FSM Essential Recap: Raiders vs Browns - Week 8

FSM Essential Recap: Raiders vs. Browns – Week 8

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Las Vegas Raiders (4-3)  |  Cleveland Browns (5-3)

The Las Vegas Raiders came into the Dawg Pound and pulled out a win in a dog fight against the Cleveland Browns.

 

The odds were stacked against the Raiders in yesterday’s matchup. They came into the game with more illness complications with Trent Brown, who was ruled out just hours before game time. Not to mention, yesterday’s forecast consisted of rain, freezing temperatures, and high winds.

The biggest obstacle of them all was the high-speed wind that affects the quarterbacks and kickers’ accuracy. Fans expected to see a heavy run game from both teams as it was a duel between Josh Jacobs and Browns’ halfback Kareem Hunt. 

Both defenses have struggled this season, so we expected this matchup to be a shootout amongst these two unique offenses. Instead, each defense had the harsh weather conditions on their side as we witnessed an old-fashioned, gritty, hard-nosed football battle.

 

These types of games aren’t as exciting to watch for the fans, but the Raiders want to win by any means necessary even if it’s not done in a flashy manner.

 

Derek Carr is all into the commitment to excellence, as he stated after the game, “At the end of the day, I just don’t care. I just want to win. Whatever it takes to win, we have to figure out how to do that.“

Las Vegas’ defense took advantage of the fact that star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was out. Someone who really spaces the field and on the same page with his quarterback can be a serious threat in the backfield on jet sweeps or double moves past the secondaries deep downfield.

The Raiders were, on average, allowing around 430 total yards per game. Yesterday, they held Cleveland to only 223 yards of total offense. Crucial third-down stops and forcing a timely fumble were key factors for the defense getting the job done. The Browns were 3-10 on third down efficiency, and turning the ball over on your first drive of the game can take the life out of an offense real quick.

The Silver and Black defense held their opponent to single digits for the first time in their 2020 campaign, and although it was a dominant performance, we still need to see the defensive line come alive. No sacks were recorded, and only one tackle for a loss against a struggling Browns’ offensive front.

John Gruden knows what his defense is capable of and has a goal for guys every game saying, “We want to be able to get more hats to the ball. Knock out the big plays. We can’t keep giving up big plays. Try to create some turnovers. Those are priorities.”

 

Josh Jacobs runs for his first 100 yard game of the 2020 NFL season which ultimately secured the win for his crew.

 

The Browns were top five in the league in running defense, holding their opponents to just under 93 yards rushing per game.

Jacobs was not phased as he went off for 128 yards on 31 carries. None of those runs amounted to a score, but it got the job done. The Raiders had five drives go over ten minutes. They also finished the game with a fifteen-minute possession differential over Cleveland. 

DC also contributed to the run as well, with 41 yards on six attempts. These were important runs that either moved the chains or gave his half-backs better opportunities for the first down.

 

 

The Las Vegas Raiders are now a half game back from the seventh spot in the AFC playoff picture. They have another key division rival matchup next week as they take on the Los Angeles Chargers at 1:05 pm PT on CBS.

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Justin Brooks – Franchise Sports Media

Twitter: @Ayyeju5tin

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Raiders vs. Browns