Photo Chris O'Meara / AP

                                                                                                                   RB Michael Bush

Most well informed Raider fans know the story of how Bush broke his leg his Senior year at Louisville and how the Raiders took a chance with their 2007 4^th round pick on the talented footballer.

Today that gamble paid dividends.

With this years 4^th over all pick Darren McFadden sidelined presumably with a pre game ankle injury and running back Justin Fargas suffering a knee injury in the 1^st half, Bush came in to do what former coach Lane Kiffin envisioned him as, a bruising late game time killer able to wear on already tired defenses.

He carried the ball 10 times in a row to close out the Raider victory.

Bush contributed through the air again for the second time this year, lofting a deep ball on a half back option left that was slow to develop and under thrown causing a pass interference call. The penalty led to a 12 yd TD strike from Russell to Higgins who took it into the front left corner of the end zone with 10 minutes left in the game.

Gaining 177 yds on 27 carries the 2^nd year back, who spent all of 07' on injured reserve, also punched the ball in the end zone twice, one coming with 7:16 left in the 4^th quarter on a 67 yd rumble by the surprisingly speedy 245 pounder.

Oakland is left with an enviable dilemma heading into next season with 3 solid running backs vying for time. Bush himself has lobbied for a more democratic running scheme like the Giants have displayed with their "Earth, Wind and Fire" triple threat and if todays any indication, the young second year Raider running back may be onto something.

The 6-1 Bush balked at playing fullback for Oakland after Justin Griffith went down scoring a Raider TD against the Ravens in week 8. Oakland was thin at the position already after losing promising road grating FB Oren O’Neal in a meaningless week 3 pre season game against the Cards.

Some scoffed at Bush’s unwillingness to take a demotion for the team and theres little doubt, he could’ve helped in protection and receiving out of the back field, but he insisted he was a running back who didn’t want to waste himself by absorbing line backers.

Today, he may have made a step to insure they’ll never think of him in that capacity again.

                                                                          KR/WR Johnnie Lee Higgins

The emergence of KR/WR Johnnie Lee Higgins may have come as a shock to opponents and even Raider fans alike who've watched him go from fumbling, stumbling newbie to legimate threat in the span of one season.

His 3rd TD return of the year helped Oakland surprise the visiting Texans and cement them as one of the better special teams units in the game. 

Higgins added a 29 yd TD catch in the 3rd to give Oakland a 7 point lead they would carry to victory. The 5-11, 185 lb 2nd year man is averaging just under 20 yds per grab on 16 receptions for 314 yds and 3 TDs, but promises to improve on those numbers in the near future as the Raiders work him into next year.

Oakland stunned the Houston Texans Sunday with a telling home stand by the Raiders defense. Though Oakland tried to give it up late in the game as they have too often this season, with fumbles by Jamarcus Russell and Justin Fargas in the 4th quarter.

Photo / Reuters

                                                                                                                    QB Jamarcus Russell

Russell's gaffe came when RT Cornell Greene missed an assingment and blocked down, leaving the rolling Russell exposed to an unchecked Amobie Akoye. The Houston DE spun Russell around dislodging the ball. The Texans recovered, but the Raiders D stood tall and forced a 3 and out.

Fargas's fumble came with 4:08 left in the game but an alert Cooper Carlisle pounced on it preserving a drive that let Oakland take the clock down to the 2 minute warning.

Jamarcus Russell had another outstanding day and was assisted by wide out 7th round draft pick Chaz Schilens and trusted TE Zach Miller, Miller with 4 grabs for 70 yds to lead all receivers. Miller has taken some viscious shots in the last few games and rebounded with out a hitch. Oakland drafted a winner and filled a glaring need with the former Sun Devil TE. His game gets better every time on the field.

Russell finished 18 of 25 for 236 yds and 2 TDs, capping his finest day so far as a pro.

Schilens saw his first significant field time and made the most of it, enthusiastically blocking and receiving, snaring his first TD of the year on Oaklands opening drive and setting the pace against the Texans.

                                                                                 WR Chaz Schilens

Darren McFadden was a factor too making 5 grabs for 41 yds and punishing Houston DB Dunta Robinson with a shoulder charge late in the 1st quarter that left the battered DB stumbling drunkenly on the sideline.

