Cleveland Browns fall to 1-3 with loss to Las Vegas Raiders

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Cleveland Browns fall to 1-3 with loss to Las Vegas Raiders

Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Sun, Sep 29, 2024 ·

21 min read

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LAS VEGAS — There are a whole lot of big buildings that have been built along the Las Vegas Strip off the backs of visitors who have lost. The Raiders play just off the Strip, but the Browns are just the latest to leave Sin City a loser this afternoon.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked on fourth-and-3 from the Raiders 9 by Las Vegas' Charles Snowden with 35 seconds remaining. That was the final nail in the coffin of a 20-16 Raiders win.

The Browns had first-and-10 at the Raiders 16 coming out of the two-minute warning. Watson and center Nick Harris had a miscommunication on the snap, leading to a 7-yard loss.

From there, Snowden batted down Watson's second-down pass. Watson and Amari Cooper connected on third down to put the ball at the Las Vegas 9, where Watson was flushed out of the pocket to the left and never had a chance to get off a pass.

Watson was 24-of-32 passing for 176 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a 84.9 passer rating. He was sacked three times.

Cleveland and Las Vegas both came into the game at 1-2. Both came off disappointing home losses last week to previously winless teams, with the Browns falling 21-15 to the New York Giants and the Raiders losing 36-22 to the Carolina Panthers .

Now the Browns head to the Washington Commanders next Sunday still looking for their second win.

Here's how the game unfolded:

Jerome Ford gets loose to put Browns deep in Raider territory at 2-minute warning

The Browns come out of the two-minute warning at the Raiders' 16, trailing 20-16. They do so thanks to Jerome Ford's 35-yard run right before the break.

Ford took a handoff, then watched right guard Zak Zinter pull around and kick out the rushing edge. Meanwhile, tight end Jordan Akins was downfield blocking as well, creating a crease for Ford to run through.

Cleveland Browns get ball back with 3:17 remaining after punt

The Browns took over with 3:17 remaining at their own 31 after forcing a Raiders punt. James Proche II's return on the punt gave Cleveland the field position.

Raiders' Isaiah Palo-Mao with perfectly timed breakup to force Browns punt

The Browns looked like they may be close to hitting a big third-and-4 pass play to Jerry Jeudy . However, just as Deshaun Watson's pass got to Jeudy's hands, safety Isaiah Pola-Mao timed up his hit to dislodge the ball and force a Cleveland punt.

Raiders drop gives Cleveland Browns another chance

The Browns got the ball back with 6:24 remaining in the game after the Raiders were forced to punt the ball away from their own 45. The reason why they had to punt was because of a drop by running back Alexander Mattison on a swing pass on third-and-3 that appeared like it would've picked up the first down.

Cleveland took over at its own 10 after the punt.

Martin Emerson Jr. leaves game after trying to make tackle

The Browns third-year cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. left the game with 8:03 remaining when he was shaken up while trying to tackle Raiders running back Alexander Mattison on an 18-yard gain. There was no immediate update on his status.

Nick Harris holding call negates Deshaun Watson to Amari Cooper TD

The Browns thought they had an 82-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper for the lead. However, center Nick Harris was called for holding on Raiders defensive lineman Christian Wilkins when Watson initially scrambled to buy time, negating the score.

Instead, the Browns ended up having to punt when a third-and-1 pass to Jerry Jeudy fell incomplete. Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett appeared to be grabbing Jeudy on the play, but there was no call.

Myles Garrett sacks Gardner Minshew on 3rd down

Myles Garrett picked up his second sack of Gardner Minshew on Sunday when the Browns needed it most. On third-and-2 from the Raiders 49, Garrett came in off the right side of the Browns defensive line and sacked Minshew for an 8-yard loss to force the Raiders to punt.

Garrett also sacked Minshew in the second quarter.

Rodney McLeod provides Cleveland Browns with spark, fumble return for TD

The Browns needed something to spark them in the fourth quarter. On the first play, safety Rodney McLeod provided it by scooping up a fumble forced by Isaiah McGuire and returning it 25 yards for the touchdown.

Dustin Hopkins missed the point-after try, keeping it 20-16 Raiders with 14:50 remaining.

The Raiders handed the ball to Zamir White , who was almost instantly hit by McGuire. Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson tried to pick it up, but it squirted out to McLeod, who got it before it went out of bounds and ran toward the end zone for the score.

End 3rd quarter: Las Vegas Raiders 20, Cleveland Browns 10

The Raiders outscored the Browns 10-0 in the third quarter, giving them a 20-10 lead heading into the final 15 minutes.

