Did the Raider defense turn a corner on Sunday?
Paul Guenther’s group did, after all, go on the road and hold the Browns to six points in a game that might end up having huge wild card ramifications. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who threw five touchdowns a week ago, didn’t throw any against the Raiders.
Defensive problems solved, right?
Well, maybe not so fast.
There’s no question that Guenther’s best friend on Sunday was the miserable rain, sleet, snow, and wind that pounded the field throughout the game. It also didn’t hurt that Odell Beckham Jr. (injured reserve) wasn’t on the field for the Browns.
The Browns dropped two key passes in the game that probably cost them two touchdowns. Nevin Lawson and Cory Littleton were as bad as ever in coverage and the defensive line, once again, didn’t produce a single sack. Lamarcus Joyner has a good game, but the Raiders best defensive player on Sunday was still Mother Nature.
Sadly, though, Mother Nature won’t be traveling to Los Angeles next week and she won’t be a factor in any of the next four games. Guenther may have silenced his critics for a week, but he shouldn’t take a victory lap just yet. The defense played better against the Browns, but it wasn’t quite the performance that the box score would suggest. It also didn’t hurt that Jon Gruden’s offense gobbled up 63% of the possession time in the game.
So let’s wait a week on the optimism around Guenther’s gang.
Hold the Chargers under 25 points next week and maybe it’ll be time to start thinking Guenther is moving things in the right direction.
twitter: @raidersbeat
