After back-to-back wins, the Cleveland Browns (3-3) were on a big high entering Week 7, but disappointed in their loss to the Jaguars. They'll look to bounce back in Week 8 as they host the league's lone winless team in the Oakland Raiders (0-6).
After Alex Mack had leg surgery and was sent to the IR, the Browns needed Paul McQuistan to step up and help sustain their offensive line, which was ranked No. 1 through five weeks. Unfortunately, McQuistan was outmatched last week as he posted the worst grade on the Browns' offense. John Greco was playing excellent football at right guard up until Mack was injured. Last week saw Greco move to center in which he turned in his worst performance of the year.
Greco and McQuistan will have the task of blocking rookie nose tackle Justin Ellis and defensive ends C.J. Wilson and Justin Tuck, if Tuck is healthy enough to go this week. Ellis hasn’t put up big numbers, but his size makes blocking at the second level difficult for offensive linemen. Ellis registered two QB pressures last week and has shown improvement each week. Tuck has a Pass Rushing Productivity of 8.6, tied for 10th best in the NFL, while Wilson is right behind him tied at 12th best with 8.5 PRP. With Hoyer being sacked three times last week, McQuistan and Greco may have their hands full.
Three things to watch for in this matchup:
Oakland Raiders
Derek Carr – After some early-season struggles, Carr has posted positive grades in two straight games and three of the last four. When Carr is under pressure, he has graded a -7.7 on the year, throwing three interceptions and completing just 43.5% of his passes.
Charles Woodson – The veteran is tied for 16th in in coverage for a safety, giving up 0.28 Yards Per Coverage Snap.
Donald Penn – Penn is quietly having a solid year, grading positive in five of six games, only giving up one sack with a Pass Blocking Efficiency of 96.2, tied for 16th best.
Cleveland Browns
Jordan Cameron – Ranking 10th in Yards Per Route Run with a 1.88 mark, Cameron was limited a week ago to just one catch for 5 yards.
John Hughes – Filling in for several injured defensive linemen, Hughes has done well. With back-to-back weeks in the green, Hughes has posted five run stops and two QB pressures.
Brian Hoyer – Hoyer is tops in the NFL in deep passing. With 27 attempts, Hoyer has 15 completions for 531 yards and two touchdowns with a single interception.
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