Game in review
Offense: The defense finished last week in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the offense reciprocated in crunch time against the Raiders. Clinging to a three-point lead with 9:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden and Co. orchestrated a 14-play, 94-yard touchdown drive when it mattered most. Rookie running back Trent Richardson capped the march by rushing for a 3-yard touchdown with 3:27 left. Thumbs up
Defense: The Browns held the Raiders to 85 rushing yards and have limited their last three opponents to less than 100 yards rushing. It’s the first time since 2003 that the Browns have accomplished the feat. Cornerback Sheldon Brown had his best game since the Browns traded for him in 2010, breaking up three passes and intercepting one in the fourth quarter. Thumbs up
Special teams: Phil Dawson’s streak of consecutive successful field goals ended at 29 because his 28-yard attempt in the third quarter missed after Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant deflected the ball. Reggie Hodges’ poor punt of 26 yards sparked a scoring drive by the Raiders in the second quarter. Thumbs down.
Coaching: Pat Shurmur showed faith in his offense by going for it twice on fourth down in the second half, and the Browns converted each time. Those gambles led to a 35-yard field goal by Phil Dawson and the crucial touchdown by Richardson. Thumbs up.
