Las Vegas Raiders Were Successful at Possession in Cleveland

The Raiders controlled the game when it came to possession against Cleveland. It was a major factor in their 16-6 win.

Possession was a key ingredient in the Las Vegas Raiders 16-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Las Vegas held onto the ball for 37:43 compared to the Browns' 22:17.

Much of that had to do with head coach Jon Gruden’s play calling.

The Raiders opted to mix the playbook, not depending solely on the ground game or passing game but rather, mixing the two together.

While quarterback Derek Carr couldn’t throw the football down the field due to the 35-plus miles-per-hour wind conditions, he still managed to connect on 15 passes for 112 yards.

Carr threw the only touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow.

Once again, primary ball-carrying duties were given to running back Josh Jacobs. He had 31 carries for 128 yards and moved the chains continuously for the Raiders, providing the bulk of that time of possession.

Carr got involved in the ground game as well, running six times for 41 yards.

Since the long-ball game was not an option, Gruden used the game clock instead.

It worked well for the Silver and Black.

“We ran the ball a lot of different ways – from a single-back set, from a two-back set a double tight end set,” Gruden told reporters after the game. “Derek Carr even got involved. It was a great job of protecting the football, running the ball, and possessing the ball, which was a key ingredient in winning.”

The Silver and Black aren’t a one-dimensional team. They’re not even a two-dimensional team. They are a team that can switch strategies depending on the venue.

Possession was a key to a victory in Cleveland and the Raiders delivered.

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