What they’re saying: Depth on defense rises to occasion

X/Twitter reacts to Las Vegas’ bounce-back win as several backup defenders have strong performances.

The Las Vegas Raiders desperately needed a win in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns to avoid dropping to 1-3 through the first month of the 2024 NFL season. However, the Raiders were going to have to get the job done with a short-handed roster as several starters were out, including wide receiver Davante Adams and defensive end Maxx Crosby.

Making matters worse, Las Vegas dug itself into a 10-0 hole to begin the game. However, the defense held firm the rest of the way out by not allowing a single point—Cleveland’s other touchdown came via a fumble return—as several key players like safety Isaiah Pola-Mao and defensive end Charles Snowden stepped up in key spots to pull out the 20-16 win.

Pola-Mao was making his first NFL start after Marcus Epps suffered a season-ending injury last week, and Pola-Mao managed to finish tied for second on the team with six total tackles. He also recorded a sack (the third of his career) and came up with a crucial pass breakup late in the game.

Meanwhile, Snowden was filling in for Crosby and managed to log three quarterback hits while coming up with a batted pass and a sack on two of the Browns’ final plays of the afternoon to slam the door shut.

Offensively, Jakobi Meyers stepped up as the leading receiver with five catches for 49 yards while registering a handful of chain-moving grabs while fellow wideouts DJ Turner and Tre Tucker turned end-arounds into 14 points.

It was a collective effort for the Raiders as several players who are typically deep on the depth chart made the most of their opportunities, creating a much more positive reaction on X/Twitter compared to last week.

K’Lavon Chaisson managed to get some pressure on Snowden’s sack as well.

Snowden talks about his big play.

Great PBU by Pola-Mao on the Browns’ second-to-last drive.

Antonio Pierce talks about the contributions of the team’s typically unsung heroes.

Patrick Graham was excited about the W!

Adam Butler on the contributions of his teammates.

AJ Cole after pinning Cleveland and the 5-yard-line…

What was this???

Hell of a run by Turner.

Jackson Powers-Johnson already getting into it, huh? Gotta love it.

Of course, we have to end with the victory plunge!