Browns vs Raiders Week 4: Players who could wreck Cleveland’s road trip

Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams are the two big names

Well, that was not great last week. After a let-down performance in Week 3 against the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns will travel out west to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in what seems to be a season-altering game.

Like the Browns, the Raiders suffered an inexcusable loss at home to a team that they had no business losing to with the Carolina Panthers (who have their own issues).

Offensively, everyone should be familiar with wide receiver Davante Adams and tight ends Michael Mayer and rookie Brock Bowers aren’t to be taken lightly either. Tre Tucker and Jakobi Meyers are other receivers that you should keep an eye on. Quarterback Gardner Minshew is an upgrade over Aidan O’Connell but the upside is limited.

Offensively, the unit has similar issues that the Browns possess. Lack of a run game, offensive line issues, and an overall lack of competent play despite the unit having some talent.

Defensively, the unit has one of the better premier pass rushers in Maxx Crosby and one of the best interior defensive tackles in Christian Wilkins. As far as the secondary goes (again similar to the Browns) the cornerbacks are talented with players such as Jakorian Bennett, Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones. The safeties are decent but they are banged up along their defensive line. Good unit but banged up.

Here are the 3 players to watch for in this upcoming tilt:

DE Maxx Crosby

Another week, another elite edge rusher that the Browns will have to worry about containing. Enter Maxx Crosby. Similar to Myles, Crosby had a legitimate case to win Defensive Player of the Year last season. Crosby is one of the top 3 edge rushers in the league and the 2nd best player on the Raiders. Elite against the run, and has a stout pass-rushing repertoire, Crosby is more closer to underrated than overrated.

However, Crosby is hampered as he suffered an ankle injury, mainly a high ankle sprain.

Crosby played through a knee injury last year so the fact that he played on a high ankle sprain is a test of his toughness. Cleveland’s offensive line is a weakness and depending on how Crosby is, Cleveland has to contain him.

WR Davante Adams

When it comes to the elite echelon of wide receivers, Davante Adams is in that conversation. Since being traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Raiders, Adams has had consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons despite the instability at the quarterback position. His route running is one of the best in the league, reliable hands and has the ability to take over a game if needed.

However, Adams at times has been frustrated with the Raiders and it’s been evident. Despite the on-field frustrations and trade rumors that disappear and re-surface, Adams seems content with being in Las Vegas (despite wanting to be in Vegas just to be reunited with former college teammate, quarterback Derek Carr who is currently in New Orleans).

For the Browns, obviously the goal should be to shut down Davante Adams this week. Cleveland struggled against New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers last week but Nabers was quiet when cornerback Denzel Ward traveled with him. Keep Ward on Adams and force the Raiders to beat you with someone other than Adams.

TE Brock Bowers

Cleveland hasn’t had an issue with defending tight ends this season but on Sunday, they will have to defend against a particular one. Enter rookie tight end Brock Bowers. When the Raiders drafted Bowers instead of a quarterback in this year’s draft many questioned the pick but at the time the Raiders went BPA (Best Player available) route. Bowers was the top tight end prospect in his class and he thrived at the University of Georgia.

Bowers is a natural pass catcher and he moves fluidly with the ball in his hands. He’s talented and you see why many teams wanted Bowers during the draft. For the Browns, containing Bowers could be difficult but they have the athletes to take him away. Look for safety Grant Delpit to match up against Bowers or put an extra body on him to cover him.