While Minnesota has shut down the passing game, its defense has allowed more than 130 rushing yards per game, the ninth-most in the NFL. If the offensive line executes in the trenches, RB Quinshon Judkins can build on his season. Through three games, Judkins has run for 237 yards and is fifth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. His explosive play potential during those games has been limited, running for more than 10 yards five times.
Teller said on Sept. 29 that the Browns have been an inch away from explosive plays at times. Against the Packers, the offense connected those explosive plays with Judkins breaking off two runs for a combined 52 yards to spark the Browns comeback.
“So, as long as we can – not get moral victories I mean, obviously, we want to win the game – but ways of handling whatever the (defensive) front is doing or stuff like that,” Teller said. “I trust our coaches and I trust the guys we have in the room to get it done.”
While Teller trusts the room, the injuries within the offensive line could test the Browns chemistry up front, especially against the Vikings’ defense. Cleveland has the chance to expose the pressure that Minnesota’s defense brings and break out offensively to get their second win of the season.
“The goal is to try and find a way to win, and that’s what really what we’ve been focused on,” Bitonio said. “We had a good day of walk-through practice and getting the body moving and tomorrow we can move into like our normal Friday, but really just our focus has been on Minnesota and finding a way to win the game.”