Deuce: A Look At Week 3 Of The NFL
By: Deuce Mason
Raiders @ Browns
Who's ready for a little flashback? The Raiders haven't won on the eastern time zone since 2009.
It was "Big Bad" Brad Gradkowski who threw three touchdowns in a Raiders 27-24 win in Pittsburgh. Oakland was led in rushing by Justin Fargas. Check out the box score here
QB Change-Browns head coach Mike Pettine made the right call by going back to a healthy Josh McCown. Why go with a 36-year old QB? Why not go with Manziel after he led the Browns to a win over the Titans?
Pettine's job is based on wins and McCown gives the Browns a better opportunity to get a win. McCown looked very good in his one series against the tough Jets defense in week one. He made some solid throws and also made plays with his feet.
Road Woes-The Raiders have a great opportunity and I'm really curious to see how Derek Carr builds off his performance from week two. It's going to be a little different when you're playing in the "Dawg Pound." A young QB in a tough road environment can be extremely tough. I'm really looking forward to seeing how he handles that. How effective will the Raiders be using a silent count?
U-G-L-Y-The other big question is the Raiders defense. It's easy to forget about how bad it looked when you're coming off a win, but the secondary has been terrible. Oakland has given up 66 points in the first two games of the season. Will this be the week that the Raiders get some pressure on the QB? They're taking on a talented Browns offensive line but I'm expecting a break out game for Khalil Mack.
Raiders-31 Brown-27-Carr and the Raiders offense shines, and McCown makes a key mistake late.
My Must-See Game Of The Week
If I can watch only one game on Sunday, I'm going with Bengals-Ravens. It's a divisional game, Andy Dalton is off to a very good start and the Ravens are trying to avoid an 0-3 start.
My Upset Of The Week
Cowboys over Falcons-The Cowboys defense steps up to the challenge, Weeden doesn't turnover the ball and the Cowboys get an ugly win. No, Jerry Jones didn't hack this website.
My Lock Of The Week
Seahawks over Bears. This one won't even be close. Kam Chancellor could be back this Sunday, it's the Seahawks home opener and Bears backup QB Jimmy Clausen is awful. The Cardinals were practically laughing at his inability to throw the ball after replacing Jay Cutler.
