LONDON — A frequent tagline of Kevin O'Connell is the important of players being at their best when their best is required.

Carson Wentz was absolutely brilliant on Minnesota's final offensive possession behind a makeshift line that became even more patchwork by the end of the game.

The defense gave Minnesota the ball at its 20-yard line with 3:05 remaining.

After starting the drive with a 9-yard run by Jordan Mason, Wentz completed nine consecutive passes for the final 71 yards.

He set up the 12-yard, game-winning touchdown, which was caught by Jordan Addison with 25 seconds remaining by continuing to distribute the ball quickly on passes to Mason and two more to Addison before the score in a 21-17 victory over the Browns.

The rally improved Minnesota to 5-0 all-time in regular season games hosted by London and improved the Vikings to 3-2 on the season as the team heads for a much-needed bye to recoup from a near fortnight abroad and an absolute rash of injuries.

Wentz finished 25-of-34 passing for 236 yards with the touchdown for a passer rating of 102.1.

He connected with Justin Jefferson seven times for 123 yards as the receiver posted back-to-back 100-yard games as the Vikings became the first team to participate in consecutive International Series games in two different countries.

Addison did not play in the first quarter because of a coach's decision, but he came up big late with five catches for 41 yards.

T.J. Hockenson recorded six catches for 38 yards, including two for 20 on the pivotal drive, and Josh Oliver added 35 yards on two catches.

Here are four more observations:

1. Offensive linemen step in and step up

The storyline of the week was how Minnesota would be able to piece together an offensive line and perform against a feisty Cleveland front.

Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right guard Will Fries were joined by undrafted rookie Joe Huber at left guard and veterans Blake Brandel at center and Justin Skule at right tackle.

Huber made his first career start, and Brandel played center in a game for the first time in his career.

Minnesota, which entered the game having allowed 18 sacks, played the entire first half without allowing a sack. It was Minnesota's first half of football this season without allowing at least one sack.

Cleveland was able to get home three times in the second half.

Having played almost 80 offensive snaps last week in Dublin, Darrisaw's action was limited Sunday against the Browns, so the Vikings moved Skule from right tackle to left tackle and brought in Walter Rouse.

2. Non-QB TD shows creativity

O'Connell got into his bag on Minnesota's second possession of the game.

He lined running back Cam Akers up in a Wildcat formation and had the running back roll to his right before guiding a pass to Josh Oliver for a 32-yard touchdown.

It was Minnesota's first touchdown pass by a non-QB since Oct. 6, 2008, when Chester Taylor hit Visanthe Shiancoe for a 4-yard score at New Orleans.

The play also was the third-longest TD pass by a non-QB in team history. It only trails a 43-yarder by Alfred Anderson to Dwight Collins on Sept. 16, 1984, and a 36-yarder from Keith Henderson to Terry Allen on Nov. 29, 1992.

3. Defense closes strong after field flip

The Browns were able to take a 17-14 lead after a drive in the third quarter that lasted 8:06 of the third quarter.

But Minnesota's defense went on lockdown mode in the fourth quarter.

A career-long 77-yard punt by Ryan Wright and a penalty placed the ball at the Cleveland 1.

The Vikings forced two three-and-punts early in the fourth quarter and only allowed one first down in the fourth quarter before the Browns got the ball back with 25 seconds remaining. Cleveland added 44 yards on two completions after Minnesota shifted to prevent defense for the final two snaps.

4. Penalties continue

The Vikings don't have a history of being highly penalized under O'Connell, but the team committed 37 infractions through its first four games of 2025.

The rash continued from the opening kickoff, which hit the turf before crossing the Cleveland 20-yard line. When kickoffs don't pass the landing zone, the receiving team gets the ball at its 40.

The early miscue set the Browns up to take charge in the field position battle early, and Cleveland put together a touchdown drive finished with a 1-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel to Harold Fannin, Jr. Rookie Quinshon Judkins did the worst damage during the drive when he ripped off a 32-yard run.

The Vikings finished the first half with six penalties, including a hold that negated a 47-yard completion from Carson Wentz to Jalen Nailor.

There also were infractions that negated decent kickoff returns by Myles Price.

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