Raiders @ Browns
Final Score: Raiders 16, Browns 14
Writer: Ryan Radel (@RadelFF on Twitter)
The Browns fan in me is pretty disappointed in the outcome, but this was still a fun game to watch even with how sloppy it was. The COVID-struck Browns were aiming to keep their playoffs hopes alive on their home turf against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders, who have overcome their own set of challenges throughout the season thus far. This one went down to the wire as the Raiders sealed the game with a Daniel Carlson field goal leaving just three seconds on the clock, basically slamming the playoff door shut for the Browns.
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
Derek Carr: 25/38, 236 yards, TD, INT, 2 Sacks, Fumble Lost | 3 carries, 7 yards
Marcus Mariota: 1 carry, 3 yards
Derek Carr didn’t have the prettiest game of all time, but it was enough to bring home the W. There was an injury scare during the game after Carr fumbled, where it looked like he may have injured his ankle, but he was able to walk it off after a visit to the medical tent. With limited weapons at his disposal, Carr continues to impress me with his play. He isn’t perfect, but there’s just something about Carr that makes him fun to watch. It could simply be that he seems to be one hell of a competitor. Carr picked apart the Browns depleted secondary, and outside of the sack/fumble, had a nice day statistically. There was a deep shot towards the end of the game that was badly overthrown and picked off, which could’ve sealed the Raiders defeat, but the defense held it together. Against a better/healthier defense, this might’ve been a different story, but it was enough to win today.
“Wasn’t pretty, a little adversity, but that’s what we like.” ☠️@derekcarrqb | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/vRgLqfkmex
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 21, 2021
Running Back
Josh Jacobs: 15 carries, 52 yards | 4 targets, 3 receptions, 42 yards
Peyton Barber: 5 carries, 34 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 12 yards
Josh Jacobs had a rather pedestrian day. He was still the lead back, but didn’t seem to find any holes (3.5 YPC) or break any tackles. With 19 designed touches, the volume is great, but Jacobs simply isn’t taking advantage of his opportunities right now. Peyton Barber looked like the better runner on the day and made big plays when the offense needed him, including a deflating 19-yard run to extend a scoring drive. I don’t foresee this depth chart changing any time soon, but if Barber continues producing with limited opportunity it’ll be hard not putting the ball in his hands.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Zay Jones: 9 targets, 6 receptions, 67 yards
Foster Moreau: 9 targets, 7 receptions, 65 yards
Hunter Renfrow: 5 targets, 3 catches, 32 yards
DeSean Jackson: 3 targets, 1 reception, 11 yards
Bryan Edwards: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 8 yards, TD
For a group lacking their top two pass-catching options, they still put together a strong showing against a depleted Browns secondary. Zay Jones and Foster Moreau tied for the team lead in targets at nine each, with most of their usage coming between the 20s. Some great defense lead to a few incompletions, but otherwise both Jones and Moreau made the most of their touches and were involved all game. Hunter Renfrow had an unusually quiet game that included muffing two punts (he recovered both.) He was targeted in the redzone but the pass was broken up. DeSean Jackson was basically on the field running wind sprints as a distraction. Bryan Edwards, while having the fewest yards, had the biggest impact with his awesome grab in the endzone making a huge impact on the outcome of the game.
STRONG 💪@B__ED89 just snatched the lead outta the air.
7-0 | #LVvsCLE | @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/4NJj7CPEYg
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 20, 2021
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Nick Mullens: 20/30, 147 yards, TD
From practice squad to first string, Nick Mullens stepped in admirably on short notice. While he’s a backup for a reason, Mullens actually looked great. He almost perfectly managed the game and put the Browns in a position to win. While the outcome wasn’t ideal, Mullens did an excellent job of taking what the defense was giving him while trying to give the ball to his playmakers. I doubt we see another Nick Mullens sighting for the Browns any time soon, but there are certainly worse backups in the league than Mullens. He certainly won’t lose you a game, and he’s able to provide some fantasy value with his efficiency.
What. A. Drive.
📺: #LVvsCLE on NFLN
📲: Browns mobile app pic.twitter.com/orjSD2YG2n— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 21, 2021
Running Back
Nick Chubb: 23 carries, 91 yards, TD | 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
D’Ernest Johnson: 1 carry, -2 yards | 4 targets, 4 receptions, 17 yards
Demetric Felton: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 16 yards
Demetric Felton was used primarily as a receiver out wide and may ultimately make the transition full time, but for now, he’s still a running back. The depleted Browns looked to Felton to bolster their pass-catching ranks but he was very quiet with his opportunities, which also included a drop on a catchable ball. D’Ernest Johnson was also heavily involved in the passing game but doesn’t have enough volume to be relevant at this time. Nick Chubb should’ve had an even bigger game than he had, but the Browns seemed to abandon the run for the majority of the first half. Chubb ran through arm tackles and fought for extra yardage all game and needed more than the 23 carries he was provided. There was a second rushing TD called back on a hold as well. Game script dictated Chubb’s usage, but this is yet another “what if” game.
.@NickChubb21 punching it into the endzone!
📺: #LVvsCLE on NFLN
📲: Browns mobile app pic.twitter.com/SP5fjYMK0B— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 21, 2021
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Donovan Peoples-Jones: 8 targets, 4 receptions, 48 yards
David Njoku: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 29 yards
Rashard Higgins: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 24 yards
Harrison Bryant: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 11 yards, TD
Drops, drops, and more drops. The stat sheet for this group, specifically Donovan Peoples-Jones, could’ve looked WAY different if a few of these drops were hauled in. DPJ had at least three dropped passes, one of which was a pretty nice defensive play from the Raiders defense linked below, but was catchable nonetheless. DPJ left at least 40 yards on the field from drops alone. Otherwise, he’s the number one receiver in this offense for the time being, although I am not sure how much value that will bring for the rest of the season. The usage was excellent, though. David Njoku had the chance for a huge night with a touchdown grab that was ultimately ruled out of bounds, thus making his fantasy day pretty quiet. Unfortunately, the volume just isn’t there for Njoku. Rashard Higgins brought in a few passes but is not on the field enough to warrant fantasy attention. Harrison Bryant returned to the lineup and brought in a score after falling over in his route and catching the ball after standing back up; the defender basically forgot about him once he fell. Considering the quarterback throwing the ball was on the Browns practice squad a few days ago, this could’ve been way worse.
Brandon Facyson said 🥊#LVvsCLE | @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Gy5ST6yAG7
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 20, 2021
— Ryan Radel (@RadelFF on Twitter)