The offense has stumbled badly on third downs, which typically goes hand in hand with a failure in pass protection. The Vikings rank fourth worst in the league with a 30.6% conversion rate. On third downs with between 7 and 10 yards to go, according to Sportradar data, the Vikings are last in the NFL with just one conversion in 12 attempts (8.3%).

The Browns were blasted last weekend by the aforementioned Lions in Motown, 34-10. Joe Flacco threw two more interceptions in the loss. He has thrown six already this season. The veteran’s QBR for the season sits at a less than desirable 27.0 which ranks 32nd in the NFL. For reference’s sake, Wentz ranks 29th with a QBR of 38.7.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is optimistic that quarterback J.J. McCarthy will resume practicing ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

The Minnesota Vikings are in the midst of a 10-day road trip to Europe that's the first time an NFL team will have played consecutive international games in different countries.

McCarthy has not practiced since a Week 2 loss to the Falcons and head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a press conference from England on Tuesday that the team is hopeful that he will be able to do some work as the team wraps up the week.

The Steelers led 24-6 before the Vikings began a valiant comeback led by Carson Wentz, who despite not having three offensive linemen produced two late scoring drives. Pittsburgh, however, was able to avoid a monumental collapse after turning the Vikings over on downs on their final drive.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't allowing injuries to be an excuse, but he did casually mention how the Vikings have already had half of their 22 starters on offense and defense go down with injuries in the first four weeks of the season.