Addison Redeems Himself With Game-Winning TD as Vikings Edge Browns in London

LONDON (AP) — Jordan Addison made the most of his second chance on Sunday, hauling in the game-winning touchdown with just 25 seconds left to lift the Minnesota Vikings to a dramatic 21-17 win over the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The rookie wide receiver was benched for the first quarter due to missing a team walk-through earlier in the week. But when it mattered most, Addison delivered.

“He spoke with the team to let them know that whenever I gave him the opportunity to go in the game, they could count on him,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said.

Addison caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carson Wentz to cap a perfect 10-play, 80-yard drive. Wentz went 9-for-9 on the decisive series and finished the day 25-of-34 for 236 yards, one touchdown, and a brief injury scare that sent him to the locker room before halftime.

Minnesota (3-2) bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Steelers in Dublin the week prior and preserved its perfect 5-0 record in London games.

“Being in Europe for two weeks, pretty much, and losing last week in Ireland — a win was a must,” said star receiver Justin Jefferson, who led all receivers with 123 yards on seven catches. “We couldn’t go home on that plane 0-2.”

Browns Rookie Gabriel Impresses, But Can’t Close

Cleveland (1-4) saw a promising debut from rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns, including a go-ahead score to David Njoku with 10:13 remaining. Gabriel, starting over veteran Joe Flacco, completed 19-of-33 passes and showed poise throughout.

Fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins added 110 rushing yards on 23 carries and helped position the Browns for a potential win. But Minnesota’s defense held firm late, and the Browns couldn’t respond after Addison’s go-ahead touchdown.

“We need to do a better job closing out,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “That’s an offensive thing, defense, special teams, coaches, players — you name it.”

Wentz Steady in Comeback Effort

Despite briefly leaving the game with a left shoulder injury after a hit from Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, Wentz returned to engineer two second-half scoring drives.

Running back Jordan Mason gave the Vikings a 14-10 lead in the third quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run, but a fumble earlier in the game had set up a Browns score. Cleveland capitalized when Gabriel found rookie Harold Fannin Jr. for a 1-yard touchdown on a play-action pass.

Before Addison’s late-game heroics, the Vikings also tied the game in the first half with a bit of trickery — Cam Akers took a direct snap and threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open tight end Josh Oliver. It was Akers’ first career pass attempt.

Discipline, Growth, and Redemption

Addison’s benching stemmed from missing a team walk-through — a violation coach O’Connell said was “not in alignment with our standards.”

“I love Jordan Addison,” O’Connell said. “He knows every guy in that locker room has his back. But at the same time, we’ve got standards.”

Jefferson, who has emerged as a vocal team leader, said he spoke to Addison directly.

“It’s all about growing up and being part of the team — knowing the stakes and knowing that he’s a valuable part of this team,” Jefferson said. “I’ve just got to do better in keeping him under my wing and making sure that he has his head on straight.”

Addison declined to speak with reporters after the game.

Quarterback Questions Remain

O’Connell avoided committing to a starting quarterback going forward, as rookie J.J. McCarthy continues to recover from injury. Wentz, who has now won two of his three starts, also remained focused on the present.

“I’m done looking ahead,” Wentz said. “I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and appreciate this win.”

Injuries

• Vikings: Wentz briefly left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. Backup Max Brosmer took one snap to close the half. RB Jordan Mason was slow to get up after a catch late in the third quarter.
• Browns: No major injuries reported.

What’s Next

• Vikings: Bye week before hosting the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7.
• Browns: Travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers next week.