Browns Crush Raiders 24-10 as Las Vegas Offense Falters in Week 12
When the Cleveland Browns took the field against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025, no one expected the Raiders’ offense to vanish like smoke in the Cleveland air. The final score—24-10—didn’t tell the whole story. It was the silence between the snaps, the stalled drives, the missed opportunities that defined the game. The Raiders, coming in with playoff hopes still flickering, looked like a team running on fumes. Meanwhile, the Browns’ defense, led by Myles Garrett, turned every Raiders drive into a cautionary tale.
First Quarter: Browns Strike Fast, Raiders Can’t Respond
It started with Justice Judkins. The Browns’ young running back exploded for two touchdowns in the first 12 minutes, turning Cleveland’s opening drive into a statement and the second into a knockout punch. The Raiders’ offense? Barely alive. Quarterback Geno Smith, 34, looked every bit his age—hesitant, under pressure, and unable to find rhythm. His lone bright spot came on the final play of the quarter: a 25-yard gain to running back J.J. Jeanty. But it was too little, too late. The Browns led 14-0, and the crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium knew what was coming.Second and Third Quarters: Raiders’ Hope Flickers, Then Dies
The second quarter offered a glimmer. Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Brock Bowers (23) connected on key passes, moving the ball into Cleveland territory. But the Raiders’ red zone woes returned. Three plays inside the 20-yard line ended in two incompletions and a sack. The offense didn’t just stall—it evaporated. Then came the third quarter. And with it, the dagger. Myles Garrett didn’t just sack Smith—he ripped the ball clean. The strip sack was recovered by Maliek Collins, the Raiders’ own defensive tackle, in a cruel twist of fate. The play didn’t just end a drive—it ended any hope of a comeback. The recap from Franchise Sports Media said it best: “The defense shows life.” The offense? “Doesn’t.”The Penalty That Broke the Back of the Comeback
With just over six minutes left, the Raiders had one last shot. Down 24-10, they needed a touchdown and a stop. Geno Smith completed three straight passes—to Raheem Mostert, then twice to Bowers—moving the ball into field goal range. But the clock was ticking. And then came the mistake: Elandon Roberts, the Raiders’ veteran linebacker, jumped early on a critical third down. The encroachment penalty gave the Browns a fresh set of downs. The clock kept running. The Raiders never got the ball back. It wasn’t just a bad call. It was a symptom.Why This Loss Hurts More Than the Score Suggests
The Raiders entered Week 12 with a 5-6 record. A win here, against a divisional rival, could’ve reignited their playoff chances. Instead, they lost their third straight game. And it wasn’t just the score—it was how they lost. The offensive line gave Smith no time. The play-calling grew predictable. Even Tyler Lockett, 33, who’s been a steady hand all season, couldn’t create separation. Meanwhile, the Browns’ defense—ranked top-five in the league—played like champions. Garrett’s strip sack wasn’t just a highlight. It was a message: “You’re not getting past us.” General Manager Tom Telesco has been quietly reshaping the Raiders’ roster this season, trading away veterans for draft picks. But with each loss, the clock ticks louder on his rebuild. The team now sits at 5-7. The playoffs? A long shot. The question isn’t just “Can they win?” anymore. It’s “Can they even look like a team worth watching?”
What’s Next for the Raiders?
The Raiders’ next game is Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers—a team that just beat the Kansas City Chiefs. Another loss, and the season becomes a footnote. A win, and maybe, just maybe, they can still make noise. But after this performance? The burden falls squarely on Geno Smith, who’s now 14-16 as a starter since joining Las Vegas. And on Telesco, who must decide: Is this the foundation, or the funeral?Key Figures and Stats from the Game
- Justice Judkins (Cleveland): 2 rushing touchdowns, 82 yards
- Myles Garrett (Cleveland): 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
- Geno Smith (Las Vegas): 21/34, 201 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
- Brock Bowers (Las Vegas): 6 receptions, 41 yards
- Elandon Roberts (Las Vegas): Encroachment penalty on critical 4th quarter drive
- Final Score: Cleveland Browns 24, Las Vegas Raiders 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Why weren’t the Raiders’ inactive players named in the reports?
While the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders officially announced their inactive lists on November 23, 2025, neither team disclosed names in their public releases. This is standard NFL protocol—teams often withhold injury details until closer to kickoff to prevent opponents from adjusting strategies. Fox Sports and team websites confirmed the lists were filed, but specifics were only available to media and coaching staff.
How did Geno Smith’s performance compare to his usual play?
Smith’s 21/34, 201-yard stat line looks decent on paper—but his efficiency was poor. He averaged just 5.9 yards per attempt, his lowest since Week 3. More telling: he had zero touchdown passes and threw one interception under pressure. In previous wins this season, Smith averaged 7.3 yards per attempt with 2+ TDs. This game felt like a regression, not a recovery, especially with key weapons like Davante Adams sidelined.
What does this loss mean for the Raiders’ playoff chances?
After falling to 5-7, the Raiders now trail the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos in the AFC West. To make the playoffs, they need to win at least three of their final four games—including two against division rivals—and hope for multiple upsets. Their strength of schedule is among the toughest in the league, making the odds less than 20%, per NFL Power Rankings.
Why was Myles Garrett’s strip sack so pivotal?
With the Raiders down 14-0 and driving in the third quarter, Garrett’s sack-and-strip came on third-and-8 from the Cleveland 40. Had the Raiders converted, they likely would’ve scored, cutting the lead to 14-7. Instead, the turnover killed momentum and shifted field position. Garrett now leads the NFL with 14.5 sacks this season—his third straight year with double-digit sacks—and this play was textbook: speed rush, hand fight, and a perfect strip.
How did Brock Bowers perform despite the loss?
Bowers was the Raiders’ most consistent offensive weapon, hauling in six catches for 41 yards and nearly scoring on a red zone target. He’s now tied for second among NFL tight ends in receptions (72) and first in yards per catch (11.8). But even his brilliance couldn’t overcome poor quarterback protection and a lack of play-action. He’s clearly the future—but without better support, he’s just a bright spot in a dark season.
What’s the long-term impact on the Raiders’ rebuild under Tom Telesco?
Telesco’s rebuild hinges on developing young talent like Bowers and Jeanty while avoiding long-term contracts. This loss deepens the pressure. If the Raiders miss the playoffs again, it could trigger front-office changes. The team’s draft capital is strong, but fan patience is thinning. A 6-11 record this season might push ownership to accelerate the rebuild—potentially trading Smith and opening the door for a rookie QB next year.