                                                                            RB Darren McFadden

McFadden was praised in the blocking game by coach Tom Cable as well.

The former Arkansas running back's presence on the field created mismatches that helped free other Raiders and kept Houston's D off balance as he lined up at QB, WR and even in the back field.

Who ever coaches next year should have a fairly solid foundation to begin building off of and some dynamic young toys to play with on offense in Higgins, Russell and McFadden.

Photo Getty Images

                                         Former Raider Coach Lane Kiffin w/ Charger Coach Norv Turner week 4

Alot has changed since the Chargers met the Raiders in week 4.

Then Raider coach Lane Kiffin is now coaching college ball and the once Super bowl bound Chargers probably won't even make the play offs.

Mathematically eliminated after last Sundays loss to the Falcons,  San Diego may be out of the hunt, but still out for blood.

They’ve struggled with out defensive leader Shawne Merriman, but the problem goes deeper than that.

In a move Oakland Raider fans are all too familiar with, the media has begun blaming not only the coach (Norv Turner) but the owner A.J. Smith.

Smith’s long term signings of older stars and unproven, yet promising talent seems to be a major part of the Bolts problem, like Merriman’s replacement Jyles Tucker, who, despite having played only 6 NFL games received a 5 yr extension heading into the 08' campaign and has under performed. Another questionable contract extension went to big DE Luis Castillo who has suffered chronic ankle problems that have had him missing at least 12 games the last 2 seasons.

Blame gets lain at RB LaDainian Tomlinson’s nimble feet, but injuries along the O line and a subtle shift away from Marty Schottenhiemer’s power football levels some of the guilt on Marty’s replacement, current coach Norv Turner, who’s passing attack with Phillip River’s has looked good on occasion, but hasn’t produced the victories expected.

Not to say the Chargers are horrible or a push over, they’ll be looking to trounce the hapless and erratic Raiders who face a short week entering this Thursday nights game.

Oakland’s Jekyll and Hyde routine has fans and even broadcasters pulling their hair out and it really is just a matter of which team shows up and plays.

Their defense has played well for the most part, but hasn’t been helped by an offense thats hot and cold, often leaving their D winded in the back half by going 3 and out repeatedly.

Poor play calling hasn't helped.

Despite a respectable running game, Oaklands staff seems to get out coached. The win against Denver was the only time this year Oakland looked decisive and in charge of the games tempo.

If Russell can get help from his tackles and wides, he could have another solid week like he did week 11completing 15-22 for 154 yds in a loss to Miami or week 12 against the Broncos when he threw 10 of 11 for 152 and a TD.

Photo Getty Images

                                                                                                            "Rookie" QB Jamarcus Russell

The 6-6, 270 lb QB will need help from his unquestionably bad offensive tackles if he and the Raiders hope to exploit the Chargers cellar dwelling pass defense, but a healthy dose of Oaklands run game will have to supplement.

Russell could have another fine game but at least one of Oaklands wide outs will have to make a catch or two down field.

The Chargers of late have taken advantage of Oaklands poor run defense and L.T. has made a reputation shredding this team, but in their week 4 match up earlier this year the Raiders would’ve held him to under 100 yds if not for an unfortunate late game mis read by rookie safety Tyvon Branch that saw the all pro Charger running back scamper 41 yds to the end zone.

Hard to tell what will happen when the Raiders head for QualComm Stadium this Thursday night, but thats nothing new for Raider fans who see the talent and spark of what this team could be, only to cruelly have it ripped away from them time and time again.

Charger fans are starting to learn what that feels like.

Photo Getty Images  

                                                                                                                       RB Justin Fargas

Former player and current analyst Sterling Sharpe knows our pain.

After literally laughing at Oakland in recent weeks, Sharpe went all in with an about face on this weeks AFC Play book episode where he proclaimed the Oakland Raiders would sweep and at 8-8 secure a play off birth.

It looked to the untrained eye Oakland may have turned a corner after last weeks trouncing of a Denver team that had won 4 straight, ended its touch down drought, and was serving a up a poised and suddenly solid "rookie" QB in 6-6, 270 Jamarcus Russell.

Certainly Russell had been improving in the weeks before todays game and surely the Raiders could handle the lowly Kansas City Chiefs with their dead last run defense and 3^rd string quarterback.

