The Las Vegas Raiders fell to 2-9 this season after being physically outmatched by the Cleveland Browns for 60 minutes.
While the final score was 24-10, the box score tells the true story behind what seemed to be an abysmal showing from the Raiders.
For starters, Geno Smith was sacked 10 times – the second-most sacks the Raiders have allowed in a game in franchise history. The offense went 4-of-17 on third down, stifled to 2.5 yards a carry and the team was penalized 13 times for 109 yards.
When asked to sum up the game as a whole, Pete Carroll had no choice but to keep it real.
"[I]f you don't score, you can't win. And we couldn't score," the head coach said.
"It was an incredible game of defense on both sides – their team, our team," Carroll added. "The numbers were whatever. ... We had opportunities to make big plays and we didn't hit them. The QB was under duress the entire time. Our ability to match up with their pass rush didn't work out well."
After back-to-back three and outs between the Browns and Raiders offense on the first two drives, special teams gave up a 44-yard return to Gage Larvadain. Another 15 yards were added after the play as AJ Cole was called for tripping. However, it's safe to say Laradain would've scored a touchdown without Cole's attempt to make a tackle.
Over the next two plays, rookie running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for 13 yards to get the Browns in the end zone.
The Browns 'next score was set up by a big time throw from rookie Shedeur Sanders in his first NFL start. On 3rd-and-8, the Browns quarterback rolled right to find Isaiah Bond open down the field for a 52-yard gain.
One play later, the Browns hit a direct snap to Judkins for his second rushing touchdown that gave the Browns an early 14-0 lead.
As the Browns leaned on their rookie rusher, the Raiders followed suit. Ashton Jeanty accounted for 37 total yards on the following drive, getting the offense into scoring territory.
Yet it wasn't enough as both the offense and special teams faltered. Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal as the score remained 14-0. It was Carlson's fifth field goal missed this season. Nevertheless, the kicker quickly redeemed himself with some help from the defense.
Charles Snowden dropped back off the line of scrimmage in coverage to intercept Sanders and returned it for 19 yards. It was the edge rusher's first interception of his NFL career. Shortly thereafter, Carlson sent a 41-yarder in the uprights to put the Raiders on the scoreboard.
Before halftime, the Raiders defense came away with its second turnover of the day. After allowing another deep pass in coverage, Jeremy Chinn came from behind Jerry Jeudy to punch the ball out and Elandon Roberts recovered it. This was Las Vegas' third game on the season producing multiple turnovers.
"Overall I think we're doing some good things, [but] I feel like we could definitely be better though overall," Maxx Crosby said of the defensive showing, as he set a new personal career-high of five tackles for loss.
"If you think you've got it, if you think we are doing enough, then you're part of the problem," he added. "You've got to be continuously trying to find ways and stay curious on how you can improve and dominate your individual role but also bring others with you."
Heading into the second half down 11 points, Smith became more aggressive with his decision-making. As Alex Cappa came into the game at center, Smith was afforded more time in the pocket to look for the deep ball. After a 33-yard pass completion to Tyler Lockett, Smith narrowly threw a would-be touchdown pass to Tre Tucker on two separate occasions. The first was deflected by Denzel Ward, the other overthrown on fourth down.
The Browns scored another 10 points in the second half off a 53-yard field goal made by Andre Szmyt and 66-yard scamper to the end zone by Dylan Sampson.
Between Judkins and Sampson, the two rookie running backs combined for 129 total scrimmage yards.
The Raiders didn't score their first touchdown of the game until 5:11 remaining in regulation, as Smith found Jeanty for a five-yard gain on fourth down. The Raiders quarterback finished the game with 285 yards and the touchdown while completing 68 percent of his passes.
"I wasn't counting the plays or the sacks so that's new information to me," Smith said when asked about taking 10 sacks. "I was just trying to go out there and execute and trying to get the job done."
As for where the Raiders go from here, for Carroll, it's about keeping their heads down and working. Five of their last six opponents for the 2025 season have winning records and are fighting for a playoff berth.
"We're going to keep doing what we know how to do and that's to keep grinding," Carroll said. "This team ... they ain't giving up on each other. I'm not giving up on them and they're not giving up on me, I hope."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 12 matchup against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11), defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a 41-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) runs after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50), linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Cappa (65) and guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a PAT during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
