CLEVELAND — The Browns' playoff express got a flat tire on this Sunday, as they lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 16-6 heading into the bye week.
Now I ask you this: Who would've ever thought a team that originates from Las Vegas, Nevada would be able to come in and play in these conditions? Wind and sleet and rain snow...and did I say wind? But that's exactly what happened, with the Raiders dominating the Browns all afternoon.
It seems as though the bye comes at a good time for the Browns, because their offense is running on fumes thanks to injuries. Remember, no Odell Beckham Jr. (out for the year), no Nick Chubb, no Wyatt Teller at right guard, no Austin Hooper at tight end.
On this day, it was too much to overcome, specifically in the case of Nick Chubb. If there ever was a day where you needed a running back to get you those tough, grinding yards to maintain possession and get field position and first downs and points, today was the day.
This would've been a Nick Chubb day. His absence really hit home, but hopefully after the bye he'll be back.
As for the game itself? The Browns offensively could get no rhythm at all, and when they did, they just couldn't finish it off.
First drive of the game, rookie tight end Harrison Bryant (off a big performance last week) fumbled the ball deep in Raider territory and the Browns went away empty. Then, down by three in the third quarter, it looked like they took the lead on a Jarvis Landry catch in the end zone which was ruled a touchdown, but it didn't hold up when it went to replay review, and the team settled for a field goal to tie the game.
But at that point, the Browns defense could not get off the field. Derek Carr--who was really good on this day--controlled the game at the quarterback position and ran his offense through running back Josh Jacobs, who had 128 yards. A short, efficient passing game finally got Vegas a touchdown on a throw to Hunter Renfrow, and the Raiders are now up and over .500 at 4-3. Suddenly, they're thinking playoffs, too.
For the Browns, a week off, and then back here at FirstEnergy Stadium to take on a wounded and chaotic Houston Texans team now run by our old buddy Romeo Crennel. Cleveland's record is 5-3 at the break, and honestly, if at the beginning of the year I had said to you, "Would you take 5-3 eight games in?" I think most of us would say "Yes."
A disappointing day as we head into the bye week, but better days are hopefully ahead.