Browns' Fail to Close Door Against Vikings, Lose 21-17: Game Notes

The game was there to be be won and both phases failed to close the door late.

Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) runs with the ball against Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during the third quarter of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Browns had to win an ugly style of game in London to get the job done in Week 5. They were starting a young rookie quarterback against a hostile defense and it just had to be won low-scoring and on the details. The amazing thing is they got many elements of the formula we have talked about all year: strong running game, win the turnover battle, and win time of possession. They got several elements but the group just couldn’t get it done late. They took over two possessions at their 41-yard line two time in the middle and late 4th quarter and only produced one first down. They punted on both drives.

Then they gave the Vikings the ball back up three points with just 3:05 on the clock and the defense, who had a very uneven performance on the day, allowed the Vikings to go 80 yards on 10 plays for the game winning touchdown. It was right there to be done and they couldn’t pull off the winning play design or execution. Frustrating to say the least.

These are the types of games they have to win to have a shot in 2025 and they have now left two of them in the loss column with this one and the Bengals loss in Week 1. Plenty to feel optimistic about from the game, but also plenty to feel uneasy about as well. They have to figure out the solution for these types of games quickly or it will put important figures in the franchise job security at risk.

Here are the Week 5 Game Notes.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Dillon Gabriel of the Cleveland Browns looks to throw a pass during the third quarter in the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 05, 2025 in London, England.”“ (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

• The offense went for 322 on the day and did some specific things really well. Their gap blocking was strong and they ran the ball efficiently to the tune of 140 yards. The play-action off the run didn’t produce many downfield results, but there were moments of cohesive run/pass splits that played off each other. They ran some solid screens, hit a few well-designed play-action concepts for easy throws and then wrinkled in the FLY sweep to try and find some easy yards. They even tried sprinkling in some zone read.

• They still feel like a group trying too hard in moments of need to produce some consistent movement. They don’t have the concept, or wrinkles off that concept, that help establish a baseline. When they needs a few yards, or something to gain that key down and distance, they just don’t have enough schematic wrinkles. The 3-15 on 3rd downs today told the story — some of which were very short yardage.

• The run game had a day and the second half was particularly strong. They ran a variety of concepts on their touchdown drive that featured Judkins and Ford. Some gun zone, under-center duo, and more. Then they used a similar look to get them a solid play-action result.

• Dillon Gabriel has some nice moments. He played on schedule most of the day and used his mobility to work out of some chaotic moments. He hit a few bigger throws on downfield concepts that were few and far between. The ball to David Njoku up the right sideline — up and away — stood out.