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

3. Derek Carr comes through in the clutch

The Raiders have a quarterback. When a team has a quarterback they have a chance to win every game. Without a quarterback, there is little chance to win any game. Some fans have been down on Derek Carr citing he has yet to play to his 2016 level. He may not have returned to that form, but Sunday’s game is a step in the right direction.

Carr is clearly at his best in the short passing game. Putting the ball on target and giving his receivers an opportunity for yards after the catch was key on Sunday. When the Raiders executed the short passing offense, they excelled. The deep ball offense is a different story. But that is not today’s story.

The short passing game kept the Raiders in the game. Wide receiver Martavis Bryant was able to show off his speed after several catches. Even Lynch caught passes out of the backfield for big gains.

The running game was spot on. The Browns did a decent job of stopping Lynch early. But as the game wore on the Browns defense worse out. Then Beast Mode took over. He ran the ball with authority late in the game to put the Raiders in a position to win.

But the real story is the clutch play by Carr. His perfect pass at the end of regulation for a touchdown was followed by another great pass to complete the two point conversion. He led a drive that included some great plays from the quarterback. As long as Derek Carr takes the field, the Raiders have a chance.