After ‘horrible’ start, Raiders’ field position improves against Browns

Last week, head coach Jon Gruden gave a succinct assessment of the Raiders’ average starting field position through three games.

“It’s been horrible,” Gruden said.

The Raiders’ average drive from Weeks 1-3 started inside their own 23-yard line, according to Football Outsiders, worst in the NFL. It was better Sunday against the Browns, as the Raiders started on average from their own 35-yard line in a 45-42 win.

Part of that was due to takeaways. The Raiders defense forced just one takeaway in Weeks 1-3 but had four Sunday, including two deep in Browns territory. Both ensuing Raiders drives ended in touchdowns.

“When you get the ball back in decent field position you can take some shots,” Gruden said on Monday. “And that we did.