Tag: Raiders vs Browns

Raiders winners and losers in last-second victory vs. Browns

Here are the biggest winners and losers from the Raiders Week 15 win over the Browns

The Raiders struggled against a Browns team missing 18 total players and eight starters on Monday but eventually came out on top, winning on a last-second Daniel Carlson field goal, 16-14.

Cleveland’s roster was depleted due to a bevy of players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, with their starting quarterback and head coach watching the game from afar. But for the Raiders, a win is a win, especially as they desperately cling to playoff hopes as the campaign winds down.

Here are this week’s winners and losers for the Raiders after the victory put their record at 7-7 and increased their slim postseason chances.

Winners

Johnathan Abram

With the Browns starting their third-team quarterback, Nick Mullens, Cleveland attempted to lean on their rushing attack, lead by running back Nick Chubb. Run defense has been a weakness for the Raiders all season, so it was a good strategy.

But early on, Raiders safety Johnathan Abram was having none of it. He had two early tackles for loss that set the tone for the day, including a TFL on Cleveland’s first drive.

Abram had to leave the contest with an injury in the fourth quarter, but his teammates kept at it. Most importantly, they stopped the Browns late in the game when Cleveland, up 14-13, needed a first down to run out the clock but were stuffed on a 3rd-down rushing play. The stand gave the ball back to quarterback Derek Carr, who led his offense to the game-winning field goal.

Daniel Carlson

Kicker Daniel Carlson nailed the winning 48-yard kick as time expired, and he made it look easy — especially considering he had to make the kick twice thanks to a well-timed timeout from the Browns’ sideline on his first try.

But just minutes before, it appeared Carlson wouldn’t have the opportunity. Carr threw what could have been a game-ending interception, on a deep attempt to wide receiver Zay Jones late in the fourth quarter. The Las Vegas defense stopped the Browns from running out the clock, however, and Carr made the most of his second chance, with Carlson finishing the job.

Zay Jones

Jones had an up and down game, but he kept at it and never gave up, much like the Raiders squad on this oddly timed contest (moved from Saturday to early Monday evening due to the Browns’ roster situation).

He dove too soon on Carr’s late interception, though a catch would have been difficult to make on that play. On the Raiders’ previous drive, Jones had a chance to convert a 3rd-down play but came up short after he thought he stretched the football out far enough.

But on Las Vegas’ final march, Jones was there for Carr. He caught a pass and got down at the 30-yard line so the Raiders could spike the ball and stop the clock, setting up Carlson’s boot. On the day, Jones had six catches for 67 yards on nine targets.

Bryan Edwards

With WR Hunter Renfrow held in check most of the game, Jones and WR Bryan Edwards had to step up, and they did. Edwards had just three catches for a paltry eight yards, but he notched the game’s first touchdown, on a pass from Carr.

This is exactly the type of play the Raiders need from their big-bodied WR. Edwards certainly wasn’t perfect, however. He had a fumble later in the game, recovered by Renfrow. But none of the Raiders were perfect on this day. They simply got the job done. And that’s what Edwards did, too.

Dallin Leavitt

Raiders safety Dallin Leavitt made his presence known in this rough-and-rugged game in Cleveland, converting a short run on a fake punt and registering an impressive pass breakup on a big 3rd-down play late in the fourth quarter.

Leavitt barely beat out offensive tackle Kolton Miller for a spot on this week’s lengthy winners’ list, but Miller had a late hold that could have cost Las Vegas the game. He had a fantastic day of pass blocking against Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, however. Tight end Foster Moreau had a nice game for Carr and the offense, too.

But there was just something about Leavitt’s performance. Once again, the guy never seems to give up, despite being an undrafted player. During a game like this one, he was just the type of player the Raiders needed on their side.

Losers

DeSean Jackson

Raider’s speedster DeSean Jackson had just one catch on the day, but he lands on the losers’ list due to a really bad drop on the Raiders’ first drive of the second half. Las Vegas went 3-and-out when they were up 10-0 and had a chance to take control. If Jackson caught his drop, the Raiders may have done so.

Or perhaps not. Though Las Vegas won this game, it was a subpar showing. Especially considering the Browns’ roster situation.

The contest was very close to being a disaster for Las Vegas, especially after a 3rd-quarter Carr fumble led to the Browns’ first touchdown of the day. Carr tweaked his knee as he was tackled in the pocket, but he has to hang on to the football in that instance. That play was nearly the difference in the game.

In the end, the Raiders got their win. But in the weeks ahead, even next week against a so-so Broncos team, Las Vegas will have to play much better for their playoff hopes to continue past this hard-earned victory.

[vertical-gallery id=88025]

Jon Gruden: Raiders defense feeds off the energy, presence of SS Johnathan Abram

Raiders safety Johnathan Abram returned to the Raiders, and coach Jon Gruden said his presence is essential to the Las Vegas defense.

After going without safety Johnathan Abram in their 45-20 loss to the Buccaneers Week 7, the hope for the Raiders was that the defense just wasn’t themselves that day — especially considering Abram’s absence.

