Here are four more observations:
1. Offensive linemen step in and step up
The storyline of the week was how Minnesota would be able to piece together an offensive line and perform against a feisty Cleveland front.
Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right guard Will Fries were joined by undrafted rookie Joe Huber at left guard and veterans Blake Brandel at center and Justin Skule at right tackle.
Huber made his first career start, and Brandel played center in a game for the first time in his career.
Minnesota, which entered the game having allowed 18 sacks, played the entire first half without allowing a sack. It was Minnesota’s first half of football this season without allowing at least one sack.
Cleveland was able to get home three times in the second half.
Having played almost 80 offensive snaps last week in Dublin, Darrisaw’s action was limited Sunday against the Browns, so the Vikings moved Skule from right tackle to left tackle and brought in Walter Rouse.
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