Coming into week five of the season, Cleveland’s defence had conceded the fewest yards in the NFL – 222.5 per game – and were seventh for total sacks (11).

As expected, they gave Wentz and his depleted offensive line a testing time for most of the afternoon, recovering two Vikings fumbles and claiming three sacks.

But they were unable to get a stop on Minnesota when it mattered most, and simultaneously Cleveland’s offence stopped clicking.

The Browns opened the scoring with a Harold Fannin touchdown before a field goal edged them into a 10-7 lead at half-time, and a David Njoku touchdown put them back in front heading into the final quarter.

They failed to add the finishing touch, though, as over their final five possessions they earned just two first downs from 17 plays.

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

The Browns now have a 1-4 record, with Sunday’s defeat showing that winning the turnover battle doesn’t always mean you win the game.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to go out and get the win,” said defensive end Myles Garrett.

“That’s holding them to less points than you’ve got, and that’s not guaranteed with sacks or takeaways. You’ve got to show up when you need it.”