Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns: 4 keys in the 16-6 victory

Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns: 4 keys in the 16-6 victory

The Raiders defense had Johnathan Abram

Starting safety Johnathan Abram missed the Week 7 tilt with Tampa Bay due to COVID-19 contact tracing rules and it was obvious how much the team missed him. Tampa had free reign in the secondary and their receivers and tight ends had no reason to fear a big hit over the middle of the field.

Even in this era of offensive football, receivers and ball carriers still have to be wary of a big hitter in the defensive secondary and that threat is what Johnathan Abram brings on every play. That aggression can sometimes be used against him as we saw against the Patriots but when it is harnessed correctly it can make a huge difference.

Against the Browns, thanks to the wind killing the passing game, his presence was felt primarily in the run game as he made himself very familiar with Cleveland running back Kareem Hunt. Abram was also used as a blitzer and though he never sacked Baker Mayfield, he was in his face and causing havoc in the backfield all game long.

The second-year safety is also the emotional leader of the defense and the team needed his intensity in a game that threatened to go off the rails thanks to the weather conditions. If he can continue to harness his intensity and energy then he will continue to grow as a leader and player and that is a very good thing for this Raiders defense.