The fumble return TD helps the Browns close the gap on the Raiders

LAS VEGAS – Through the first three quarters of Sunday's game against the Raiders, the Cleveland Browns defense allowed the NFL's worst rushing attack to wreak havoc on them. Missed tackles and missed assignments brought the team to life without stars Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby.

But things changed on the first play of the fourth quarter. On a third-and-1 run, defensive lineman Isaiah McGuire sacked running back Zamir White, and safety Rodney McLeod Jr. recovered the ball, tiptoed down the sideline and dove into the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown.

It brought Cleveland within four points, 20-16, after kicker Dustin Hopkins missed an extra point.

The takeaway ended a 20-straight point run for the Raiders after the Browns took an early 10-0 lead. It was also just the third takeaway in four games for a team that forced the fifth-most turnovers in 2023 (28).

SHOVELLED AND CRAFTED 🙌#CLEvsLV on CBS and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/67Wen6WeF2

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 29, 2024