He returned from the reserve/COVID-19 list in time to suit up against the Browns in Week 8, and the Raiders didn’t allow a touchdown. The poor weather in Cleveland and a productive offense certainly provided an assist, but Abram was also a clear factor in the win.

Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther sent Abram on a handful of blitzes early, and his ferocity and swagger set the tone for the day. Coach Jon Gruden praised Abram’s effort rushing the pocket, noting that Abram would have notched a sack if he wasn’t offsides on the same play. Gruden also commented on Abram’s on-field demeanor.

“He has a playing style that I like. He has that physical gameday presence that we feel like we need back in this organization,” Gruden said to reporters on Monday. “He still has a long way to go to become a great safety, but I think you see the splash plays that he’s capable of making. He brings us some leadership and some energy that we really need in the backend.

“When he’s on the field on gameday, something happens to him and our team. He just has a presence about him, a playing style, leadership, playmaking that we need. We feed off of that. It was obvious again yesterday.” 

Abram missed nearly all of his rookie campaign a year ago, after injuring his shoulder in his first game with the Raiders. He’s one of Las Vegas’ prized first-round picks made in the last two years, five in total due to the Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper trades.

As Gruden said, Abram has a long way to go— as does the Raiders defense. But it appears he has the skills to thrive in the NFL and to raise the play of his teammates, which is exactly what the club needs to turn its defense around.

[vertical-gallery id=75503]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Raiders coach Jon Gruden says Derek Carr’s rushing yards were the ‘secret sauce’ to win vs. Browns

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is growing more accustomed to running when the play breaks down, and Jon Gruden sang his praises on Sunday.

It’s no secret that Raiders coach Jon Gruden loves mobile quarterbacks. He raves about almost every versatile prospect if given the opportunity, and he signed dual-threat quarterback Marcus Mariota to a lucrative contract this offseason.

Furthermore, Gruden had success with a mobile quarterback during his first stint as Raiders coach, with former MVP QB Rich Gannon. The coach has tried to coax this skill from current Raiders QB Derek Carr almost as soon as he rejoined the club in 2018.

With Carr in his third year in Gruden’s offense, the QB has put his athleticism to use increasingly often. He had one of the finest rushing games of his career in the Raiders 16-6 win against the Browns, gaining 41 yards on six attempts. Most of his carries came as pass plays broke down, and there was even a designed run late in the game.

“That is what we have all been asking for,” Gruden said to reporters after the win. “We have all been saying, ‘Hey, extend a couple plays. Why don’t you extend a couple plays?’ Today, he extended a couple plays. Those were, I think, the plays that were the secret sauce in the win today.”

The coach pointed out the designed run, which set up a Las Vegas score, though Carr did fumble at the end of the play, with running back Devontae Booker recovering near the goal line.

Gruden might want to be careful with those, as Carr is prone to fumbling. But when there are no open receivers and room to run, Carr should keep this running trend going. It’s good for the team, and as a bonus, it appears Carr has fun. Here he is getting pumped up from one of his better runs, good for a first down.

Carr failed to slide at the end of this play, however, and he should learn how to do so if he does in fact keep bolting from the pocket as he did against the Browns. He has to protect himself and the ball in the future.

Gruden, when asked about his reaction to Carr lowering the shoulder on run plays, agreed. “I don’t say, ‘Atta boy.’ I say ‘Are you out of your mind? Don’t get carried away.’ He is a great competitor. I am just proud that he is finding all kinds of ways to move the team,” Gruden said.

Carr’s athleticism is more than good enough to run from the pocket when the play breaks down and there is open grass in front of him, and the west coast offense benefits greatly from a QB that doesn’t hesitate when such an opportunity arises. Gruden’s been asking for it, and against the Browns, he got his wish. If Sunday was any indication, Carr appears ready to add a crucial element to his game for good.

[vertical-gallery id=75503]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns live stream, how to watch, NFL football predictions, odds, tv channel, start time

The Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns meet on Sunday afternoon from FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns meet on Sunday afternoon from FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Raiders want to rebound from the ugly 45-20 loss to the Bucs last weekend and Jon Gruden will have his team ready for this matchup in Cleveland. The Browns are coming off an exciting come from behind win over the Bengals last week where Baker Mayfield led them on a last-minute drive.

This should be a fun one with both offenses being able to put up points. Don’t miss it, here is everything you need to know to stream the game live.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns

  • When: Sunday, November 1
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: FOX
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Prediction: Las Vegas will come to play today. Baker will be without Odell Beckham and Jon Gruden needs this win for his team for them to keep the playoff hopes alive.

Bet: Las Vegas Raiders -1. 

How to watch the NFL this season

fuboTV has complete local NFL coverage (CBS, FOX, ESPN), plus NFL Network and NFL Network Redzone. FuboTV includes every network you need to watch every NFL game in your market.
fuboTV is available on your phone, tablet, desktop, TV, connected TV Devices including Roku. Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV plus many more.
*Regional Restrictions Apply*

NFL Football Odds and Betting Lines

NFL odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds last updated Sunday at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns -1

Over/Under: 47.5

Want some action on the NFL? Place your legal sports bets on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ, and WV at BetMGM. 

We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.