Right?

Whether Oakland took the week off, patted itself on the back and got drunk to celebrate their win over Denver is anyones guess, but they sure didn’t use it as fuel to focus on more wins.

Though they looked impressive with gadgets and sweeps on the opening drive, once they reached the red zone, the malaise set in again. Poor execution and unimaginative play calling doomed the red zone Raiders as sure as missed opportunities that followed.

Perhaps interim Coach Tom Cable should designate Darren McFadden to call the Raiders red zone plays.

Phot Paul Sakuma / AP

                                                                                                DMC

Not a bad idea, but only when McFadden is healthy enough to play. It was obvious he was not 100% again today, slipping and sliding on cuts and flopping to the ground with very little defensive contact.

Mike Mayock’s "Goes down on first contact" concern pre draft has been dead on the money. DMC seems to be terrified of getting his cleats caught in the turf or having some one fall on his legs.

His legs go up on first contact faster than a French prostitute.

Speaking of falling on peoples legs...for the 2^nd time this year Darren McFadden has tried to cripple our best offensive line man right guard Cooper Carlisle.

McFadden took minimal contact in the back field and went vertical slamming his body weight down on the backs of Carlisle’s knees and ankles leaving him slowly, shambling off the field.

Grizzled veteran he is, Carlisle returned, but it had to affect his play.

McFadden did the same thing to the former Bronco guard in a week 3 loss to Buffalo.

The reason sighted?

Turf toe.

Looks like the same thing today.

McFadden did contribute, but not what you’d expect touch wise or in production.

Whether he’ll be full speed for Thursdays match up with San Diego remains to be seen.

There were several key points and plays through out the game, as there always are, but where Oakland capitalized last week and made plays, this week they did not.

Ronald Curry showed why he was benched in the 1^st place ( No matter what Monte Poole says) and instead of running through his route and letting Jamarcus Russell’s perfectly placed pass plop into his hands for the score, he left his feet (again) stopping his momentum and letting the pass sail just off his finger tips.

The completion on 4^th down would’ve changed the score and tone of the game.

An experiment to cover TE Tony Gonzales with Nnamdi Asomugha failed miserably as Gonzales boxed, out and manhandled the 6-2, 210 lb CB on his way to another record setting day.

Photo Marci Jose Sanchez / AP

                                                                                                                   Aso vs Gonzales

His team mate Chris Johnson showed he may be for real with solid blanketing coverage for most of the game.

Unfortunately, the Raiders defense dropped 7 into coverage too often, leaving gaping running lanes for fleet footed QB Tyler Thigpen to scramble through.

Oakland shut down KC’s running game keeping Larry Johnson under 100 yds (24 for 92 1 TD) but Gonzales’ 8 grabs for 110 yds allowed the Chiefs to move the ball on 3^rd downs, extend drives, and deny Oaklands offense the ball. Kansas City dominated time of possession and wore Oaklands defense down in what has become a recurring theme (or nightmare) for Raider fans.

All in all, and out side of their opening drive, the Raiders looked off today. A fraction off from making plays and changing the tempo.

Their early questionable play calling like the fake field goal Shane Lechler slyly tried to pitch between his legs as he was crouched in the holder position instead went awry leaving the intended recipient Janikowski swatting at it and ending with 7 points on the Kansas City side of the score board.

Photo Marci Jose Sanchez

                                                                                                                   Ill concieved pitch to Sea Bass

Another missed opportunity for point that came directly from another bad decision was the aforementioned Curry drop in the end zone on 4^th and 3 at the KC 22 yd line. Clearly within Janikowski’s range.

Once again, the offense sputtered, went 3 and out leaving its winded defense unable to extricate itself even on 3^rd and long.

Result?

Another loss.

This was a game the Raiders were expected to win. Instead, they reverted to the same uninspired, reactionary play thats made them the laughing stock of pro sports.

Instead of acquiring a taste for victory, focusing in and destroying the much weaker Chiefs, the Raiders coasted, razzled and un dazzled them selves right out of any respect or contention they may have had after last weeks surprising win.

Oakland played disrespectful sand lot ball against the Chiefs and got burned for it.

Kind of like Sterling Sharpe for not realizing how this Jekyll and Hyde team can look so promising and be so bad.

