Entering Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns, there wasn’t much anticipation for an amazing output from the Las Vegas Raiders. Both Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby did not participate in this contest, but the team remained relentless and fought to record a deserved win regardless. A 20-16 outcome could have been predicted as both offenses are among the least productive in the NFL.
This contest presented three pleasant surprises that may change the Raiders’ direction in the long run.
Three pleasant surprises from Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 4 win
Isaiah Pola-Mao Stepped Up
Though this was the Raiders first game without Marcus Epps, Isaiah Pola-Mao was tasked with playing a similar role and replaced him beautifully. He finished the game with 6 tackles, one sack, and a game-changing pass deflection. The 25-year-old deflected a pass intended for Jerry Jeudy on what proved to be a crucial stop on third down. Because of this play, Las Vegas’ defense stopped the Browns from potentially winning the game.
All of a sudden, head coach Antonio Pierce is no longer in deep search for a new starting safety. “We were just waiting to get him out there and the opportunity came,” Pierce said. “I thought he did an outstanding job all week.”
Pola-Mao will be the expected starter for the rest of the season, and with Epps becoming a free agent at the season’s end, this may be a sneak-peak at the future.
Las Vegas Raiders Have a Rushing Attack
Prior to Week 4’s contest, Sin City averaged just 51 rushing yards per game; the worst average across the NFL. Running the ball was a strength against the Browns, however.
Surprisingly, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was able to construct a new scheme including many end-arounds. Brock Bowers and D.J. Turner both received handoffs that led to success; Bowers earning a first down and Turner scoring a touchdown.
Cleveland could not compete with the Raiders’ 152 yards on the ground Sunday.
Though Zamir White struggled to produce yardage, Alexander Mattison triumphed. Mattison attempted five runs for 60 yards, averaging 12 yards per carry. Rookie offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson debuted in his first career start and had an immense impact on the team’s production.
Defensive Line Succeeded without Maxx Crosby
No Maxx Crosby this week? No problem for Las Vegas’ defensive line as they pressured Deshaun Watson constantly.
Charles Snowden will be commended for his constant motor which led him to a game-ending sack in the red zone on fourth down. Tyree Wilson exemplified explosiveness in his get-off which was one of his glaring weaknesses. Additionally, Christian Wilkins totaled three quarterback hits and a sack against Cleveland.
Snowden was the star of the defensive line as he also deflected a pass. His impact should earn him much more playing time in the future.
*Top Photo: Las Vegas Sun