Keys to a home win over Cleveland
The Las Vegas Raiders host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m. PT.
Here are some keys to a Las Vegas victory:
Contain Myles Garrett:
The defending NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a game wrecker. He is s scary matchup against a Las Vegas offensive line that has struggled to protect the quarterback. Garrett has been dealing with a foot injury and he is hobbled, but here’s still dangerous.
Don’t let receivers take over:
The Raiders’ defensive backs had a rough day in Week 3 when Carolina quarterback Andy Dalton sliced them up. Cleveland quarterback DeShaun Watson is having a rough season. But the Browns have some good receivers in Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy. The Raiders can’t let them get into a groove.
Run defense:
The Raiders’ run defense has been a sieve so far. They’ve allowed, at least, 100 yards on the ground each week. The Browns haven’t been a great running time, but neither was Car0lina before it had success at Las Vegas last week. The Raiders have to improve in this area.
#Raiders have had 55 or fewer yards rushing in 3 straight games for the first time in franchise history
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) September 23, 2024
Run game:
While the Raiders can’t stop the run on defense, they haven’t been able to get it going on offense. It has been a season-long issue. The offensive line just can’t get starter Zamir White going. This week, Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce said the team has the worst running game in the league. They have to try to get it going against Cleveland.
Pass rush:
The Browns’ offensive line is a mess. The Raiders’ pass-rush, other than Maxx Crosby, has been lacking. But it has to come hard this week. Watson has been making a lot of mistakes. He can be forced into some turnovers if the Raiders can put heat on him.