Las Vegas. A Place where gambling enthusiasts travel, whether new or seasoned, always find new and creative ways to throw money into the wind. Sometimes, however, they walk away with a jackpot or even just a pocketful of cash. As the Browns reach landfall Sunday, they will join many of those before them in hopes that their gambles pay off. Much like what the Browns have done with the experiment of Deshaun Watson. Except, not only did they write a 230 million dollar check in guaranteed money, but they also signed over the mortgage title to stroke that checkbook. The Gamble simply has not paid off and the Browns walked away broke. The bet placed on Watson was too large, and unfortunately, its going to be years to make up the debt.
In the first three games this season, the Browns have only beaten the absent Jaguars who are spiraling down faster than they can run. They have been blown out by the Cowboys who then got blown out by the Saints and then lost to one of the worst QBs in Daniel Jones at home. But, even with all that, there is still optimism that this season can be turned around as Watson and company have a tremendous opportunity this weekend.
Here is why.
When the Browns take the field, they will be facing a Raiders defense that ranks in the bottom of numerous defensive and total statistical categories. Las Vegas so far can be found in the bottom three of total defense (total yards allowed per game at 378.7), turnover differential (-4) and in total defensive grades from PFF (52.3). They also have the worst tackle and coverage grades among all 32 teams. Now to be fair the Raiders have received a top-five rush defensive grade despite giving up the fourth most yards. On the flip side, they are dead last in rushing yards a game and the worst offensive rushing grade in the league. So It appears that the Raiders will lean on their passing game against the browns and should bode well for more opportunities for Myles Garrett to get his engine started.
What does all this tell me?
Well, the Raiders are just as bad or even worse than the browns so far and have way less talent. The Browns have the talent to turn this around, it’s just a matter of putting the pieces together. I do think the ground game has a chance of rebounding a bit as it’ll be a battle between very bad vs just bad, with the Raiders giving up over 150 yards a game against a Browns attack that only averages 95 ypg.
So, for this week, my keys to game are to:
Run, Run and Run some more
Nothing gets a quarterback out of a slump quicker than having a good rushing attack and as stated previously the Browns have a great opportunity to do this. Look for the Browns to get more than 20 attempts this game, something that has only been done in their sole win.
Stop Davante Adams
Last week the Giants’ #1 Receiver Malik Nabers went for two touchdowns and we can’t have a repeat performance against one of the best in the game Davante Adams if we want any chance of winning.
Protect the QB
We must be able to protect the quarterback so much better than the first three games, allowing the most sacks given up with 16. Fortunately, the Raiders only have five on the season and Max Crosby accounts for three of those. So, knowing where Max is all game is a must if they want to keep pressure off Deshaun.
I think if we are to be able to do these three things and stay away from the turning the ball over, I think we fly out of Vegas winners. 2-2 looks a heck of a lot better than 1-3.
Let’s go Browns.
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