The Browns had multiple windows to seize a fourth-quarter lead over the Raiders in the sunny Las Vegas showdown on Sunday. But in the end, Cleveland couldn’t make magic happen, and Las Vegas clung to a 20-16 victory.
The Turning Tide: Raiders in Control
Midway through the third, with the Raiders taking a commanding 20-10 lead, it seemed the desert sands were firmly under their feet. But the game’s script flipped in the fourth, with the Browns nabbing a scoop-and-score off a Zamir White fumble. Alas, kicker Dustin Hopkins missed the extra point, keeping the Browns trailing by four, a misstep that loomed like a shadow over their efforts.
A Missed Opportunity
That missed point came back to haunt Cleveland like an unresolved ghost. The Browns had their moment of brilliance—an 82-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Amari Cooper—but it was snatched away by a penalty, leaving fans heartbroken. And when the Browns made a late-game rush into the red zone, Watson was sacked for a demoralizing 10-yard loss on fourth-and-3, sealing their fate.
Defensive Struggles
Cleveland’s defense showed resilience late game but struggled heavily against the run. Starting the week with just 153 rushing yards in three games, the Raiders nearly matched that total with 152 yards on Sunday. The defensive effort felt like trying to catch water with a sieve.
Raiders’ Creative Ground Game
Las Vegas got inventive on the ground, with six different players handling carries. Alexander Mattison led with 60 yards on just five attempts. Meanwhile, Zamir White churned out 50 yards on 17 carries, averaging a humble 2.9 yards per run. DJ Turner broke loose for an 18-yard touchdown, Tre Tucker squeezed in a 3-yard score, and even tight end Brock Bowers took a jet sweep for a nifty 12-yard gain.
Passing Game and Air Struggles
Quarterback Gardner Minshew, sans star receiver Davante Adams, completed 14 of 24 passes for 130 yards. Jakobi Meyers stepped up as the go-to guy with five catches for 49 yards. Even with Maxx Crosby on the sidelines, the Raiders’ defense rained down fury, recording three sacks and eleven hits on Watson.
Browns’ Offensive Efforts
Deshaun Watson chucked his way to 176 yards, completing 24 of 32 passes, a touchdown, and a critical interception—a dropped ball that went right through Cooper’s fingers. Jerry Jeudy pulled in six catches for 72 yards, and Cooper added four receptions for 35 yards.
Defensive Standouts
For the Browns, Myles Garrett was a bright spot, bagging two sacks and another pair of tackles for loss. But it wasn’t enough to change the winds of fortune.
Looking Ahead
The 2-2 Raiders now gear up for a division clash against the Broncos in Week 5, looking to keep the momentum rolling. Meanwhile, the 1-3 Browns hit the road again to face the red-hot Commanders next Sunday, hoping to get back on the winning track.