Photo Doug Pensinger / AP

                                                       RB Justin Fargas had 100+ last week against Denver

Even though Oakland took it to division rival Denver last Sunday, Raider fans remain wary.

They’ve been burned before and even though KC looks to be challenging the Lions for the 1^st pick of the 09' draft, no ones counting them completely out.

Not because of anything the Chiefs have done, but because of the roller coaster that has been Oakland Raider football.

Fans of the Silver and Black will remain vigilant despite the week 12 thrashing KC took at the hands of the Buffalo Bills.

After the dust settled, Buffalo had stampeded the Chiefs 54-31 and it wasn’t that close.

Oaklands coming off a surprise win against heavily favored Denver at Mile High last week and its "rookie" weapons finally found pay dirt.

QB Jamarcus Russell had a conservative 10 of 11 for 152 yds and TD capping his best game yet and extending for the 2^nd week in a row he has played well.

Photo Jamie Squire / Getty Images

                                                                                                         DMC vs KC D? No contest

Indications are McFadden is the healthiest he’s been since his 164 yd performance week 2 against these very Chiefs. DMC carried the ball 21 times but was injured when he was caught from behind by safety Marcus Pollard who not only caught the fastest man in the draft from behind, he punched the ball out.

McFadden hasn’t forgotten and is looking to rectify.

The Raiders offense gave more looks last Sunday against Denver and a lot of that had to do with McFadden’s return to the line up.

Oakland originally lined up doghouse WR Ronald Curry at QB (a position the gifted athlete played in college) in the "Wild Hog" formation against the Broncos, but McFadden became the primary after that. It was odd to see 6-6, 260 lb QB Jamarcus Russell split out wide and if it weren’t for fear of him exposing his ribs to big shots by DBs and LBs, its wouldn’t be beyond the pale to see him snag a pass or two ala’ Joe Flacco. McFadden, Curry and 2^nd yr back Michael Bush have all played QB and can throw.

Bush demonstrated that against Denver last Sunday with a well placed lob that was stabbed with one hand by a leaping Zach Miller. The Raiders 2^nd year TE has been a favorite target of Russell’s this year and accounted for some of Oaklands more meaningful passing yardage despite the fact he’s been held in to supplement protection for Russell.

If Bush will acquiesce and play FB more for Oakland, Miller could be freed up to wreak havoc against Lbs and safeties.

Bush is arguably the best pass blocker in the Oakland backfield, followed closely by Justin Fargas. Putting both of them on the field at the same time could help remedy weak play from the tackle spots and free up Oaklands TEs,

Speaking of TEs...Hall of Fame shoe in Tony Gonzales is undoubtably one of the best to ever play the game, but has been stymied somewhat by the play of Raider safety Michael Huff.

Huff has been a huge disappointment after the Texas stand out was taken 7^th over all by the Raiders in the 2006 NFL draft, but has made a name for himself in one area. Covering the Leagues finest TEs.

For all his foibles Huff has been fairly consistent in limiting players like Gonzales, Gates and Scheffler.

He’ll need to be on his game when the Chiefs come to Alameda on Sunday. Gonzales had a record setting day with 10 grabs for 110 yds and 1 TD against the Bills week 12, becoming the 1^st TE with 25 100 yd receiving games.

Huff suffered a stinger trying to tackle untouched FB / RB Peyton Hillis of the Broncos as he rumbled out of the back field last Sunday, but appears to be ready to go, with the Raiders reporting no ill effects for the 6-1, 205 lb safety during this weeks practice.

The Raiders will need to play inspired, disciplined defense against not only the Chiefs stalwart RB Larry Johnson, but their crafty and nimble QB Tyler Thigpen a second year man who can make plays with his legs and create on the move.

Thigpen was 17 of 31 for 241 yds against the Bills and threw 3 TDs, but gave up 2 picks, was sacked 3 times and fumbled once.

The Raiders will need to apply pressure up front like they did against Brody Croyle week two with the Raiders knocking him out of the game.

Derrick Burgess is back and he could have more of an impact this week and Oakland hopes he can provide play like he did week 2 when he racked up a sack and forced a fumble, but its Oaklands big men in the middle who have made some spectacular blow ups of opposing QBs this year. KC’s questionable O line will need to be wary of them.

