London Sparks Drama as Vikings Rally Behind Addison’s Late Touchdown
The NFL’s International Series delivered another memorable chapter as the Minnesota Vikings edged the Cleveland Browns 21-17 in London. In his first career start, quarterback Dillon Gabriel showed flashes for Cleveland, completing 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, but the Browns couldn’t hold off a determined Minnesota squad. The day belonged to wide receiver Jordan Addison, who made a dramatic late-game impact to help the Vikings pull out the win.
Early on, Minnesota faced a curious delay: Addison was sidelined for the opening drives due to a coach’s decision, leaving the Vikings to navigate the field without one of their top weapons. No official reason was provided for the absence, leaving fans and analysts to speculate. Addison’s return coincided with a decisive swing in momentum as Minnesota mounted its comeback bid in front of a raucous international crowd.
Dillon Gabriel Quietly Efficient in First Start
For the Browns, Dillon Gabriel didn’t have to be spectacular to be effective. He balanced risk with precision, finishing his first start with solid yardage, two touchdowns, and several timely throws that helped Cleveland stay in range. His best sequence came late in the third quarter when he lofted a well-placed strike into a tight window for a 1-yard touchdown on a play-action rollout—an early sign that Gabriel could grow into a reliable starter with more experience.
Gabriel’s connection with his targets grew as the game progressed. A crucial third-down conversion set up a scoring drive, and the second touchdown—found in traffic near the sideline—showed off his willingness to attack tight windows. Yet the Browns’ offense occasionally stalled, and penalties or negative plays limited some drives that could have extended Cleveland’s lead.
Judkins Shines on the International Stage
Quinshon Judkins, the running back who has drawn attention since his college days, delivered a star-making performance for Minnesota. Rushing 23 times for 110 yards, he controlled the ground game and gave the Vikings balance that helped compensate for Addison’s late arrival. A long touchdown was wiped out by a holding call, but Judkins’ workload and far-reaching aggression kept Minnesota’s offense moving in a hostile environment.
Addison Delivers the Winning Moment
When the moment mattered most, Addison delivered. After returning to the field in the second quarter, he stepped into the spotlight with a game-winning touchdown catch from quarterback Carson Wentz with 30 seconds left. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: in a tightly contested London battle, Addison’s score sealed the comeback and added a signature moment to his early NFL résumé.
Wentz, Jefferson Highlight Vikings Resilience
Carson Wentz appeared unfazed by a brief second-quarter absence due to a shoulder issue, returning to guide Minnesota to two late scoring drives. His connection with star receiver Justin Jefferson was a constant source of offense; Jefferson finished with a game-high 123 receiving yards on seven receptions, including a key 21-yard connection that helped place Minnesota in field-goal range before Addison’s late clincher.
Game-Status and Final Moments
The final whistle came after a frantic sequence: Cleveland forced a punt with the Browns clinging to a four-point lead, and Gabriel’s late-drive magic gave way to a Hail Mary attempt that fell short. Jamari Thrash briefly gained yards but could not get out of bounds, allowing Minnesota to kneel out the clock and seal the win in front of a global audience.
What This Means Going Forward
For Cleveland, the debut of Dillon Gabriel is a hopeful sign for the future, with development and play-action timing to improve as the season progresses. For Minnesota, the combination of Addison’s late heroics, Jefferson’s prolific production, and Judkins’ rugged ground game offers a blueprint for continued success in a crowded NFC landscape. The London chapter closed with more questions about both teams but plenty of reasons for optimism in the weeks ahead.
Bottom Line
Jordan Addison’s late touchdown punctuated a comeback win in London, illustrating his impact-level ability and giving the Vikings a much-needed victory while Dillon Gabriel demonstrated enough competence in his first start to earn more opportunities down the road.
