London Showdown: Vikings Rally Past Browns in Dillon Gabriel’s First Start
The Minnesota Vikings earned a 21-17 win over the Cleveland Browns in the NFL’s international series, but the real storyline was the debut of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Playing in his first NFL start, Gabriel navigated a stiff test and showed why he’s considered a rising arm in a game that featured multiple plot twists and big plays on both sides.
Early Absence, Late Impact: Addison’s Return and the Game’s Decisive Drive
Early on, Minnesota faced surprise hesitation as star wide receiver Jordan Addison was not on the field for the team’s first couple of drives. The reason wasn’t disclosed, leaving fans and analysts to wonder about the coach’s decision. Addison returned to the lineup and made his presence felt in a decisive moment, catching the game-winning touchdown pass from Carson Wentz with 30 seconds on the clock. It was the kind of clutch play that reinforces Addison’s status as a top weapon in the Vikings’ arsenal.
Gabriel’s First Start: Poised and Productive as a Rookie
Gabriel wasn’t asked to carry the offense, but he answered when Minnesota pressed. He finished 19 of 33 for 190 yards with two touchdowns, showing poise beyond his years. The blue-collar Viking run game helped mask any rookie jitters, and the biggest test came from a defense that was quick to apply pressure and ready to disrupt the rhythm.
Judkins Lights Up London, Nearly Breaking It
Quinshon Judkins carried the day on the ground, turning in a star-making performance on the international stage. He rushed 23 times for 110 yards, establishing a physical presence that kept the Browns honest. A long touchdown run was wiped out by a holding penalty, a reminder that even strong performances come with moments that could have changed the trajectory of the game.
Gabriel’s Two Touchdowns: A Pair of Promising Strikes
Gabriel’s first touchdown strike came on the goal line after a Judkins fake, as he hit Harold Fannin Jr. in the flat for a straightforward score in the first quarter. Later, late in the third, he threaded a needle to David Njoku on a third-and-9. In a tight window with defenders closing in, Njoku secured the pass as the Browns took a 17-14 lead, reinforcing Gabriel’s ability to deliver when called upon.
Defense, Special Teams, and the Clock Management
Both teams experienced the ebbs and flows that often determine a London tilt. Minnesota’s defense stepped up late, forcing punts after moments when Cleveland appeared poised to salt away the game. Will Reichard’s 51-yard field goal attempt miss in the fourth quarter provided Minnesota with renewed life and a path back into the standings. The Vikings answered with a poised drive, aided by Jefferson’s big-day performance—seven catches for 123 yards, a game-high mark for both sides.
Wentz left the field briefly with a left shoulder issue late in the second quarter, but he returned and led a critical drive to keep Minnesota within striking distance. His clutch throws, including a 21-yard completion to Justin Jefferson, set up the field goal range and helped deliver the final sequence that culminated in Addison’s late heroics.
Final Minutes: Addison’s Touchdown Seals the Victory
As the clock dwindled, the Vikings executed their two-minute offense and clinched the win with Addison’s game-winning catch. The moment underscored how quickly a capitalized opportunity can swing an international contest, letting the Vikings escape with a road victory and leaving Browns fans with what-ifs about the late push.
Gabriel’s first NFL start offered a glimpse of what could be a compelling rookie season. Add in the breakout performance from Judkins and the star-making moment from Addison, and London’s late-September slate delivered a memorable chapter for both franchises as they navigate the rest of the campaign.
— Live updates and more highlights from the Vikings-Browns clash in London will continue to roll in as teams digest the lessons from this international showdown.