Deshaun Watson sacked twice more on another failed Browns offensive possession

Deshaun Watson was sacked twice on the Browns' second third-quarter possession. The first came by safety Isaiah Pola-Mao for an 8-yard loss on first down from their own 41; the second was a 10-yard loss on third down by defensive lineman Janarius Robinson to force a punt.

Watson hadn't been sacked prior to those two in the game.

Nick Harris back in for an injured Ethan Pocic at center

Ethan Pocic's return for the Browns lasted on series. Nick Harris was back in at center and Pocic was on the sideline without a helmet to start Cleveland's second second-half offensive possession.

Las Vegas Raiders take 10-point lead on D.J. Turner touchdown run

The Raiders have scored 20 unanswered points to go in front 20-10 with 5:23 left in the third quarter. This time, it was D.J. Turner coming on a jet sweep to the left for an 18-yard touchdown run.

Las Vegas has scored on four of its last five possessions. The only one it didn't was an end-of-half kneel-down.

Amari Cooper's miss leads to Las Vegas Raiders interception

Deshaun Watson's first turnover of the game was a pass that hit wide receiver Amari Cooper right in the chest and bounced into the hands of safety Tre'von Moehrig for the interception. Moehrig returned the pick to the Las Vegas 48 with 7:59 remaining in the third.

Ethan Pocic returns at center for Cleveland Browns

The Browns got their starting center back on their first drive of the third quarter. Ethan Pocic had left with an ankle injury after the first Cleveland drive of the game.

Another roughing the passer penalty aids scoring drive against Browns

The Browns seemed poised to get off the field after letting the Raiders get to midfield to open the third quarter. The problem was that Alex Wright was called for roughing Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew on a third-down incompletion, which kept the drive alive.

Vegas turned that into a 13-10 lead when Daniel Carlson kicked a 34-yard field goal with 11:28 remaining in the quarter. It's the Raiders' first lead of the day.

Deshaun Watson, Dawand Jones have words following late 1st-half incompletion

The Raiders have been blitzing a lot off the right side of the Browns' line, specifically off right tackle Dawand Jones. One of those was on the Browns' third-and-10 play from the Vegas 41 late in the first half, when Tyree Wilson came unblocked and hit Deshaun Watson has he was throwing to Amari Cooper.

The ball fluttered incomplete, in large part because of Wilson's hit. Which is what Watson let Jones known about on the sideline after the play.

Television camera caught the two going back and forth in a heated discussion, which was only broken up by backup quarterback Jameis Winston . Those same cameras later caught the two talking on the sidelines in a much more civilized tone.

Halftime: Cleveland Browns 10, Las Vegas Raiders 10

The Browns are tied 10-10 with the Las Vegas Raiders going into halftime. The Raiders will get the second-half kickoff.

Jerry Jeudy clearly making a difference in Browns passing game

The two games in which the Browns passing game has looked at its best, one of the players who was directly involved was wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. That was both in the win at the Jacksonville Jaguars and in the first half against the Raiders.

Jeudy has been targeted five times in the first half, catching four for a team-high 47 yards.

Deshaun Watson was 14-of-17 passing in the first half for 87 yards. He had a touchdown and a 107.6 passer rating.

Holding call helps Browns hold Raiders to game-tying field goal

The Browns could've ended up in a lot worst shape than 10-10 with 2:52 remaining in the second quarter. The Raiders had first down at the Cleveland 34, but a hold on Vegas pushed them back 10 yards.

Vegas could never do better than get back to the Browns 34. That's where Daniel Carlson kicked a game-tying 52-yard field goal.

Deshaun Watson throws 1st incompletion to open 3rd offensive possession

Deshaun Watson completed his first nine passes to open the game against the Raiders. Those nine completions went for 44 yards, including a touchdown.

Watson's 10th pass was thrown a touch behind Jerry Jeudy on a crossing pattern, and Jeudy couldn't bring it in. His next two throws were completions on screens to running back Jerome Ford, making him 11-of-12 passing for 46 yards, a touchdown and a 110.4 passer rating.

Tre Tucker gives Raiders' 2nd offensive drive a spark, TD

Akron native and CVCA product Tre Tucker was massive on the Raiders' second possession. That's not only because he capped it with a 3-yard end-around to pull Las Vegas within 10-7 with 9:50 remaining, but because he also had two 14-yard catches on the drive to help jump-start Las Vegas' offense.

