On Sunday September 29th ,2024, at 4:25 pm eastern time, the Cleveland Browns traveled to Las Vegas Nevada to take on the Las Vegas Raiders. Both teams have a record of 1-2 and are coming off disappointing home losses in the previous week. So, both teams want to get on the winning track with a 2-2 record. And both teams are dealing with injuries in this week 4 matchup.

The Raiders were without DE Maxx Crosby and wide receiver Davante Adams. The Cleveland Browns were down to one starter on their offensive line. And DE Myles Garret was hobbled by multiple lower body injuries. As expected, the game was evenly matched early.

The Browns opened the game with a 9 minute a 70-yard touchdown drive. Late in the 1st quarter Browns place kicker Dustin Hopkins kicked a 56-yard field goal. That put the Browns up 10-0. The second quarter belonged to the Raiders when they matched the score with their own touchdown and field goal. At halftime the game was tied 10-10. Deshaun Watson in the first half was 14-17 for 87 yards and a 107.6 quarterback rating.

In the 3rd quarter the Raiders took advantage of opportunities and jumped to a 20-10 lead. This happened after an Amari Cooper drop turned into an interception. The Browns defense did step up in the 4th quarter.  Browns Safety Rodney McLeod recovered a fumble and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. Hopkins missed the PAT. That was the difference in the game. Late in the 4th quarter the Browns had an opportunity to score from the 16-yard line. A field goal wouldn’t have tied the game. An errant snap caused the offense to try and convert a 4th down and 3. On that down the offensive line gave up a sack. And the game was over at that point.

The Browns drop their record to 1-3 and travel to Washington D.C. to play the Commanders next Sunday. Deshaun Watson was 24 for 32 with 176 yards 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He had a quarterback rating of 84.9 to finish the game. Again, the Browns lost this game because of missed opportunities. And they are running out of excuses. And if they don’t turn it around soon. The season can get away from them.