Oakland Raiders: Five thoughts on the win over Cleveland

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) gets tackled by Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Browns 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

2. This Secondary Sucks

We knew going into the season that the cornerbacks group was suspect, with young and mostly unproven players occupying all the roster spots, and nothing has changed. But after the injury to Nate Allen left Charles Woodson as the only really proven player in the entire defensive backfield, this secondary has struggled at all levels. Tight ends find their way free in the seams, wide receivers get open, get a lead on cornerbacks, and safety help is late. Over three games, the Raiders have already given up nearly 1,000 passing yards (994), 46 passing first downs, and six touchdown passes.

While the stats of Josh McCown may have been a bit inflated due to Cleveland playing from behind the entire game, it was concerning to watch the mediocre receiving group of the Browns get open as the Raiders struggles in stopping the short passing game. Particularly against tight ends as defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. and Del Rio have yet to come up with an answer in stopping even mediocre tight end targets like Gary Barnidge, who continued Raiders opponent’s streak of scoring TE touchdowns in the loss.

Adding David Amerson and moving TJ Carrie to safety didn’t seem to make much difference, as Josh McCown had a damn near career game this week against the Raiders, even while throwing to an aforementioned fairly subpar receiver group. The Raiders pass rush making its’ first appearance of the season helped matters, but this secondary is going to have to get it together soon, or it’s going to be a long season of the Raiders blowing big leads because they can’t shut down the pass.

Next: Week 3 Thoughts: This Offense Doesn't Suck