Oakland Raiders: 3 Big takeaways from win vs. Browns in Week 4
By Joel W. Cade
The Oakland Raiders were backed into a corner. But they came out and did what they failed to do the three previous weeks – close out a game.
The Oakland Raiders needed a closer. They share their stadium with a team that has a long history of great closers. Who can forget the magic of Dennis Eckersley, Jason Isringhausen, Jay Howell or the mustache of Rollie Fingers? If only the Raiders had one. If only the Raiders could close out games.
The Raiders came into Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns having lost a fourth quarter lead in every previous game. It looked like the Raiders were going to do it again on Sunday too. But this time the football gods smiled upon the Raiders. The Raiders sent out there new closer, Maurice Hurst, to finish the game.
As Raiders fans know, the guys in silver and black held the Browns in check. They stopped the Browns when they needed to. They got the plays they needed when they needed them. And for the first time this season, the Raiders closed out the victory.
Here are my three major takeaways from Sunday’s game.
1. Defense steps up
The defense arrived this week. More importantly, it arrived when the Raiders’ needed it to arrive. The Raiders scored 21 of their 45 points off of turnovers. The secondary recorded a pick six early in the first quarter. They then created two turnovers giving the offense the ball in the red zone.
More importantly, the Raiders defense came alive in the second half. Down 14 points, the defense held the Browns to a three and out or forced a turnover in five straight possessions. This defensive stand allowed the offense to wear down the Browns defense. A tired Browns defense allowed for Marshawn Lynch to pound the rock.
The defense showing up finally had the Raiders’ playing complimentary football. Teams that can win in all three phases of the game usually win the game.