Cleveland Browns: Who is to blame for the loss to the Oakland Raiders?

After an excruciating loss to the Oakland Raiders, we examine who is to blame for the lackluster performance by the Cleveland Browns

This one hurts. I mean, they all hurt. But this one really hurt. The hurt then turns to anger. And anger leads to blame. Ah…there we are, blame. Where does the blame lie in the Cleveland Browns loss to the Oakland Raiders?

Well, let’s start with the officiating. Walt Anderson and his crew were atrocious. There were easily three or four calls that snatched victory from our grasps. Just to highlight the worst of the worst, we will go to the crystal-clear fumble the defense forced on Derek Carr.

Not only did we clearly force the fumble, but it was then picked up by Larry Ogunjobi for what would have been a game-changing touchdown. Then, there was the first down run by Carlos Hyde to seal the game. But, not so fast. The Browns were taken out of victory formation by the referees. Okay, well, the calls don’t always go your way.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

• How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
• Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
• 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
• Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
• 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target

Let’s move on to the defense. The game is over and Jared Cook is still wide open. Maybe there isn’t enough game film on Marshawn Lynch. I’m sure the scouting report called for arm tackles and not wrapping up. In total the defense gave up 565 yards, not exactly the top unit we thought resided in Cleveland.

Surely, we can’t blame the offense. After all, we did score 42 points. There is no way any of this could fall on them, is there? Well, there four turnovers. Three of the turnovers led to Raiders touchdowns, including a pick-six.

The offense was also dreadful on the third downs, converting five out of fifteen. That is not a recipe for a winning brand of football.

Then we have the not-so-special teams. The only positive thing I can say is…this game was not lost by the kicker. Every other aspect of the special teams was abysmal.

I am sure there will be ‘talks’ behind closed doors in Berea as soon as the team plane lands on how to sure up the special teams.

Maybe it’s me. How could I lose sight in all the Baker feel good that we are still the Cleveland Browns? One game does not usher in a winning culture. We are the youngest team in the league, and we are starting a rookie quarterback. Expectations should be tempered…until next week.