Linebacker Jordan Hicks to locker room with elbow injury, questionable to return

Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks was questionable coming into today's game with rib and elbow injuries. Late in the first quarter, he was shaken up when he tried to make a tackle on tight end Brock Bowers on a jet sweep to open Las Vegas' second offensive possession.

After a brief trip to the blue medical tent, Hicks walked to the locker room with trainers. It was a re-aggravation of the elbow injury, and his return is questionable.

End 1st: Cleveland Browns 10, Las Vegas Raiders 0

The Browns took a 10-0 lead into the second quarter over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Dustin Hopkins extends lead for Cleveland Browns with 56-yard field goal

Dustin Hopkins is now 11 of 12 on field goals from 50-plus yards after making a 56-yard kick with 35 seconds left in the first quarter. That extended the Browns' lead to 10-0 over the Raiders.

Ethan Pocic questionable with ankle injury; Nick Harris at center for Browns

The Browns' line injuries continue in Las Vegas. Center Ethan Pocic went to the locker room and was replaced by Nick Harris at the start of Cleveland's second offensive possession.

Pocic was deemed to have an ankle injury. The Browns say his return is questionable.

Gardner Minshew misses 2 open receivers on Raiders' 1st drive

The Browns were fortunate on their first defensive series the Raiders' passing game wasn't in sync. Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew had two open receivers who were in positions to make big plays, but didn't.

On first down, Minshew escaped the pressure and found a wide-open Brock Bowers going down the right sideline. The problem was that the rookie tight end dropped the ball.

On third-and-16 from the Vegas 16, Minshew saw a streaking D.J. Turner on a post pattern. However, he was just too long on his throw to connect on what would've been a big play.

Cleveland Browns defensive starters vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Here's were the first 11 players out on defense vs. Las Vegas Raiders:

DE: Za'Darius Smith
DT: Dalvin Tomlinson
DT: Shelby Harris
DE: Myles Garrett
LB: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
LB: Jordan Hicks
Nickel: Rodney McLeod
S: Grant Delpit
CB: Denzel Ward
CB: Martin Emerson Jr
S: Ronnie Hickman Jr.

Deshaun Watson throws 1-yard TD pass to Blake Whitehead

The Browns scored on their opening drive when Deshaun Watson ran a play-fake to the left and rolled out to hit a wide-open tight end Blake Whiteheart for the 1-yard touchdown with 5:38 remaining in the first quarter. Whiteheart then hit the Heisman pose for his celebration.

The Cleveland scoring drive took 15 plays, went 70 yards and took 9:22.

Deshaun Watson gets 2 big 3rd down throws on opening drive

The Browns opening drive was maintained by a pair of big third-down throws by quarterback Deshaun Watson. One was an 11-yarder to Elijah Moore on third-and-10 from the Cleveland 42, a play in which Watson was rocked by Las Vegas' Robert Spillane , who was called for roughing the passer.

The second one was a 2-yard throw to Amari Cooper on third-and-2 from the Raiders 2.

Cleveland Browns starting offensive lineup vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Here's the first 11 players the Browns put out on offense against the Raiders:

QB: Deshaun Watson
RB: Jerome Ford
TE: Jordan Akins
WR: Amari Cooper
WR: Jerry Jeudy
WR: Elijah Moore
LT: James Hudson III
LG: Joel Bitonio
C: Ethan Pocic
RG: Zak Zinter
RT: Dawand Jones

Cleveland Browns fans overrun Las Vegas for game against Raiders

Forget about silver and black. The predominant color inside Allegiant Stadium today is orange and brown, with at least 60% of the crowd wearing the Cleveland Browns ' colors.

Maxx Crosby , Thayer Munford officially inactive for Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns

The Raiders officially made both Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby and starting right tackle Thayer Munford, a Massillon graduate, inactive due to injuries. Both were listed as doubtful on Friday's injury report, although head coach Antonio Pierce had said both weren't going to play.

Wide receiver Davante Adams , who was ruled out on Friday with a hamstring injury, was also inactive for Las Vegas. Other inactive players for Raiders: LB Divine Deablo (oblique), TE Michael Mayer (personal), CB Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) and LB Kana'i Mauga (calf), questionable.

James Hudson III, Zak Zinter to start on Cleveland Browns offensive line

James Hudson III will start at left tackle for the Browns today when they play at the Las Vegas Raiders.

The move was hardly a surprise once the Browns ruled out both Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and Jack Conklin (hamstring) on Friday. Hudson started Cleveland's first two games this season against the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars in place of Wills as well.

The other offensive line starter officially announced was rookie Zak Zinter at right guard in place of the injured Wyatt Teller . The move, like the one with Hudson, was hardly a surprise since the third-round pick out of the University of Michigan had come in for Teller when he suffered an MCL sprain in the third quarter against the New York Giants .

