Oakland Raiders: 3 Big takeaways from win vs. Browns in Week 4

2. Maurice Hurst is the real deal

Everyone welcome the new closer to town. Fans may be wondering if I have lost my mind. Was it not quarterback Derek Carr who threw the touchdown passes? Was it not Lynch who grinded out the tough yards in overtime to win the game? Yes, it was.

But those offensive performances have happened before with these players. As I have stated elsewhere, this offense is really good. They just need to put it all together. It may take a few games as they learn a new offense. But before it is all over, this offensive will be one of the best in the league.

This week was different for one reason, the defense rose to the occasion. In particular, it was Maurice Hurst who took over the game. His play from the defensive tackle position became too disruptive for the Browns offense to overcome.

Hurst fell in the draft because of a heart condition found while at the NFL combine. He was rated highly as a player, but the medical concerns caused him to fall to the Raiders in the fifth round. The fifth round is the place to take a game on a player like Hurst. This time, the gamble paid off.

Just to run down his contribution. Hurst backed Browns guard Kevin Zeiter into quarterback Baker Mayfield causing a fumble. The Raiders recovered the ball, giving the offense a red zone opportunity. Hurst also recovered a fumble, giving the offense the ball inside the red zone. He was disruptive as a run defender causing the Browns to run away from him.

His play was the straw that stirred the drink of the Raiders defense. His disruptive play opened the gates to better a better all-around defensive performance. Hurst’s play helped the Raiders close out the game.

Offensive lines around the league beware. There is a new closer in town.