Defense carries Cleveland Browns to 14-7 win vs. Minnesota Vikings: See social media reaction to the game

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.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — For the second week in a row, the Browns got a tremendous performance out of their defense against an NFC North foe. The Browns slowed down a red-hot Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings for a 14-7 win in Minneapolis on Sunday.

The Browns held the Vikings to 255 yards of total offense and just 5-for-16 on third-down conversions. They sacked Cousins twice and Greedy Williams had his first career interception.

Offensively, the Browns ran for 184 yards. Nick Chubb had 100 yards and Kareem Hunt added 69 yards and a touchdown. But it wasn’t a good day for Baker Mayfield. He completed 15 of 33 passes for 155 yards in the win. Chase McLaughlin added two field goals, including a 53-yarder.

The Browns are now 3-1 and go back on the road in Week 5 to take on Justin Herbert and the Chargers.

See how social media reacted throughout Sunday’s game.

First quarter

“JOK flying around already,” Jordan Zirm of The Checkdown tweeted after Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah made an early tackle on Dalvin Cook, holding Cook to a one-yard gain.

“Cousins was two yards in front of the line. . Come on man,” former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz tweeted with two laughing and crying emojis after Kirk Cousins was flagged for throwing a touchdown past the line of scrimmage.

“Kirk Cousins isn’t Justin Fields, and the Vikings offense is better coached than the Bears,” Bleacher Report’s Brett Sobleski tweeted as the Vikings drove 75 yards in 7:34 for the opening touchdown of the game.

ESPN Cleveland’s Matt Fontana: “Screen game all day. #Browns.”

“Not even two full drives and this first quarter is ever...don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. #Browns,” Jon Doss of WEWS-TV tweeted.

Second quarter

“4th down misery continues for Browns on opponent’s end of the field,” Pete Smith of Browns Digest tweeted after the Browns were stopped on a 4th-and-4 from the Vikings’ 6.

Former Ohio State safety Tyvis Powell: “I like the way Delpit and JOK play. Tons of passion and energy! They truly love the game.”

Sobleski used the Spiderman pointing meme to describe Sunday’s game.

“WARDDDENNN,” Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II, who was ruled out with a calf injury, tweeted after Ward’s fourth-down pass breakup.

Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar: “Tuff Start To Game Yet A Couple Big Plays By Denzel Ward To Get Us Ball Back #UMatter Go #Browns.”

“Hunt is sooo good in the pass game,” Dustin Fox of 92.3 The Fan tweeted.

Fontana: “Stefanski has said repeatedly they would be aggressive on 4th down and not kick field goals shorter than an extra point. Don’t start questioning it now. It’s what they are going to do. #Browns

“I hope your fantasy team never needs another #Browns field goal this season,” Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports tweeted.

“Umm…Kareem Hunt is ballin,” Mike Freeman of USA Today tweeted.

Third quarter

“Baker with the big miss to Felton right there! #browns,” former Browns punter Dave Zastudil tweeted.

Smith after Takk McKinley had a third-down sack on Kirk Cousins: “That’s what Takk is there to do.”

Doss: “Can’t remember a game in his career in which Mayfield looked this disjointed. Looks like a totally different guy than we saw in KC four weeks ago. #Browns

Sobleski: “Can’t stress enough how well Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is playing. Force player + fills + blitzing + coverage + flying to the football = complete defender.”

Newsome was fired up watching his defense play well on Sunday.

“Guess that’s the obvious answer why they keep trotting Wills out there on one leg,” Anthony Lima of 92.3 The Fan tweeted.

Fourth quarter

Zirm: “Baker, man. it’s not great.”

Newsome was pumped up again after some good coverage by Troy Hill on a third-down pass breakup.

“McLaughlin = weapon,” WKYC-TV’s Dave DeNatale tweeted after Chase McLaughlin hit a 53-yard field goal with 6:16 to go to give the Browns a 14-7 lead.

“WELCOME BACK GREEDY!! #CLEvsMIN,” Browns fan Pumpkinhead tweeted after Greedy Williams’ first career interception.

Zastudil after the Williams interception: “#Browns defense is on fire.”

Kosar: “Finish The Game Strong #UMatter Go #Browns

Sobleski after the Browns stopped the Vikings on fourth down with the help of pressure from Malik Jackson and Malik McDowell: “Malik McDowell should get some NFL Comeback Player of the Year votes. He won’t win the award, but he definitely deserves the recognition.”

“Cousins just had a Malik sandwich. Both of them. McDowell and Jackson #Browns,” John Telich of FOX 8 News tweeted.

“I’ll never understand why Baker Mayfield and OBJ can’t connect,” Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson tweeted after Mayfield missed Beckham on a deep throw with just more than a minute to go.

“.@KirkCousins8 great grandkids are going to be born with bruises after this beating the #Browns DL is putting on him #CLEvsMIN,” Former Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas tweeted.

Sobleski: “- Bad (terrible, no good) Baker. - Landry out. - Newsome out. - No Anthony Walker. - Harrison leaves game. - Wills hurt again. Browns still win because their run game and defensive front dominated. Guys stepped up when necessary.”

Zirm: “the definition of “a win is a win” today”

“Browns are the 3-1 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since Bill Belichick was coach in 1995,” NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano tweeted.

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