The Cleveland Browns suffered their third loss of the season and second-straight defeat on Sunday afternoon. They fell at the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders 20-16 in a game where there were three winners but not many more.
In another game where key players failed to make plays on both sides of the ball, it was another close loss that should’ve been a win for the orange and brown. It was another fast start and blown lead for a team struggling to stay healthy and explosive.
It was hard to find three winners in a game the Browns needed to win to turn their season around. The 1-3 start and injuries make the season feel like a loss, but here are three winners for the Browns in Vegas.
Three Winners in an Otherwise Losing Effort for the Browns
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Continues to Be Great
The man they call JOK could end up being one of the three winners every single week for this team. His effort and playmaking do not go unnoticed for a team that sometimes looks lazy.
He led the team with nine total tackles, tied the team with six solo tackles, and had one of the four tackles for loss against the Raiders. His talent is off the charts and it is easy to see whenever watching this team.
JOK looks to be in Pro Bowl form and could end up making the Pro Bowl team yet again. If only other players around him could fly to the ball and tackle like he does, then the Browns may have more than one win.
Deshaun Watson Did What He Could
Quarterback Deshaun Watson is still getting familiar with some of his weapons and an offensive line that seems to always be changing. The injuries to both units have led to him running for his life.
Watson ran the ball eight times for 32 yards and avoided a lot of negative plays in the game. His passing yards total wasn’t crazy high, as he went 24/32 for just 176 yards. However, a lot of it was not on him this game, as he made plays throughout.
Touchdown 1️⃣ today… 🔥
The @Browns score on their opening drive with this Deshaun Watson toss for the touchdown!#CLEvsLV x #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/1AOjsnNOrY
— BROWNS OR DIE 💀 (@BrownsorDie) September 29, 2024
He had a passing touchdown in the first quarter and helped the Browns build a 10-3 lead. Watson also threw an interception that hit the middle of the chest of Amari Cooper. His numbers weren’t great as many players failed to make plays for him, but Watson was one of the three winners in week four.
Wide Receiver Jerry Jeudy
The new addition to the Browns receiving core was one of the three winners against Las Vegas due to his timely catches. Jerry Jeudy excelled in the passing game and has been a bright spot on the offense through four weeks.
He led the team in targets with nine and was second in receptions with six. He had more than double the yards of the next best receiver as he had 72 receiving yards on the day. His 12.0 average yards per catch and ability to get open has been great to see.
Jerry Jeudy today
• 6 catches
• 72 yards
• 9 targetsWR1 going forward pic.twitter.com/ezPZhWf6mg
— HQ (@Cleve1andHQ) September 29, 2024
If the Browns want to start winning games, they will need to keep Jeudy hot as well as incorporate Cooper and tight end David Njoku when he returns from injury as soon as next week.
The three winners from week four will need to continue their solid play in order for the team to win more games. The schedule does not get any easier, so every close loss hurts that much more. The Browns take on the red-hot Washington Commanders on the road in week five.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
