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NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap: Minnesota Vikings 27, Cleveland Browns 12

2XW58G2 Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) celebrates his touchdown throw against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

The Minnesota Vikings undefeated preseason continued Saturday, as they defeated the Cleveland Browns 27-12 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

With J.J. McCarthy out for the year and Sam Darnold not playing, Vikings QB Nick Mullens started Saturday and performed admirably, finishing 11-of-21 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Mullens recorded one big-time throw and a turnover-worthy play while posting a 9.4-yard average depth of target. 

PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST.

In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level data and snap counts from the game to give you an early look. Our expert graders have also nominated the standout player of the game, highlighting exceptional performance on the field.

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PLAYER OF THE GAME

Vikings interior defender Taki Taimani made the most of his opportunity across 37 snaps Saturday. He was outstanding against the run, totaling four run stops and an impressive 1.75-yard average depth of tackle. As a pass-rusher, Taimani recorded two pressures and another pass-rush win to round out his excellent performance. This was Taimani's second-straight game with multiple run stops, as the undrafted free agent is making a strong push to make Minnesota's 53-man roster.

BOX SCORE

Vikings Browns
Total points 27 12
Total offensive plays 58 63
Average EPA per play 0.195 -0.33
Total net yards 317 286
Avg yards per play 5.5 4.5
Total first downs 16 16
Rushing first downs 5 2
Passing first downs 10 12
Penalty first downs 1 2
Third-down efficiency 46% 36%
Fourth-down efficiency 0% 22%
Possessions 12 11
Avg plays per drive 5.7 6.2
Avg yards per drive 24.4 23.8
Avg points per drive 2.1 0.8
Red-zone possessions 3 3
Red-zone plays 6 8
Red-zone TDs 2 1
Red-zone FGs 1 1
Red-zone scoring efficiency 100% 67%

SNAP COUNTS & PLAYER PARTICIPATION

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