Oakland Raiders survive OT, avoid dreaded 0-4 start

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Matt McCrane #3 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a 28 yard field goal in overtime to defeat the Cleveland Browns 45-42 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Matt McCrane #3 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a 28 yard field goal in overtime to defeat the Cleveland Browns 45-42 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: AmariCooper #89 is congratulated by Rodney Hudson #61 of the Oakland Raiders after he scored a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: AmariCooper #89 is congratulated by Rodney Hudson #61 of the Oakland Raiders after he scored a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Three Stars

1. Amari Cooper

The Raiders know if they are going to keep winning this season, they need Amari Cooper to be as involved in the offense as he was on Sunday against the Browns. Cooper led the team with eight receptions, with some of them coming in the fourth quarter, and overtime, as he proved that he can still be a No. 1 wideout.

2. Derek Carr

Despite the two interceptions, Derek Carr was cool under pressure against the Browns, as he continuously led the team back when all seemed lost. In total, Carr threw for 437 yards and four touchdowns, but his game went well beyond the stat sheet, as he showed classic Carr, leading the team to the victory.

3. Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch still has a ton of juice left, and on Sunday, he ran all over the Cleveland Browns. The veteran running back went over 100 yards for the first time this season, but his punishing running really wore the Browns down late in the game, and enabled the Raiders to send the home fans home happy.

Honorable Mention

The defense did let up 42 points to the Browns, but they also were the reason the Raiders were able to put up 45 of their own. The defensive line finally got some push, and the secondary was able to get some big turnovers. Without the opportunistic play of the defense, this game could have gotten out of hand early.

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