Why isn't the Vikings' spending on rush defense paying off?

EAGAN, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer scoffed at the notion that the run defense is a problem following a 14-7 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

For a fourth straight week, Minnesota got gashed on the ground. This time, they allowed a season-high 184 rushing yards to the Browns after giving up 106 to Seattle, 103 to Arizona and 149 to Cincinnati.

Zimmer leaned on his 27 years of NFL coaching experience to show why he’s not discouraged “one bit about the lack of stopping the run” and that those pressing him are too concerned about what the numbers reveal, like Cleveland breaking off nearly five yards per rush.

“I know all you guys are all stat guys, but when you look at it,…