3 reasons for optimism for the Raiders as they face the Browns on Sunday

All is not lost for the Raiders this week. They may have lost to a bad Panthers team in week three, but they'll get another chance against another struggling team in week four. Neither team should feel confident heading into this game. And here are a few reasons for optimism if you're the Raiders.

Both Browns start with tackles

The Raiders may be without their two starting edge rushers – Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce – but the Browns will be without their starting tackles – Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills. Admittedly, Crosby and Koonce represent bigger losses for the Raiders than Conklin and Wills were for the Browns, but perhaps that evens the playing field a bit.

The Raiders have been looking for former seventh overall pick Tyree Wilson to showcase his draft potential, and there's no better time to do so. He expects his game to see the majority of snaps on the edge, with Janarius Robinson, Charles Snowden and former top pick K'Lavon Chaisson rotating on the other end and sharing time.

Deshaun Watson is terrible

No amount of massage can make Deshaun Watson's stats look anything but terrible. He's just bad. He has yet to pass 200 yards this season, and the offense's best game was when they scored 18 points without him throwing a touchdown. His passer rating is a pitiful 71.4. And he didn't make up for it on the ground either. He has 14 carries for 85 yards this season.

Then there is this gem.

https://twitter.com/austingayle_/status/1839362362186531291

Oh, and did I mention he's already been sacked 16 times this season?!

No interceptions

The Browns defense is one of only five teams in the NFL that has not thrown an interception this season. The Raiders have a tendency to end such futile stretches, but it's at least a sign of hope that they won't face an opportunistic defense.

That doesn't mean that Gardner Minshew should just throw it back and forth. The Browns still have one of the better cornerbacks in the league in Denzel Ward, even if Ward hasn't gotten his hands on one yet.