Watching 6-7, 335 lb Terdell Sands bull rush your Center back into your face with alarming, inevitable speed must be one of sports personal moments never fully shared by others and unique to the affected, like eating a fast ball from Nolan Ryan or slamming a race car into the wall. Others can see it, but they’ll never really know or understand that fraction of terror, knowing this is gonna hurt and it is gonna hurt bad.

Photo / Getty Images

                                                                                                                    Sands Week 2

His fellow DT Gerard Warren did the honors for the interior last time the Chiefs and Raiders met, with LBs Morrison and Howard each snagging a sack and Des Kalimba Edwards and Burgess rounding out the pile.

RNS warned last time after the Raiders trouncing of KC in week two that the Raiders may not be ready to compete, they simply may have "stumbled across a team worse than they are" and that point was born out in the tumultuous weeks that followed.

That may not be the case this time.

                                                                     RB / FB Michael Bush

Even with talented Bronco wide out and lady beater Brandon Marshall serving a one game suspension the Oakland Raiders were torched by rookie 2^nd round draft pick Eddie Royal who had 9 catches for 146 yds in an embarrassing home opening blow out that crushed the spirit of Raider fans hoping for a decent showing this year.

Denver leads the AFC West with a 2 game lead over the 4-6 San Diego Chargers, who despite having the easiest schedule in the League are struggling with line injuries and a defense that besides never recovering from the loss of all pro LB Shawne Merriman, has posted a secondary that went from first to worst in the span of one year.

*Denver still holds its lead thanks to a last second field goal by Adam Vinatieri with no time left. His late game heroics (Something new for him!) propelled the Colts over San Diego, but Denver faces off against an erratic , but red hot Jets team that took down the undefeated Titans. SD faces off against a hot Atlanta team that thrshed the 8-3 Panthers 45-28.

If Oakland can manage a win against the winning, but struggling Broncos, it would go a long way to brighten the spirits of long suffering Raider fans and make the AFC Championship race a little closer.

*Blind loyalists see Oakland still in the hunt for the AFC West title. Stranger things have happened, but it would take some circumstances out of their hands as well flawless football through out the rest of the year. There are fans who remember Oaklands greatness and are starved for a return, but it will take more than a win over a banged up and running backless division rival. Consistency is key, but not something Mr. Davis and the Raiders have yet to achieve. A beat down of the lowly Chiefs would bring much needed relief and joy to the Raider collective, but likely won't signal a turn around...yet.

Addition by subtraction should apply when it comes to covering the Broncos often prolific passing game since $8 million dollar mistake DeAngelo Hall is no longer a part of the Raiders.

6^th yr DB Chris Johnson is no pro bowler, but the 6-1, 200 lb speedster has so far played better coverage than the highly paid Hall.

  Raider DB Chris Johnson

Even if he gets burned by the Broncos a time or two, it would be hard to suffer a toasting like former Raider corner back Hall took on that Monday night opener.

  Photo JACK DEMPSEY /AP

                                                                                                                                 DB Chris Johnson

*Johnson outplayed two of the games best wide receivers in the established Marshall and the up and coming rookie Royal. No torching for Johnson who dominated the day in one on coverage, picking one off for a TD, he learned a valuable lesson not to party when their business being conducted as he was nearly stripped of his TD by Bronco pursuit. Johnson began his "prime time" Dieon Sanders routine in homage to Sanders off season tuteledge, but it nearly cost him.

Maybe as punishment for his arrogance the football gods saw fit to strip him of his TD anyway for a questionable P.I. call.

Despite the mistep, Johnson and the Raiders secondary played outstanding coverage leaving Cutler, one of the Leagues leading passers, unable to find targets despite copious time provided by the lack of pressure by Oaklands front four.

If Johnson can remain consistent (and uninjured. Hes had knee problems in his past) he could go along way toward making Oakland forget about the nightmare of Hall.

The Broncos managed to stop a 3 game losing skid and are actually on a 4 game winning streak despite losing 4 RBs , all of their starting LBs and CB Champ Bailey to injury.

Credit has to go to the Broncos make shift O line and their system which contains dirty chop blocks and holding galore, but they are providing QB Jay Cutler with the time to find his well versed and disciplined targets that include not only Royal and Marshall, but a good distribution amongst TE’s and RBs.

