The Raiders’ strength is clearly evident in a tough win against the Cleveland Browns

In all three phases of the game, the players maintained the “don’t bat an eyelid, don’t blink an eye” mentality that head coach Antonio Pierce instilled in them. The team’s strength was on display, resulting in a 20-16 victory over the Browns.

“Hats off to our coaching staff for just preparing and preparing these guys. And then of course we recognize the players who put in so much effort,” Pierce said after the win. “We gave them a lot of different roles. This is what you saw today. When you have so many young guys – first- and second-year players, guys who play exclusively on special teams – step up and impact the game to help us win, that’s a building block for the future for us. “

Of the young players who stepped up, receivers Tucker and DJ Turner made the most of their opportunities when called upon. Tucker, the second-year wideout, finished the game with five catches for 41 yards, including a three-yard touchdown run on a reverse, giving the team its first score of the contest.

Turner, a 2021 UDFA from Pittsburgh, recorded the first touchdown of his NFL career. He executed a jet sweep down the left side of the field for 18 yards, complemented by a lead block from Tucker.

“That was great for me, just because of a few proud moments,” Jakobi Meyers said as he watched his young teammates score. “I was really excited and they put in a lot of work on and off the field. Tre Tucker is all the time (in the gym) and DJ, fighting for every shot he gets. They deserve this and I hope they celebrate it.”