Oakland Raiders go up against Cleveland Browns in Week 13 – NFL Preview
It will be a clash between two mid-tier teams as Oakland Raiders host Cleveland Browns in Week 13 on Sunday, December 02, 2012 at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California.
Both are teams are on course to finish the season with a losing record. Browns are up and coming with good performance in recent week, but their record on road seems to reduce their chances for taking this game away.
If the team fails to win this one, it will be franchise record 12th straight defeat away from home that dates back to the 2011 season.
Meanwhile, Raiders are inching forward towards getting their fifth consecutive defeat. The team is facing a dare possibility of failing to the reach the playoffs for the tenth consecutive season after putting up a 3-8 record till Week 12.
Browns are also sitting with a 3-8 record. However, the atmosphere in the camp of two teams is different.
The team morale is at its lowest in the Raiders roster as the team continues to struggle in every department of the game.
The defence has allowed a massive 169 points in last four games. On the other hand, the offence produced its worst performance after putting up a mere 218 yards during 10-34 thrashing against mediocre Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12.
The running game will get a boost this week as star running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson are hopeful to return to the field after recovering from their respective injuries. Talking about their return, quarterback Carson Palmer said:
"It feels like it's been a lot longer than it actually has, but just good to see them in the huddle and see them get reps and see Darren smiling and hitting the hole hard, and same thing with Goody.”
Even the Browns are aware how the presence of these two players can have a big effect in the outcome of the game.
However, Browns defence looks to be prepared as they have given away just 112 rushing yards in last two games. Giving his views about the Raiders’ running game, Browns head coach Pet Shurmer said:
"(McFadden is) explosive. He's one of those guys that can score when he has the ball in his hands. ... When you have players on the field that can score touchdowns, that's what you want. With him not being in there, of course that's hurt them. With him being
in there, it's obviously going to help them."
Browns offence is hoping to go on the field along with their starting quarterback Brandon Weeden.
The rookie got a concussion during the 20-14 victory over mighty Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. He returned to practice on Wednesday.
Running back Trent Richardson can create havoc for Raiders defence as the player has put up 407 rushing yards and two touchdowns in last four games.
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