*As mentioned, the Broncos O line did a very good job against the Raiders front four and even benfited from two ridiculous roughing the passer penalties that curtailed Oaklands LB blitzes, Cutler could not find open receivers. He finished 16 of 37 for 204 yds and thanks to the call back of Johnson's TD, only one interception.

Denver looked to be all over the Raiders with better coaching, play calling and preparation for the season opener and it showed in every phase.

Oakland looked disorganized and beaten by the half.

Their match up this Sunday at Mile High poses an opportunity to help right that terrible wrong and if their defense can play well by stopping the Broncos dinged up running game and get pressure on Cutler, they could fair much better in this go round.

*Not this time.

After a sputtering start the Oakland Raiders came alive dictating the game with innovative, tricky formations and calls that excited not only the fans but the team. The Broncos were caught napping and it was Oaklands preparation that prevailed this time.

The Raiders went a long way toward quieting occasionally obnoxious Bronco fans, (at least for this week) and their 31-10 victory helped soothe the blow out they suffered to open the season.

The Raiders held the Broncos to 119 yds on the ground and even though they didn't get pressure on Cutler, their superior coverage rendered him ineffective most of the game and was a key to victory.

No definitive word on whether Raider DE Derrick Burgess will return from a tricep tear, but now would be a good time for it.

If he can take advantage of rookie tackle Ryan Clady, it could change the complection of the game.

*He did return and though Coach Tom Cable said his presence helped, the former 2 time pro bowler looked rusty and out of sorts after 4 weeks off nursing a torn triceps.

The hope is, he'll get better each week and try to salvage some interest in this his contract year.

Another fine showing by Raider special teams would be welcome. Though they've lost players to injury and had some graduate off the squad, they had a nice showing last week in Miami highlighted by WR /KR Johnnie Lee Higgins 93 yd TD return.

  Photo Jeffrey Boan / AP                                    

                                                        Johnnie Lee goes 93 to the hizzy

*Fine showing indeed. Higgins returned another punt for a TD this time an 89 yarder with 1:25 left in the half. Higgins wasn't just paying lip service when he gave props to his special teams tea mates like recently signed find Marquis Cooper who's contributed right away.

Again, if Oakland can stay consistent...

Photo JACK DEMPSEY / AP

                                                                                    Higgins goes hizzy 2 weeks in a row.

Denver has the 29^th ranked rushing defense in the League and one of Oaklands RB is due for a big game.

Photo Getty Images

                                                                                         RB Justin Fargas

*Justin Fargas was the recipient of the Broncos terrible run D gaining 107 yds on 24 carries. Fargas came never looked back even after a crushing and humilating hit by Bronco LB Jamie Winbourne that sent Fargas cartwheeling at the goal line early in the 2nd quarter. The Raiders settled for  a Seabass field goal.

Hopefully Raider RB Michael Bush will take a page from the Broncos Peyton Hillis and bite the bullet for his team.

Hillis transitioned from FB to RB and made significant contributions in Bronco victories.

The Raiders are hoping Bush will take the less glamorous role reversal of switching from RB to FB and clear open some running lanes for his team mates, Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden.

The loss of FB Oren O’Neal in pre season has affected Oaklands ground game and its hoped Bush can begin to remedy that, at least through this season.

He also brings tantalizing options to the table with his receiving, passing ability and solid pass protection.

*Looks like the Raiders realized some of Bush's potnetial in the passing game this Sunday. FB Luke Lawton took most of the snaps at FB but Bush did a time or two including a roll out left that saw him rear up and toss a left handed lob to TE Zach Miller that kept an Oakand drive alive and shocked the Broncos.

Hopefully Oakland will get Bush more involved as time goes on.

No word on whether McFadden’s toes will allow him to be the dynamic threat the 4^th overall pick is hoped to be, but he is reported to be unbooted and running freely.

The Raiders are hoping so. They desperately need to get their running game into high gear if they want to pull out a victory in Denver.

*McFadden did play but in a limited capacity again. He saw more field time in exotic formations and lined up at wide which threw the Broncos D as they tried to compensate for mismatches, other Raiders were able to work more freely.

