3 stars for Cleveland Browns in loss to Las Vegas Raiders

The 2024 season went from bad to worse as the Cleveland Browns lost 20-16 on the road to the Las Vegas Raiders. The loss now leaves Cleveland with an abysmal record of 1-3 to start the year.

Another loss when Cleveland had plenty of chances to win is cause for concern. Amari Cooper's hands are still in question after an easy catch turned into a costly interception. Why did Kevin Stefanski call a timeout before fourth down play? Even if you fail on that conversion, three timeouts mean the Raiders can't just take three squats.

Honestly, the list of problems could go on and on because of the missed PAT and the terrible holding call that got a touchdown off the board to go on.

Despite the disappointment of this result, some players still played relatively well. Here were the three stars.

Watson's tenure with the Cleveland Browns was nothing short of a failed experiment. If the team continues to lose, the chances of them pursuing a top draft pick and a new quarterback increase.

However, Watson definitely deserves credit for his performance against the Raiders. The starting quarterback placed the football in spots where his receivers should make plays and get receptions. With numerous backups playing offense, Watson also used his feet to evade pressure when necessary. He did a good job with decision making in this game.

The sad thing about this being probably one of Watson's best performances for the Browns is that his stats were just 24 of 32 for 176 yards and a touchdown. The interception wasn't Watson's, but Cooper's. The stats could have looked much better if the long touchdown pass hadn't been called back for holding and the team probably would have won.

Watson doesn't deserve much blame for this game, something that hasn't been said about most recent losses.

Whiteheart was a new addition to the active roster this week and immediately made a name for himself. The former Wake Forest tight end is in his second NFL season after being signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

In just his third appearance in an NFL game, Whiteheart scored the first touchdown of his professional career. Not only did he score a touchdown, but he also had three catches for 13 yards.

JOK was once again all over the field for the Browns defense. The linebacker led the way with nine total tackles (six solo) and one tackle for loss.

He still appears to be in Pro Bowl shape after a strong season last year.