Jordan Akins will also start his third consecutive game at tight end. David Njoku was ruled out on Friday with an ankle injury he's battled since the season opener.

DTR once again No. 3 quarterback for Cleveland Browns

Dorian Thompson-Robinson will once again be the No. 3 quarterback for the Browns. He is officially inactive and will only be able to come into the game should both Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston not be able to play.

Jamari Thrash , Kahlef Hailassie are healthy scratches for Cleveland Browns

The only two non-quarterback healthy scratches for the Browns against the Raiders are wide receiver Jamari Thrash and cornerback Kahlef Hailassie. Here's the full list of inactive Browns players:

QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (3QB)
RB Pierre Strong Jr.
CB Kahlef Hailassie
WR Jamari Thrash
OT Jedrick Wills Jr.
OT Jack Conklin
TE David Njoku

When do the Cleveland Browns play today?

Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m.

Who is announcing the Raiders vs. Browns game?

Play-by-play: Beth Mowins
Analysts: Jay Feely and Ross Tucker
Sideline: Tiffany Blackmon

What channel is Browns vs. Raiders on: How to watch the Cleveland-Las Vegas game on TV, streaming

TV channel: CBS WOIO-TV (Channel 19)
Stream: Paramount+ and NFL+
Announcers: Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Jay Feely (analyst), Ross Tucker (analyst), Tiffany Blackmon (sideline reporter)

How to listen to the Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders game on the radio, stream

The Cleveland Browns Radio Network will carry the game, with Andrew Siciliano (play-by-play), Nathan Zegura (analyst) and Je'Rod Cherry (sideline reporter) on the call. Among the affiliates in the Akron-Canton area are WAKR-AM 1590, WONE-FM 97.5, WHBC-AM 1480, WQKT-FM 104.5, WKRK-FM 92.3, WKNR-AM 850 and WNCX-FM 98.5.
The Cleveland Browns Radio Network's call can also be streamed at Cleveland Browns.com, as well as the Browns mobile app. It's also available on Sirius XM radio , with channel 225 carrying the Browns feed.
The Browns also have a Spanish-language broadcast, with Rafael "Rafa" Hernández-Brito (play-by-play) and Octavio Sequera (analyst) on the call. Games will be streamed on La Mega Cleveland , as well as heard on WNZN-FM 89.1 in Lorain and WVKO-FM 103.1 in Columbus.
Compass Radio Network will be carrying the game nationally, Bill Rosinski (play-by-play) and Merril Hoge (analyst) will be on the call.

How to buy Raiders vs Browns tickets

Tickets for Sunday's game on StubHub can be purchased on StubHub from $117 before fees.

Browns vs Raiders weather

It's a sunny day in Las Vegas, where the area is under an excessive heat warning until 8 p.m. Sunday with the temperature at kickoff expected to be near 104 degrees, according to the National Weather Service . The game, though, is being played inside at Allegiant Stadium.

Browns vs. Raiders injury report

Browns: OT Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), out; TE David Njoku (ankle), out; OT Jack Conklin (hamstring), out; RB Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring), out; LB Jordan Hicks (ribs, elbow), questionable
Raiders: WR Davante Adams (hamstring), out; LB Divine Deablo (oblique), out; TE Michael Mayer (personal), out; CB Decamerion Richardson (hamstring), out; DE Maxx Crosby (ankle), doubtful; OT Thayer Munford (knee/ankle), doubtful; RB Ameer Abdullah (back), questionable; LB Kana'i Mauga (calf), questionable

Cleveland Browns result in Week 3

Cleveland dropped to 1-2 on the season with a 21-15 loss to the New York Giants in Cleveland, The Browns trailed 21-7 at halftime after the Giants scored twice in the final 2:32 of the first half.

Las Vegas Raiders result in Week 3

The Raiders fell to 1-2 on the season with a 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers last Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. The Panthers jumped out to a 33-7 fourth-quarter lead behind new starting quarterback Andy Dalton.

Cleveland Browns predictions

So what should we expect from the Browns this Sunday against the Giants? Click here to see what our writers project as the score of today's game.

Browns vs. Raiders betting odds

Provided by BetMGM.com ; access USA TODAY Sports Scores ad Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5 p.m. ET Saturday.
Moneyline (ML): Browns -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Raiders +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Against the spread: Browns -2.5 (-110) | Raiders +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Las Vegas Raiders scores in all-time series vs. Cleveland Browns

Today is the 28th all-time regular-season or playoff meeting between the Browns and the Raiders, and the 14th since the rebirth of the Cleveland franchise in 1999. Here's a look at the series between the Browns and Raiders.

