BEREA, Ohio — "Voice of the Vikings" Paul Allen summarized it nicely with this post on X Wednesday:
The phrase "stimulation overload" aptly describes joint practices when teams try to maximize quality work in controlled settings.
Cleveland's offense worked against Minnesota's defense on one field, and the Vikings offense faced the Browns defense, except when the teams took turns working through the NFL's new kickoff.
The session began moments after Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell announced J.J. McCarthy underwent surgery to repair his meniscus and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
McCarthy did not make the trip to Northeast Ohio.
The following Vikings did not participate: Shaq Griffin, Gabriel Murphy, Dan Feeney and Robert Tonyan.
Receiver Jordan Addison suffered an ankle injury at the end of a deep pass play that was broken up by Cameron Mitchell. Addison hopped up and left the field on a cart.
Purple Insider's Matthew Coller was told by O'Connell after the practice that the belief is Addison will be OK in the long run but sidelined for a bit.
Receiver Thayer Thomas also suffered an injury on a pass that was intercepted by Myles Harden. Thomas was on the field for multiple minutes before walking off.
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Show of superstars' force
Vikings fans have become quite accustomed to seeing Justin Jefferson doing Justin Jefferson things.
That continued against a strong defensive backs group of the Browns. Jefferson continued to show the positive chemistry he's developing with Sam Darnold as the duo worked for some short and intermediate completions in 7-on-7 and team periods, as well as a deep touchdown during the team portion.
Jefferson highlighted what was a tough day for Vikings receivers that included the injuries to Addison and Thomas, as well as a couple of drops and catches that were initially secured but broken up before their completion.
Those who cover the Browns on a regular basis have grown accustomed to seeing Myles Garrett do Myles Garrett things.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 272 pounds, Garrett maximizes his power and is capable of speed and movement abilities to wreak havoc.
Garrett impressed in reps against Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O'Neill. Darrisaw explained his impression of Garrett to The Athletic's Alec Lewis.
Garrett set the pace for an active Browns defensive line that is without a few players (former Vikings DT Dalvin Tomlinson and DE Za'Darius Smith did not participate) right now but is maintaining its feistiness.
Darnold faced dirty pockets multiple times. Perhaps his best throw of the day occurred during one such instance. He withstood pressure and fired a strike to Trishton Jackson.
2. Run game faces challenges
O'Connell has utilized the phrase "play style" in multiple instances during this year's training camp.
The phrase is intended to apply toward an effectiveness by the offense in the run game and pass protection, as well as the defense shutting down an opponent.
Minnesota was well pleased with its success in the run game in its preseason opener when the Vikings averaged 6.5 yards per carry and suffered one negative play for a loss of 2 yards.
The run game, however, might have a little way to go, based on the run stuffs the Browns were able to record during team periods.
View photos of players during joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 14 at the Browns training facility.
The Vikings and Browns did a considerable amount of work on first-and-10 and second-and-6 situations, but Minnesota was unable to yield many positive results on those run plays.
3. Vikings defense vs. Browns offense
Most of my attention was on the field with the Vikings offense going against the Browns defense on Wednesday, but clevelandbrowns.com Staff Writer and Content Creator Kelsey Russo spent more time tracking the Cleveland offense and Minnesota defense.
Russo noted Browns QB Deshaun Watson, who has been recovering from injury and is not likely to play Saturday, found connections with receivers Jerry Jeudy and Amari Cooper, as well as tight end David Njoku.
The Vikings defense countered, with Camryn Bynum picking off a pass and breaking up another intended for Elijah Moore.
Blake Cashman also recorded an interception, and Ivan Pace, Jr., was in the backfield for what would have been a sack. Jay Ward also recorded a pass breakup.
