LAS VEGAS — After a late defensive takeaway that resulted in a touchdown put the Browns in striking distance of the Raiders, the Browns were not able to capitalize offensively down the stretch to secure the lead.
It led to a 20-16 loss to the Raiders and dropped the Browns to a 1-3 record through the first four weeks of the season.
"Obviously very disappointed in that result," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Not for lack of effort, but man, we got to capitalize on some opportunities there. And we did not. We'll learn from it. We got to focus on ourselves. Focus on us at this point and find ways to play winning football. We didn't do that today and that's disappointing."
Here are the big takeaways from the Browns loss to the Raiders.
Browns defense faltered after opening drive
The Browns defense also got out to a stifling start as they forced the Raiders into a three-and-out situation on their opening offensive drive. However, following that drive, the defense faltered in a number of ways.
After holding the Raiders scoreless in the first quarter, Las Vegas rallied and scored 20 unanswered points beginning in the second quarter.
The run defense struggled as the game continued, giving up a handful of explosive runs that helped the Raiders move down the field. Through the first three weeks of the season, the Raiders were averaging just 51 rushing yards per game, ranked 32nd 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 the majority of their struggles on defense came in tackling.
"I feel like we had too many missed tackles," Garrett said. "We just got to wrap up. A lot of guys going in with their shoulder, trying to lay the big hit. It came in clutch down the stretch with the forced fumble, but for the majority of the plays, the second man has to be the one to force the ball out. The first guy has got to wrap up and slow the runner down or stop his momentum. That's something to take from it when we watch the film."
The defense recorded a necessary takeaway had when S Rodney McLeod Jr. recovered a fumble and ran the ball for 25 yards for the touchdown. It was the first time the Browns had scored since the first quarter of the game. The fumble recovery put the Browns down just four points early in the fourth quarter.
"We really needed to step up and get a takeaway," Garrett said. "That's what we were calling for in the huddle. And we answered the bell."
Check out photos of the Browns against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Safeties Coach Ephraim Banda and Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) and Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) and Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Fullback/Center Nick Harris (53) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Long snapper Charley Hughlett (47) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Allegiant Stadium during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Browns offense sputtered after successful opening drive
Offensively, the Browns got off to a strong start, putting points on the board on their opening drive of the game. Cleveland marched down the field, balancing between the run and pass game and methodically moving down the field.
QB Deshaun Watson connected with multiple of his pass catchers like WR Jerry Jeudy and WR Elijah Moore and found RB Jerome Ford and RB D'Onta Foreman for opportunities in the run and pass game. The Browns excelled on that first drive of getting their offensive weapons the ball in space and making the Raiders have to tackle – which they struggled with in early part of the season.
Their first drive ended with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Watson to TE Blake Whiteheart in the end zone for the touchdown.
However, after that opening drive, the Browns struggled to move the ball and put the ball in space for their offensive threats. Their only other offensive points came on a 56-yard field goal from K Dustin Hopkins at the end of the first quarter. After converting on three third-down attempts on the opening drive, the Browns did not convert on another third-down attempt in the game, finishing the game 3 of 10 in third-down attempts.
Then Browns also dealt with mistakes, such as a dropped snap, an interception that bounced off WR Amari Cooper's chest and into the hands of S Tre'von Moehrig and an offensive holding penalty that negated an 82-yard touchdown by Cooper.
Watson said as an offensive unit, they need to improve their communication and execution of the plays in order to find success offensively.
"We just can't shoot ourselves in the foot," Watson said. "Each and every drive is an opportunity for us to put points or get us in good field position for the next drive. But we didn't capitalize on those, and we just got to find ways to continue to sustain that fast start that we had."
Check out photos of players warming up for a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
The defensive backs before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett's helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Allegiant Stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic's helmet and jersey before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
A helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy's locker before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running Backs Coach Duce Staley before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
A helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Fullback/Center Nick Harris (53) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive Line Coach Andy Dickerson before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
A helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks' helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Fans before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Allegiant Stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024.
Running back Gary Brightwell (35) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
A helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez's helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Fans before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson's helmet and pads before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4), Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2), and Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (38) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
A helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running Backs Coach Duce Staley before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
The defensive backs before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Allegiant Stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024.
Running back Gary Brightwell (35) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0), Cornerback Denzel Ward (21), and Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive guard Javion Cohen (67) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Allegiant Stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward's helmet and pads before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
A helmet before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.
Browns run game struggled to build momentum
Entering the Week 4 matchup, the Browns had an opportunity in the run game. The Raiders run defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses in the run game throughout the early portion of the 2024 season, as they were allowing an average of 152.7 rushing yards per game – ranked 29th in the league.
However, the Browns could not fully capitalize on the opportunity. While they found moments of success in the run game, especially on the opening drive, they could not sustain the overall balance throughout the game. The Browns rushed for 92 net rushing yards, their second-lowest total rushing yards of the season.
Ford led the team with 58 rushing yards on 10 carries, with an explosive 35-yard run in the fourth quarter, while Foreman finished with a total of two yards on four carries. Watson also displayed his ability to use his legs as he totaled 32 rushing yards on eight carries, which helped extend some offensive drives over the course of the game. His longest run of the day was for eight yards.
"I thought Deshaun battled," Stefanski said. "Obviously some really good moments there."
