LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
On Monday night, the Las Vegas Raiders beat the Cleveland Browns 16-14 on a last-second 48-yard field goal from kicker Daniel Carlson. Both teams now sit at 7-7, with wildcard spots on the line.
Covid-19’s outbreak in the NFL left many wondering if the Browns could even be competitive. The game was supposed to be played Saturday but was delayed to Monday since the Browns had so many players in Covid protocol. They went into the game without their head coach Kevin Stefanski, starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and even their backup quarterback Case Keenum. The Browns’ defense was missing key players, too, and it didn’t help when Takk McKinley was carted off with a torn Achilles less than five minutes into the third quarter.
The Browns were surprisingly competitive in the game, with third-string quarterback Nick Mullens playing well and even tossing a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give the Browns the lead. It didn’t last, though.
“That locker room right now is hurting,” said acting Browns coach Mike Priefer. “That’s the most I’ve seen it in that kind of pain. You’re upset when you lose. Obviously, you’re joyous when you win. But when you lose that type of game, that was tough.”
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The Browns should have Mayfield, who was a-symptomatic but unable to show a negative test, back by next Saturday.
The Raiders have had their share of circumstances not going their way this season, too. Head coach Jon Gruden stepped down after an email controversy and wideout Henry Ruggs III was the cause of a tragic car crash to name a few causes, but the Raiders have still managed to stay in the mix with the playoffs looming.
“It’s been a long time coming to win a game like that in the end,” said Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia. “We understand the situation we’re in and what the playoff race looks like.”
Both teams can still vie for a playoff spot. The Browns will take on the Packers on Saturday while the Raiders are slated to play division rival Broncos on Sunday.
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