Though he carried the ball only 10 times for 38 yds, McFadden scored twice and helped the Raiders break a mind numbing TD drought on their way to victory.

Hopefully, this week end was precursor of things to come as the raiders continue to grow and become a team. A team with a lot of problems, potential and some gifted young talent.

  Photo Getty Images                                                                                              WR Ashley Lelie's TD grab

Former Bronco 1^st round pick Ashley Lelie was used to catching TDs in Bronco land, this time he was doing it for the Raiders.

Lelie exacted a modicum of personal vengeance against the team that dumped him.

Lelie’s 51 yd reception from QB Jamarcus Russell, seemed to ignite the Raiders offense who had stalled out for the most part till that point late punctuated in the late in the 2^nd half by a terrible goal line series by their offense.

They came out in the 3^rd and allowed a scoring drive by the Broncos, despite the fact the Raiders had played good defense all game long.

There was no repeat of a Cutler torching by the Raiders secondary and its not that they didn’t try.

Oaklands Chris Johnson filled in for former Raider DeAngelo Hall who was humiliated in the season opener match up with Denver and played excellent man on man coverage. Something Hall was incapable of in his eight games as a Raider.

Oaklands offense finally displayed the type of formations and variations they are capable of setting QB Jamarcus Russell out wide right, while running back Darren McFadden lined up at the QB spot in the very familiar "Wild Hog" formation which they ran with some success.

RB / FB Michael Bush did play some FB despite his protests, but his more remarkable contribution with a trick play out left with a nice drop shot over the Denver defenders that TE Zach Miller lept for making a spectacular one handed grab to convert an Oakland 3^rd down.

Another former Bronco contributed big as the Raiders running game went predominantly right in the back half of the game.

Ex Bronco Cooper Carlisle helped RB Justin Fargas scramble for 107 yds on 24 carries.

Oakland seemed to find a way to utilize its high draft picks Russell (#1 overall 2007) and McFadden ((4^th over all 2008) who made big contributions that helped Oakland end an embarrassing touch down drought.

Photo JACK DEMPSEY / AP                                                                 Run DMC scores a TD

DMC ran only 10 times, but featured a 3.8 yd average and scored 2 Tds to help put the arrogant Broncos away.

More than his running was impressive today. Paramount were the play calls that made best use of McFadden’s skill sets and attributes. Again, something Oakland has struggled with.

Oakland took the victory from the Broncos by firing on all cylinders for the first time in ages, winning on offense, defense and special teams as WR / KR Johnnie Lee Higgins ran back another touch down for the 2^nd week in a row with an 89 yd return of a Denver punt.

Oakland showed signs of what they can do, but beating the lack luster Broncos, who’ve now dropped 3 in a row at home, is a game the Raiders should have won.

If Oakland can keep this intensity, consistency and creativity going they could win more games before its said and done.

                                                                                 WR Ted Ginn Jr. Scores on the opening drive

The Raiders came out flatter than a carpenters daughter and drew 3 flags in the 1^st 8 plays, one on right guard Cooper Carlisle on the very 1^st play of the game and 2 more for off sides by the defense after Oakland went 3 and out.

Oaklands defensive penalties gave the Fins breathing room and started a series on their own 7 yd line that ended 9 plays later with yet another opening drive touch down against the Raiders.

Oaklands offense only compiled 186 yds of offense and while RB Justin Fargas had a few decent runs, he had just 57 yds on 17 carries with a long of 15. His team mate Darren McFadden was again, non existent, finishing with 3 hand offs for 13 yds including an 8 yarder.

Mike Mayock’s pre draft concern about McFadden tendency to "go down on first contact." is glaringly apparent.

Odds are, he’s still injured. He’s playing like it.

They did move the ball better on occasion, with WR Ronald Curry actually making an appearance and holding onto some Russell laser strikes, he snagged 6 for 73 yds, but noting over 16 yds. The Raiders did fire deep a few times and Russell’s arm is impressive. If Oakland could ever find a receiver who will fight for the ball like Green Bay’s stellar crew and his wide outs at LSU, Oakland could be onto something.

They’ll need pass protection first. Center John Wade filling for the oft injured Jake Grove was less than spectacular giving up sacks and blowing several run assignments. 2^nd year hopeful Mario Henderson played left tackle and traded with Kwame Harris, but had some issues of his own. All in all, his play is infinitely better than Harris’.

