On The Mark 9.28.15: #Browns v #Raiders Recap

McCown starts slow, defense doesn't start at all in 27-20 embarrassing loss to the Raiders
By @MarkW2112

When Josh McCown was named starter after being cleared to play after a concussion suffered against the Buffalo Bills, Mike Pettine said that McCown gave the Browns the best chance to win.  Sadly for Pettine, that idea blew up in his face.  The Browns lost 27-20 to the Oakland Raiders at First Energy Stadium due to McCown slow start and interception at the end of the game to Charles Woodson.  In between, McCown, who was 28 of 49 for 341 yards and 2 touchdowns, missed his receivers many times and either over threw or under threw several long balls to Travis Benjamin, including on the game ending interception.  The running game once again was non existent with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson being non-factors. 

But as bad as the offense was, it was the defense that was a true nightmare.  The secondary, which was supposed to be one of the best in the NFL, were sliced and diced by Derek Carr, who now has Amari Cooper to do a lot of damage against any NFL defense.  Carr ended the day 20 of 32 for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He was barely touched at all day as the Browns did not sack him.  Cooper was spectacular, with 134 yards receiving yards on 8 catches.  With the exception of a fumble, the Browns had no answers for him.  Latavius Murray slashed through the Browns porous run defense for 139 yards and 1 touchdown.

My take:  The Browns are a disaster once again.  Can't stop the run on defense, can't run on offense.  Josh McCown was rusty to start the game but was able to find a rhythm near the end.  That said, he was sacked 5 times, and missed wide open receivers, namely Travis Benjamin.  It proved that perhaps Mike Pettine out thought himself once more by starting McCown over Johnny Manziel.  But what's really disturbing is the defense.  The Browns invested a ton of money and draft picks in to the defense and they still can't stop the run and still get beat on pass protection.  This is a nightmare scenario for both Pettine and Ray Farmer, who would appear to be on a very tight leash with Jimmy Haslam.  It appears that, once again, the Browns will have another losing season and have fans longing for the good old days.

Player of the game: Derek Carr, who was suburb against the Browns defense.

Play of the game:  Brian Hartline, making another spectacular catch, this time with his legs.

Turning point:  Josh McCown's interception to Charles Woodson to end the game when it looked like they could tie it.

Next game:  In San Diego against the Chargers