, capping a methodical drive with a one-yard touchdown pass from Gabriel to rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The Vikings responded with a moment of audacious offensive design: a trick play executed by running back Cam Akers, who took a direct snap and threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open tight end, Josh Oliver, levelling the scores at 7-7. Cleveland added a field goal late in the first half to take a narrow 10-7 lead into the break, capitalising on a short field created by a Vikings fumble. The second half continued the tug-of-war.
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Minnesota took its first lead of the game early in the third quarter following a touchdown run by Jordan Mason. However, Gabriel demonstrated composure beyond his years, engineering a 69-yard response drive culminating in a nine-yard touchdown pass to veteran tight end David Njoku, who showcased his athleticism by leaping over a defender for the score. This 17-14 lead appeared poised to hold as the game moved into its final moments. The decisive sequence began late in the fourth quarter. With the Browns holding a three-point lead and possessing the ball, their attempt to run down the clock and force a defensive stop proved unsuccessful. Cleveland's offense went three-and-out, giving the Vikings the ball back on their own 20-yard line with just 3 minutes and 16 seconds remaining. Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz, who finished the day with 25-of-34 passing for 236 yards, then marshalled a clinical 10-play, 80-yard drive. Wentz was flawless on the final possession, completing all nine of his passes, repeatedly converting crucial third and fourth downs. The sequence concluded with 25 seconds left on the clock when Wentz connected with Jordan Addison on a 12-yard strike for the winning score, culminating a drive that highlighted the Vikings’ ability to perform under duress. The post-match focus immediately turned to the missed opportunity for Cleveland, particularly the performance of their defence and the late-game strategy.
Despite entering the week ranked first in the NFL for total yards allowed, the Browns’ defence struggled to contain the Vikings’ aerial attack when it mattered most. Defensive pressure on Wentz, which had been anticipated given the Vikings’ injured offensive line, failed to materialise on the final drive. Speaking after the game, Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the collective failure to close out the contest. “We need to do a better job closing out,” Stefanski said. “That’s an offensive thing, defence, special teams, coaches, players, you name it. ” For the Vikings, the victory was sweetened by the late heroics of Addison. The wide receiver had been benched for the first quarter for missing a team walk-through during the week, a disciplinary measure that cast a shadow over his participation. His game-winning touchdown, however, underscored his talent. Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell noted the importance of accountability alongside production, stating the missed walk-through was “not in alignment with our standards,” but reaffirming his confidence in the player’s ability. All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, who had a strong outing with 123 receiving yards, echoed the sentiment, stating, “I definitely had my words with J.
A. It’s just all about growing up and just being a part of the team. ” The outcome carries significant implications for both franchises as the season progresses. Minnesota, now at 3-2, has salvaged its European road trip and gained valuable momentum ahead of its week off, strengthening its position in the NFC playoff race despite lingering concerns over its offensive line. Conversely, the 1-4 start for Cleveland, compounded by the inability to protect a late lead, raises immediate pressure regarding the direction of the team and the development of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who otherwise showed promise in his debut with two touchdown passes. The loss, combined with the 349 yards of offence conceded—the most by the Browns this season—resulted in the team slipping from the top ranking in total defense. The focus now shifts to how the Browns can transform defensive dominance into decisive victories, while the Vikings will look to solidify their position upon their return to the United States.
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