Russell had a solid game after dinging his already sore knee, he returned and finished the day 15 of 22 for 156, but was sacked all in all 5 times.

Oaklands TE’s contributed to the passing game and were one of the reasons they were able to move the ball on Miami’s D.

2^nd year TE Zach Miller had 4 grabs for 67 yds and Tony Stewart caught 2 for 17 but Oaklands offense has a long way to go.

A reflection of this is their inability to score touch downs. When in close, Oaklands offensive woes become magnified. Their red zone performances prove it.

Until this improves, the Raiders offense will likely continue its TD drought.

A glimmer of hope for victory despite its feckless offense came with 4:38 left in the game on a special teams play that saw WR / KR Johnnie Lee Higgins sprint 93 yds for the go ahead TD.

The defense stiffened as the game went on and had a good showing against Miami’s "wild cat" offensive package, but late in the game they could not make a critical stop on 4^th and 5. The Dolphins went on to kick a field goal that put them ahead to stay with :43 seconds left in the game.

With reports from IBA that former Giants coach Jim Fassel has been in contact with Al Davis and may actually be interested in coming to the Raiders, Oakland at least has some hope on the horizon and in all likely hood another high draft pick coming their way.

                                                                                                                        WR / KR Ted Ginn

The Raiders will look to stop teams from scoring on them in their opening drives like Miami did to Seattle last week. It has been a problem area for Oakland this year.

Scoring points of their own is another.

No official word on whether QB Jamarcus Russell will start in Miami against the Dolphins, but with last weeks starter Andrew Walter apparently side lined with a sprained ankle, odds are the bone bruise on Russell’s knee means he’s the more likely to start.

No word on whether DE Derrick Burgess will be back from a triceps tear thats seen him miss 5 games this year, but the Raiders could use him against this years 1^st over all draft pick left tackle Jake Long who was co-named Dolphin player of the week in their win against the Seahawks.

If the Raiders defense can play heads up again this week they could wreak havoc on fragile Chad Pennington the Dolphins QB acquired after many years of service with the Jets.

First they’ll have to stop the run.

Despite giving up a 140 yd rusher to the Panthers last week, Oaklands defense has improved and played a solid, aggressive game against Carolina. Two of running back DeAngelo Williams big runs came against Oakland second stringers like recently signed DT William Joseph and back up LB Sam Williams.

Miami's Ricky Williams gained 100 yds last week for the 1^st time since 2005 and though fellow running back Ronnie Brown hasn’t gained more than 60 yds in any one game, he has scored 10 TDs in the last 8 games.

Oakland will need to play solid, disciplined defense against a Dolphin team that likes to score with gimmicks and trickery.

Last week they put points on the board with a flea flicker to WR / KR Ted Ginn Jr. who’s speed could test the Raiders deep if they can’t get penetration consistently.

Even with starting center Jake Grove out, Oakland will need to establish a running game if they want to avoid getting their QB punished. Oaklands terrible Tackles surrendered 3 sacks to the Falcons John Abraham week 9 and 3 more to the Panthers Julius Peppers last week. Coming into Miami, they’ll face off against Joey Porter who leads the League with 12.

                                              Not what they meant when they asked Joey Porter to "join the dolphins."

Veteran John Wade is rumored to start at center for the Raiders, but look for guard / center Chris Morris to see action as well.

Addition by subtraction may see 2^nd year tackle Mario Henderson step in for Kwame Harris who’s blind side protection has been non existent.

The Raiders may have 4^th over all draft pick Darren McFadden back for Sundays match up and they’ll need him, but if he’s not 100% they should probably let him sit. Injured, he’s proven to be more a liability than a plus.

Justin Fargas had a career game against the Dolphins last time they met, rushing for 179 yds, but that was against a Dolphin defense with no middle line backer. Zach Thomas was out and Channing Crowder left the game with an injury early on.

Oakland may have to resort to some form of trickery of their own and that could work with McFadden in the line up, but they should expect some of the same from Miami who has had success this year with a "Wild cat" formation of its own.

The Ravens top ranked defense showed how to defeat it with disciplined gap control, but whether Oakland can attain that this Sunday remains to be seen.