Alright, welcome in to the full recap of the Raiders-Browns game where the Raiders fought hard in the first half, but the Raiders had a couple of heartbreaking mistakes down the stretch to give the game away to the Browns as the Browns defeat the Raiders 13-23 after an embarrassing loss to the previous win-less Jaguars last week.
I just want to put both of my hands in front of my face before I post this up. That's it, it's official, we are the worst team in the league. I said in my full recap last week when the Raiders lost to the Cardinals that the Cleveland Browns always play tough at home. The difference between this week and last week, the Browns were playing in Jacksonville last week, this week, they got the Raiders and home and they totally blew it open in the second half. I didn't want to put the stamp on yet, but after this game, we deserve that stamp as the absolute worst in the NFL. I'll be criticize for saying that, but there's a fine line between being a die hard fan who supports a team no matter what and being a die hard fan, who supports the team no matter what, but who is also being honest and accepting the facts.
The Positives
The linebackers. Khalil Mack finished with 6 tackles, Sio Moore finished with 9 tackles, and Miles Burris also finished with 9 tackles. Mack and Moore have the potential to be a terrorizing tandem in the outside linebacker spots and they put their first stamp this game. As mentioned, the Browns were the 3rd best rushing team and Khalil Mack and Sio Moore kept that running game in check. Of course there's the exception where Ben Tate got a rushing TD when Carr fumbled after running into Austin Howard and the defense was pretty much gassed out. Miles Burris, he may be the worst middle linebacker in the league, but he played a pretty big part as well shutting down the Cleveland running game. Although, Burris is indeed lucky the Browns barely dialed up any passing plays down the middle on third downs.
The Negatives
Turnovers. The big time story here, the turnovers ultimately killed the Raiders and they were momentum killing plays. The first one, the INT Matt Schaub threw during a fake field goal, the Browns scored on a Billy Cundiff field goal. The second one, that was more devastating and it ultimately cost the Raiders. Darren McFadden's fumble, in Cleveland territory, the ball got popped loose after a big hit from Donte Whitner and it fell into the hands of Joe Haden, the Browns score on a Brian Hoyer touchdown pass. The third one, Derek Carr runs into Austin Howard, the ball comes loose, Browns recover and the Browns punch in the dagger on a Ben Tate TD. What did Sparano say? Oakland's gotta stop beating Oakland? With the turnovers, the Raiders beat themselves yet again and it was frustrating to see.
Penalties. The Raiders committed 8 penalties for 54 yards. I'll give Dennis Allen a benefit of a doubt that he did make the Raiders more discipline, but the tradeoff is that they become more conservative. Sparano takes over, he wants the Raiders to be physical and take shots, the tradeoff, more penalties.
The offense. We went from dropping 28 points to the Chargers to dropping 13 points against the Cardinals and 13 points against the Browns. A couple of factors played a part: a lackluster running game, dropped passes from receivers (typical), penalties, and Carr getting pressured in his face. The play calling was also lackluster, Greg Olson has went back to his conservative ways. I barely saw Carr in the shotgun, he was mostly under center. He utilized McFadden on a pitch and on the edge, and he went back to running up the middle. It's no surprise anymore. By seasons end, Olson's likely gone along with Tarver.
Conclusion
Welp, the easy part of our schedule is over and the next wave is not going to be fun. Seattle, Denver twice, KC twice, San Diego, St. Louis, a Bay Area showdown with the 49ers, I mean you can't squander an opportunity like that. The Raiders blew it big time in the first half of the schedule and they're going to pay for it with the 2nd half, unless this team miraculously turns it on against this nearly impossible stretch. It doesn't get any easier and it doesn't get any easier next week when the Raiders head over to face the defending champs in Seattle with the 12th man. I'm not really going to clamor "0-16", but with the loss to the Browns and the schedule up ahead, it looks 99% imminent. Anyway, I'll see you guys next week for the game against the Seahawks.
*On another note, basketball season is around the corner and with that, I have to post the annual 2014-15 preview for the Lakers. That will be posted tomorrow, so stay tuned.*
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