Vikings Fall To 0-3 After 31-27 Loss To Browns

A Cleveland Browns team that averaged six points per game in the first two games of the season racked up 31 against the Vikings in Minnesota's home opener Sunday at the Metrodome. Cleveland's punter threw more touchdown passes than Christian Ponder, as the Vikings fell to 0-3.

Cleveland, who traded their top running back earlier in the week, and was starting their third-string quarterback, was supposed to be the team that had thrown in the towel on the 2013 season. Instead, the Browns scored with 51 seconds left in the game to secure their first win of the season.

The game was filled with poor play and mistakes by both teams, bringing out not only frequent boos from the Minnesota fans, but chants of," Cassel, Cassel," referring to Vikings back up quarterback Matt Cassel. The fans appear to be done with Christian Ponder.

It was another lackluster performance by the Vikings starting QB, who went 25 for 42 for 228 yards, with no passing TDs, and one interception. He did rush for two scores.

Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson carried the ball 25 times for 88 yards, losing a fumble for the second straight game.

There was plenty of blame to pass around the Minnesota locker room, on both sides of he ball, special teams, and coaching. Not to be left out, the officiating crew even blew a call in the game.

The Vikings face the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday (9/29) in London at Noon CT.