Series record (regular season and playoffs): Raiders lead 17-10
Series record (regular season): Raiders lead 15-10
Playoff record: Raiders lead 2-0
Series in Cleveland (regular season and playoffs): Raiders lead 8-3
Series record in Cleveland (regular season): Raiders lead 7-3
Series record in Cleveland (playoffs): Raiders lead 1-0
Series record in Oakland/Los Angeles/Oakland/Las Vegas (regular season and playoffs): Raiders lead 9-7
Series record in Oakland/Los Angeles/Oakland/Las Vegas (regular season): Raiders lead 8-7
Series record in Oakland/Los Angeles/Oakland/Las Vegas (playoffs): Raiders lead 1-0
Last meeting: Raiders won 16-14 in Cleveland on Dec. 20, 2021
Series streak: Raiders have won four in a row

Cleveland Browns elevate CB Tony Brown II, TE Geoff Swaim from practice squad

Cornerback/special teamer Tony Brown II and tight end Geoff Swaim were both elevated on Saturday afternoon from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Sunday's game at the Las Vegas Raiders . It was the only two moves Cleveland made in advance of the game.

Brown opened the Browns' 21-15 loss to the Giants by punching the ball out of the hands of New York return man Eric Gray and Cleveland recovered. That fumble set up the Browns to take a 7-0 lead on a Deshaun Watson to Amari Cooper touchdown pass on their first offensive play.

The seven-year pro was originally with the Browns through the preseason, but was released on finale cutdown day. He was brought back on the practice squad two days later, and has been elevated to the gameday roster the last two days.

Swaim was originally signed by the Browns prior to the Week 2 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran tight end provides a little more depth behind Jordan Akins and Blake Whiteheart with David Njoku out for the third consecutive game with an ankle sprain.

The 10th-year pro has been brought up to the gameday roster each of the last two weeks. He has 110 career receptions for 846 yards and six touchdowns.

Cleveland Browns 2024 active roster

QUARTERBACKS (3): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston
RUNNING BACK (4): Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman, Pierre Strong Jr., Gary Brightwell
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Jamari Thrash, Cedric Tillman, James Proche II
TIGHT ENDS (3): Jordan Akins, David Njoku, Blake Whiteheart
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10): Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Javion Cohen, Nick Harris, Germain Ifedi, James Hudson III, Dawand Jones, Ethan Pocic, Jedrick Wills Jr., Zak Zinter
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Myles Garrett, Shelby Harris, Sam Kamara, Quenton Jefferson, Isaiah McGuire, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Za'Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson, Alex Wright
LINEBACKERS (5): Devin Bush, Khaleke Hudson, Winston Reid, Jordan Hicks, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
DEFENSIVE BACKS (10): D'Anthony Bell, Grant Delpit, Martin Emerson Jr., Kahlef Hailassie, Ronnie Hickman, Rodney McLeod, Cameron Mitchell, Greg Newsome II, Mike Ford Jr., Denzel Ward
SPECIALISTS (3): Corey Bojorques, Dustin Hopkins, Charley Hughlett

Cleveland Browns 2024 schedule, results

Sunday, Sept. 8: Home vs. Dallas Cowboys, L, 33-17
Sunday, Sept. 15: At Jacksonville Jaguars, W, 18-13
Sunday, Sept. 22: Home vs. New York Giants, L, 21-15
Sunday, Sept. 29: At Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m., CBS
Sunday, Oct. 6: At Washington Commanders, 1 p.m., FOX
Sunday, Oct. 13: At Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m., FOX
Sunday, Oct. 20: Home vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m., CBS
Sunday, Oct. 27: Home vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m., CBS
Sunday, Nov. 3: Home vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m., CBS
Sunday, Nov. 10: BYE WEEK
Sunday, Nov. 17: At New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m., FOX
Thursday, Nov. 21: Home vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:20 p.m., Amazon Prime
Monday, Dec. 2: At Denver Broncos, 8:20 p.m., ESPN
Sunday, Dec. 8: At Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m., CBS
Sunday, Dec. 15: Home vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m., CBS
Thursday, Dec. 19: At Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m., Amazon Prime
Sunday, Dec. 29: Home vs. Miami Dolphins, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Saturday, Jan. 4 OR Sunday, Jan. 5: At Baltimore Ravens, TBA, TV TBA

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns lose vs Raiders, drop to 1-3 in 2024 NFL season

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