The Las Vegas Raiders started slowly against the Cleveland Browns. It appeared to be a repeat of last week. Instead, they fought back to win 20-16.
After being down 10-0 and amassing a season-high in penalties in less than 10 minutes, Las Vegas scored 14 unanswered points. Cleveland answered, but the Raiders prevailed.
The absences of Maxx Crosby, Davante Adams, and Michael Mayer did not come back to bite Las Vegas. It was a massive concern, but the team showcased determination under adversity. It wasn’t easy, but they are 2-2.
A Trip To 1980s’ Football
The game was sloppy and brutal, yet beautiful to watch in a way. Both teams had less than 150 yards passing on the day. The Las Vegas Raiders surpassed 100 yards rushing for the first time this season and had more rushing yards than passing yards. In fact, without Adams in the lineup, Gardner Minshew only threw for 130 yards.
It was a trip back in time to how football used to be played. It was a hard-hitting, physical affair that Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce had to love. In a battle of big hitters, Robert Spillane for the Raiders finished with a team-leading 12 tackles on the day.
It Was Ugly, But The Defense Prevailed
If you’re a football fan who enjoys two high-octane offenses, this was not the game for you. Even without Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense provided enough for the win. Charles Snowden came through with a game-sealing sack of DeShaun Watson to hold the door on fourth down.
Tre’von Moehrig had a clutch interception off of an Amari Cooper drop that provided momentum. Christian Wilkins had another stellar game, constantly living in the Cleveland backfield. The Las Vegas Raiders defense in total held the Cleveland offense to 10 points which was enough to win.
Special Teams Made Special Plays
Daniel Carlson and A.J. Cole played like the multiple-time Pro Bowlers that they are. Carlson knocked home two field goals and two extra points which made the difference. Cole again proved why he’s the best punter in the NFL with multiple punts that pinned the Browns inside the 15-yard line.
Without the most overlooked phase of the game, the Las Vegas Raiders lose this game. They aren’t winning this game without the play of Carlson and Cole. Both provided clutch kicks that led the team to victory.
2-2 Is Better Than 1-3
In the NFL, every game is a must-win game but certain games mean more than others. That was certainly the case this week. If the Las Vegas Raiders fell to 1-3, it’s almost certain that their playoff hopes were done. Instead, a flicker of hope remains for this season after last week’s dismal performance.
Las Vegas hopes to hold onto this hope and optimism next week. They’ll be heading into a clash with their arch-rivals, the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are also 2-2 but haven’t defeated the Las Vegas Raiders since their relocation in 2020.
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