Takeaways from the Browns’ 20-16 loss to the Raiders

The Browns defense faltered after the opening drive

The Browns’ defense also got off to a stifling start, forcing the Raiders into a three-and-out situation on their first offensive attack. However, after this attack, the defense faltered in many ways.

After holding the Raiders scoreless in the first quarter, Las Vegas rallied and scored 20 unanswered points starting in the second quarter.

The run defense struggled as the game progressed and allowed some explosive runs that helped the Raiders move down the field. Through the first three weeks of the season, the Raiders averaged just 51 rushing yards per game, which ranked 32nd^nd in the league. On Sunday, they finished with 152 total net rushing yards, which was the most in a single game by the Raiders since Week 16 of the 2023 season.

DE Myles Garrett said most of the problems on defense came in tackles.

“I feel like we missed too many tackles,” Garrett said. “We just have to stop. A lot of guys go in with their shoulder and try to land the big punch. The ball comes into control down the stretch with the forced fumble, but on most plays the second man has to do it. “Be the one to force the ball out and slow him down or stop his momentum when we get in watch the film.

The defense recorded a necessary takeaway when S Rodney McLeod Jr. recovered a fumble and ran the ball 25 yards for the touchdown. It was the first time the Browns scored since the first quarter of the game. The fumble recovery put the Browns back by just four points early in the fourth quarter.

“We really had to get some takeout,” Garrett said. “We asked for that in the group. And we answered the bell.”