An impressive field goal was the only real highlight for the Raiders in a 23-9 loss to the Browns. Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski kicked a 61-yard field goal on the final play of the first half. It’s the fourth longest field goal in NFL history.
Janikowski kicked a low liner that barely cleared the cross bar, hitting the goose-neck support and bouncing back onto the field Sunday. It was a career-long kick and a team record for the powerful left-footer. He was mobbed by a few teammates after pulling the Raiders within 17-9.
Janikowski’s previous best was a 57-yarder last season in overtime to beat the New York Jets. Tom Dempsey of New Orleans (1970) and Jason Elam of Denver (1998) hold the league with record with 63-yarders. Matt Bryant of Tampa Bay (2006) kicked a 62-yarder.
Jerome Harrison had 148 yards rushing and the Browns won their third straight, extending a surprising streak that Mangini can use to strengthen his case to Mike Holmgren that he deserves to remain Cleveland’s coach.
With consecutive wins over Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Oakland, the Browns (4-11) have their first three-game winning streak since 2007 and only their third since 1999. Holmgren, who is expected to be introduced as Cleveland’s team president this week, may have to factor Cleveland’s late-season surge into whether he retains Mangini, once given little chance of staying after a 1-11 start.
