Las Vegas Raiders overcome the Cleveland Browns and the weather in Week 8
The Las Vegas Raiders hit the road in Week 8 to take on the Cleveland Browns, and came away with a crucial 16-6 victory.
It was a wet, wild, and windy affair as the Las Vegas Raiders took on the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 action. The Raiders traveled east for their third game so far this season in the Eastern timezone and they came away with a crucial conference victory.
With temperatures in the 40s and winds swirling in the 35-40 mph range, this was never destined to be the shootout that many pundits predicted when they first saw the game on the schedule. The Browns and Raiders both have suspect defenses and offenses that excel at either running or passing the ball but in the end it was the weather and the Las Vegas run game that proved the difference.
Both quarterbacks struggled to throw deep, or throw very much at all, with Derek Carr and Baker Mayfield combining for less than 240 yards but Carr’s touchdown to Hunter Renfrow gave him the edge. The conditions promised a slugfest and the Raiders, despite missing Trent Brown and Richie Incognito, were ready to throw some haymakers.
They rode their massive offensive line for 208 rushing yards with Josh Jacobs running for 128 yards on an incredible 31 carries. Devontae Booker chipped in with 29 yards on 5 carries and even Carr got in on the act with 41 yards on 6 rushes. They ou-trushed the Browns by more than 100 yards and that was ultimately the difference as the Raiders chewed up clock with two 8-minute drives in the second half.
Most importantly, the Raiders were able to get in the end zone and the Browns could not, though they had a Jarvis Landry touchdown catch waved off when the ball hit the ground. To be fair, Henry Ruggs also had a touchdown ruled out after review so we can call it even. Both teams also had a field goal get caught in the brutal winds but for the Browns it was what decided the game as they had a chance to bring it within one score with just under two minutes left.
The Raiders and their high powered offense had to stay in the garage but they showed they could win ugly in poor conditions thanks to that massive offensive line and their superstar running back. The defense did just enough to contain the Browns offense but had plenty of help from the weather and the officials. It was an ugly win but it was a road win and a conference win which could make a massive difference in the playoff picture.