Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns: 3 things we learned in Week 15
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders battled it out to a 16-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, and here are three things we learned in the win.
On Monday afternoon, the Las Vegas Raiders finally played their postponed game against the Cleveland Browns, a Browns team missing nearly 20 of its players due to COVID-19 protocols. Las Vegas was also without some stars, including Darren Waller and Denzel Perryman, two players they will certainly need down the stretch.
Coming away with a 16-14 victory, the Raiders are now at .500, and here are three things we learned in the win.
Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns: 3 things we learned
No. 1: Derek Carr trusts Zay Jones too much
When all was said and done, Zay Jones led the Raiders in both receptions, and receiving yards, as he was someone that Derek Carr continued to throw to. The problem is, while Jones is a solid wideout, and should be used sparingly, he is not the No. 1 threat that Carr is making him out to be.
It seems like time and time again, despite having DeSean Jackson on the roster, Carr focuses on Jones in terms of the deep ball. That has to stop down the stretch because while Carr trusts him, it is not a proven formula right now.
No. 2: Josh Jacobs has to be better
The Raiders are about to finish out their season with three monstrous AFC games and really are in control of their own destiny heading down the stretch. They play two games at home, and one in Indianapolis, all against teams that are currently in line for a playoff berth, or still alive.
If the Raiders hope to win these next three and force their way into the postseason, they need more from running back Josh Jacobs. Jacobs was featured more in the passing game on Monday night, but he averaged only 3.5 yards per carry, and for a while, it looked like Peyton Barber was the more consistent back on this team.
No. 3: Las Vegas is very much alive in the AFC Playoff race
When all was said and done, and the Raiders left FirstEnergy Field with win No. 7 on the season, one thing was certain, and that is their playoff life is still intact. A loss to the Browns would have been too much for this team to overcome down the stretch, and they will go into their Week 16 matchup with Denver as a favorite with Teddy Bridgewater out.
Las Vegas has had Drew Lock’s number during his career, and if Bridgewater cannot be cleared from concussion protocol, it will be Lock inside Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. That is great news for the Raiders because based on the Week 16 slate, they could get some serious help from the likes of San Francisco, Green Bay, and New England to name a few.