OAKLAND -- The Raiders finally got a win Sunday. Yes, they blew another fourth-quarter lead, but they still found a way to come back and beat the Cleveland Browns 45-42 in overtime after starting the season with three consecutive losses.
Winning in dramatic fashion at the Coliseum gave the Raiders a huge lift, not to mention renewed optimism after they squandered golden opportunities to beat the Broncos and the Dolphins in previous weeks. The Raiders responded with a strong finish, though they were far from perfect.
With that in mind, here are this week’s Raiders grades:
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Rushing Offense
Marshawn Lynch was awesome in this one. The veteran proved tough to bring down, churning out 130 yards on 20 carries. He rallied the team during a rousing in-game speech and with tough rushing throughout the game.
The offensive line perked up as the game wore on, and Lynch gained significant yards once they reached the second level. Doug Martin was inconsequential (11 yards on five carries), but Beast Mode was all the Raiders needed.
Grade: A-minus
NFL
Passing Offense
Derek Carr would like to have two poor throws back. His interceptions hurt the team, but Carr kept fighting and pushing, and led the Raiders to victory. He completed 35 of 58 passes for 437 yards and touchdowns with the two picks.
Amari Cooper and Jared Cook both exceeded 100 yards, but the receivers had far too many drops -- Martavis Bryant’s second-quarter drop on a deep shot was uncool -- which knocks the air attack down a peg. Carr could’ve had a crazy day if the wideouts were on point.
Grade: B-plus
Rushing Defense
Oakland's run defense gave up far too many big plays. Cleveland rookie Nick Chubb had 105 yards and two TDs on just three carries. Carlos Hyde added 82 yards and one score.
The Browns had a big day on the ground with 208 yards on 31 carries (6.7-yard average), and they nearly secured victory by running roughshod over a gassed Raiders defense.
Grade: D-plus
Pass Defense
Gareon Conley had a pick six, and Reggie Nelson also intercepted a pass late to send the game to overtime. Maurice Hurst strip-sacked Baker Mayfield while rushing the passer, and Johnathan Hankins had two fumble recoveries that put the Raiders in position to score easily.
Grade: B
Special Teams
Matt McCrane won this game with a 29-yard field goal in overtime. He also missed twice while kicking from the infield dirt, frustrating the undrafted rookie in his NFL debut.
Dwayne Harris had a 49-yard punt return to set up a field goal. Johnny Townsend wasn’t bad, but he only put one punt inside the 20-yard line. He needs to do better.
Grade: B-minus
Overall
The Raiders were in deep trouble late in this game, but they found a way to secure the season’s first win. They showed real fight -- far more than 0-3 teams typically do. That was impressive, and showed the team is working hard.
They have to get better, but they were just good enough on this day.
Grade: A