Baker Mayfield couldn’t hit Odell Beckham Jr. or almost anyone else, but the defense and run game carried the Browns: Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett reacts to a Browns victory over the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Nick Vigil tries to bring down Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney reaches for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Nick Vigil tries to bring down Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt runs for a first down against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper makes a catch as Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks wraps him up in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt reacts after running for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb runs the ball a against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins throws against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield prepares for the snap against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt runs for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Sione Takitaki takes down Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook after a catch in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt runs for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt dives for the first down marker as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler slides behind him in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins throws against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield pauses during a time out against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward wraps up Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins just after the ball is released in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb runs the ball a against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. kneels on the sideline against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield looks to throw against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns fullback Andy Janovich and quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrate after a two point conversion against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

A Cleveland Browns fan holds a T-Shirt supporting her team in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins hauls in a first down reception defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. leaps up and misses a high pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield for a touchdown pass attempt defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Sione Takitaki (L) gives chase to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen after a reception for a first down in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield wanted an interference call on a touchdown pass attempt to receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb dives for extra yards on a rush as he hits Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins throws a pass under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins throws away a pass under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins dives for a pass that was too long defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt stiff arms Minnesota Vikings free safety Xavier Woods on a rush in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. catches a pass as Minnesota Vikings free safety Xavier Woods closes in for the tackle in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield scrambles with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward breaks up a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield dives for the first down marker against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. reacts after just missing a misplaced pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Troy Hill and Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney wrap up Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison for a loss in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Greedy Williams intercepts a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit reacts after intercepting a pass then seeing a flag on the field against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield scrambles with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns defensive tackles Malik Jackson and Malik McDowell take down Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins as he tries to get the ball away in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah gets an arm on Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison in the second half of play at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods gives a thumbs up after their victory over the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Troy Hill tips a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn that was called pass interference on Hill in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. turns upfield after a reception chased by Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins catches a pass between the defense of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander (L) and Minnesota Vikings free safety Xavier Woods in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt tries to run over the tackle attempt of Minnesota Vikings free safety Xavier Woods in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett dives in for a tackle one Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison for a loss on a rush play in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn catches a sideline pass and stayed inbounds for the completion defended by Cleveland Browns cornerback A.J. Green in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. leave the field together after their victory over the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins braces for impact after throwing away a pass before he is hit by Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell (L) in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Sione Takitaki gives chase to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen after a reception for a first down in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt salutes fans as he exits the field after their victory over the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns principal partner Jimmy Haslam comes down on the field to congratulate players including linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah after their victory over the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills leaves the field after injuring his ankle in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills throws his helmet in anger after injuring his ankle in the second half taking him out of the game, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins throws the last pass of the game under pressure by Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt rushes for a touchdown in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield tries to scramble for positive yards but is sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Greedy Williams intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit dives to knock away a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett puts pressure on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins as he attempts a pass in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Malcolm Smith (R) and free safety John Johnson make sure the last pass of the game for the Minnesota Vikings goes incomplete for the win, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit intercepts a tipped ball by teammate cornerback Troy Hill that was called for pass interference on Hill in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison at the line of scrimmage for a short rush gain in the first half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Greedy Williams intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen in the second half, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws warm up passes before their game against the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb warms up before their game against the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. stretches during warm ups, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett arrives before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins arrives before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku arrives before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running backs Nick Chubb (L) and running back D'Ernest Johnson have some fun before their game against the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. greets Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson during warm ups, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

A Cleveland Browns fans dons the Browns’ elf on his Star Wars costume before their game against the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt runs pass routes during warm ups, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws warm up passes before their game against the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku catches warm up passes before their game against the Minnesota Vikings, October 3, 2021, at US Bank Stadium.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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MINNEAPOLIS -- On a day when Baker Mayfield couldn’t hit Odell Beckham Jr. or almost anyone else, his defense and running game carried him to a big 14-7 victory over the Vikings to improve to 3-1.

It was one of those days when you kept expecting Mayfield to hit his stride and make big plays against the 27th-ranked pass defense, but it never happened.

He finished the game 15-of-33 (45%) for 155 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions for a 59.5 rating.

“That piss-poor performance by me isn’t going to cut it,’' Mayfield said. “I’ve got to be better. It’s just that simple.’'

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who won in his return to the place where he started his NFL coaching career, took the heat for his QB.

“I struggled,’' Stefanski said. “That would be the answer.’'

Mayfield sailed most of his passes, overthrowing Beckham numerous times, and underthrowing him on one crucial throw late in the game. On back-to-back plays in the fourth quarter, Mayfield overthrew Beckham and Anthony Schwartz to go three and out while clinging to their 14-7 edge.

