Browns Bring Former Vikings D-Linemen against Sam Darnold

Aug 26, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) in the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings will play the Cleveland Browns in their second preseason game this weekend. Before the game, the sides will hold joint practices. Kevin O’Connell will be familiar with preparing Sam Darnold for the group up front.

Browns Bring Former Vikings D-Linemen against Sam Darnold

How the Minnesota Vikings quarterback situation plays out this week remains to be seen. Sam Darnold is expected to start, but J.J. McCarthy was to see his reps increase with the first team. After sitting out of Monday night’s practice and set to undergo knee surgery, he won’t factor in.

2 Vikings EDGE
Aug 17, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

Regardless of who is under center, Kevin O’Connell knows a couple of the talents on the Browns defensive line. Both Dalvin Tomlinson and Za’Darius Smith previously have played for the Vikings. The former is a stout run stuffer in the middle, while the latter grabbed his sacks alongside Danielle Hunter and left.

Of course, there shouldn’t be much expectation that either player will chase down Darnold. Quarterbacks will wear red jerseys during the week. Neither Tomlinson nor Smith figures to see much run during the preseason action either. Still, in game planning for both, O’Connell knows what to expect.

Browns
Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) celebrates a tackle for loss against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, running back Kene Nwangwu ripped off a 48-yard run right up the middle. If Tomlinson is stuffing that area, the Browns will present a challenge. Darnold worked down the field during his single drive, but Smith can bring a commanding presence off the edge for Kevin Stefanski’s squad.

It seems logical that Stefanski will ask Darnold to play more during the second preseason game, especially since McCarthy is unavailable. This will give fans a chance to see where the veteran journeyman really is. He looked good in a short burst last week but faltered a bit in the red zone.

Dec 3, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Darnold may feel a bit less pressure with McCarthy shelved, but his game performance will dictate when the rookie starts anyway.


Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.