Earlier in the the fourth quarter, he overthrew tight end Harrison Bryant, and also took a sack on a key third-down play when he had Demetric Felton wide open at the sticks.

“I pride myself on being extremely accurate,’' Mayfield said. “And today, I don’t know what the hell that was.’'

Stefanski said, “I need to do a better job of getting receivers open,” but guys were plenty open and Mayfield was just wild.

It was an uncharacteristic performance for Mayfield, who’s been deadly accurate most of the season.

He targeted Beckham seven times to tie for the team-high, but hit him only twice for 27 yards. So much for the chemistry offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt saw last week. It was one of those rare 20-yard games for Beckham that only started happening after he was traded to the Browns. Mayfield targeted tight end Austin Hooper five times, and found him only once for 11 yards.

Through four games, Mayfield has only two TD passes to go along with his two interceptions, not even close to what was expected with this loaded, pick-your-poison offense.

But his defense came up huge, including a late-game interception by Greedy Williams off Kirk Cousins, who had eight TDs and no picks coming in, and hadn’t thrown one in 226 attempts. It was Williams’ first career interception, and it came in his first start since his rookie season in 2019 in place of Greg Newsome II, who sat out with a calf injury.

The Browns got great pressure all afternoon on Cousins after he marched down and threw a TD pass to Justin Jefferson on his opening drive, going 6-for-6 in the process. On the day, Cousins completed only 20-of-38 as the Vikings fell to 1-3.

Nick Chubb rushed for 100 yards and Kareem Hunt 69 to carry the offense.

Rookie OL James Hudson replaces a frustrated Jedrick Wills Jr.

Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. hobbled off the field in the third quarter with his ankle injury, and threw his helmet to the turf in frustration. He was replaced by rookie James Hudson, and was carted into the locker room.

Hudson committed a costly false start on fourth and 1 that forced the Browns to punt instead of going for it.

Wills had committed a false start and a holding himself.

Mayfield misses an open Demetric Felton and overthrows Harrison Bryant

Mayfield came out in the second half, and promptly missed Demetric Felton wide open at the right sideline on a third-and-3 play. Instead, Mayfield was sacked for a 1-yard loss by Danielle Hunter to kill the momentum the Browns had at the end of the first half, when they scored 11points in the final 1:16, on Kareem Hunt’s 1yard TD and Chase McLaughlin’s 48-yard field goal with 2 seconds left.

In the fourth quarter, he overthrew an open Harrison Bryant on a corner route for another

Mayfield’s passes sailed in the first half

Mayfield sails his passes at times, and the first half of Sunday’s game was one of those times. By halftime, he completed only 11 of 22 attempts for 98 yards, with a 62.3 rating.

Mayfield put too much heat on a pass to Kareem Hunt in the end zone that glanced off his fingertips, and overthrew Beckham at the right side of the end zone in the second quarter. Later in the quarter, he missed Beckham again in the end zone on a pass that the Vikings’ Patrick Peterson could’ve picked off.

Mayfield sacked on fourth down again

The Browns started the game the same way they did their 26-6 victory over the Bears last week: with a sack of Mayfield on fourth down. The sack, by Everson Griffen, spoiled a 15-play march to the Vikings’ 6.

Mayfield was also sacked on fourth down on each of his first two drives in last week’s 26-6 victory over the Bears.

It looked like it might have the potential to happen a second time Sunday, but the Vikings committed defensive holding on fourth and 2 at their 2 to give the Browns a first and goal at the 1. After an incompletion and a stop of Kareem Hunt for no gain, Hunt finally ran it in behind Andy Janovich for a 1-yard TD with 1:16 left in the half.

Sheldon Richardson then did the Browns a favor by trying to call a fourth timeout before the extra point, and was flagged for delay of game. It enabled the Browns to go for two from the 1-yard line, and Mayfield found Janovich wide open on the right side.

Sacks are a concern this season, especially with Jedrick Wills Jr. gutting it out on a sprained ankle, but fourth-down sacks are especially egregious.

Ronnie Harrison leaves the game with a concussion to press Grant Delpit into more service

The Browns lost Ronnie Harrison Jr. to a concussion in the second quarter, and that hurt their ability to run their three-safety dime package featuring John Johnson III, Harrison and Grant Delpit. It also meant an accelerated increased role for Delpit, who’s played well in his first three games of the season.

Delpit had a nice breakup on Adam Thielen in the third quarter, but it was nullified by a roughing-the-passer call against Malik McDowell.

Vikings start out hot

The Vikings converted two third downs and a fourth down on their opening drive to take a 7-0 lead with 7:26 left in the first quarter on a 12-yard TD pass from Cousins to Justin Jefferson that capped a 14-play, 75-yard drive. Cousins went 6-for-6 on the march, and then the Vikings stalled as the Browns defense took over and dominated.

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