Photo Jack Dempsey / AP

                                                                                                RB Michael Bush

The big story was a beleaguered Russell’s return to salt the game away and seal the victory but it was the D that kept them in the game.

Stanford Routt is a liability in coverage plain and simple. He’s burned 3 out of 4 times teams throw at him and it nearly cost Oakland the game.

Denver QB Kyle Orton’s 63 yd pass to Brandon Stokely was really one of the only big break away plays allowed by the Raider D and they played well as a unit yesterday, saving the O on several occasions and keeping them in the game.

Denver settled for field goals that should’ve been TDs.

Oaklands ground game emerged with big gains and a big game for McFadden and Michael Bush who gained 74 yds on 12 carries and 133 yds on 18 carries and one TD respectively.

Stacking the deck with a "Jumbo" package the Raiders destroyed Denvers D and confidence at the end of the 3^rd quarter only to have their TD hopes dashed on 4^th and goal from the 3 when McFadden cut up inside on an outside pitch and was stopped short of the goal.

After reeling off big runs on consecutive plays with a line featuring former Bronco lineman Eric Pears, Langston Walker AND Mario Henderson stacked on the left side the Raiders ditched the Jumbo package on the goal and were denied points by the Broncos D.

Could have been over for Oakland at that point and 7 plays later QB Charlie Frye was knocked out of the game on a stunt by Bronco LB Andra Davis.

That started a chain of dramatic events that saw Jamarcus Russell come off the bench, get knocked out of the game too, be replaced by this weeks signing of J.P. Los man for one play, then return to throw a critical 4^th and 10 completion to TE Tony Stewart with 2:22 left in the game good for 11 yds and a 1^st down.

Photo Chris Schneider / AP

                                                                                                   QB JaMarcus Russell

Despite the Bronco onslaught Russell stood tall, led the drive and completed crucial passes including a 10 yd strike to WR Chaz Schilens with :39 seconds left to seal the game.

Oaklands win at Mile High in old school dramatic fashion give Raider fans hope and a special Christmas treat this holiday season.

Merry Christmas Nation!

Photo Don Wright / AP

                                                                                              QB Bruce Gradkowski

The Raiders defense was key in the first half, stopping the Steelers in the red zone on a 4^th and 1 and later with a Hiram Eugene interception in the Steelers end zone to thwart another drive.

Both defenses faltered late in the game allowing ... points in the 4^th quarter alone, but it was Oakland who found the spark behind the arm and legs of quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

Much was made of Gradkowski’s 3^rd start with 3 different teams at Heinz field and more about his lack of success, but not today.

Gradkowski kept drives alive with his feet and with passes that were actually caught by Oakland wide outs and finished with a career game going 20 for 33 for 308 yds and 3 TDs.

Louis Murphy has flirted with glory only to be robbed several times this year, but there was no review or flag to take away todays heroics as he hauled in the game winning touchdown with 9 seconds remaining.

Murphy also posted highs with 4 catches for 128 yds and 2 of Gradkowski’s TDs.

The Raider ground game held its own today, at least in the first half as Oakland kept even with Pittsburgh on time of possession and plays run although it did lose traction later in the game, especially after losing starting center Samson Satele to an ankle injury and later starting left guard Robert Gallery to a bad back.

Center / guard Chris Morris replaced Satele and former Raider returning Langston Walker filled in for Gallery.

Both did a fine job against the Steelers "Blitzburgh" defense allowing Gradkowski to scramble for yards and time to find the open man.

Pittsburgh gambled early against the Raiders and their inability to capitalize came back to haunt them as Oakland stayed close and then slammed the door with a last minute drive highlighted by several great catches by Florida rookie WR and 4^th round draft pick Louis Murphy.

Both teams took risks today with Pittsburghs 4^th down attempts and Oaklands trick plays including passes by RB Michael Bush and Darren McFadden, both incompletions.

Photo Keith Srakocic / AP

                                                                                              RB Darren McFadden

McFadden’s pass was actually back to Gradkowski in a feeble attempt at a flea flicker that ended in a sack and a 16 yd loss.

The Raiders pulled out all the stops and played solid core football enough to muster the win, but it was really the great play of Oaklands passing game that saved the day with 248 yds posted by Raider wide outs, including Johnnie Lee Higgins who made 4 good grabs for 48 yds.

Oakland fought hard all day against Pittsburgh and managed to make the plays it had to in order to pull off a shocking W against the slumping Steelers on their Heinz field home turf.

Photo Marcio Jose Sanchez /AP

                                                                                               QB Bruce Gradkowski

The Cincinnati Bengals spoke about not "playing down" to the competition this week, yet thats exactly what they did failing to capitalize on Raider miscues and committing too many of their own.

Big penalties early on didn’t stop the Bengals as they completed several third and very longs on their way to an opening drive TD.

Things looked grim as Cincy QB Carson Palmer snuck in his 2^nd rushing TD of the 1^st half , but gritty back up QB Bruce Gradkowski led the Raiders to a Zach Miller catch for a touchdown with less than a minute to go before halftime to give the Raiders hope.

Oaklands defense played focused, violent football. Though they gave up the occasional big play, their speed allowed them to contain the damage. Cincinnati, missed a field goal and put the ball on the ground 5 times through out, losing 3 fumbles, aiding the Raiders come back even.

The 2^nd half was marred by turn overs on both sides, but the Raiders were able to have the last laugh.

At the 2 minute mark Gradkowski completed a crucial 19 yd strike and run by TE Zach Miller who not only caught a Raider TD earlier, finished the game with 6 catches for 65 yds.

Gradkowski, who went 17 of 34 for 183 yds 2 TDs and an interception on the day, then connected with WR Chaz Schilens on a 4^th and 10 that kept the last minute Raider drive alive.

Photo Marcio Jose Sanchez

                                                                                                  WR Chaz Schilens

Schilens made only two catches, partly because Cincinnati dominated the clock for a good part of the game, but even with limited activity, the 6-4, 225 lb, 24 yr old clearly looks like the Raiders best receiver.

It was rookie WR Louis Murphy who made the game winning grab, catching it and then lunging into the end zone for the tying score with 33 seconds in regulation. The 29 yarder was his only catch of the day.

Rookie TE Brandon Myers stripped the ball and recovered it in Raider territory on the ensuing kick off and after burning up Bengal time outs and the clock, the Silver and Black sent in Janikowski to seal the win.

A token interception by Nnamdi Asomugha sealed Cincy’s fate as time expired.

Gradkowski or something else, the Raiders came to play football and did for four solid quarters, stunning the Bengals and snagging a morale boosting win.

Photo Jeff Chiu

                                                                              Lone bright spot: RB Michael Bush

Sparse would be the best way to describe the crowd at todays game. Those that stayed away were lucky.

The Raiders were not.

Oakland had several chances to make huge plays and change the momentum of the game, but fell apart at the seams with penalties dropped balls and missed opportunities.

Pro Bowl corner back Nnamdi Asomugha was tested and bested as Matt Cassel threw the Pro Bowl corner backs way more than any other QB this year.

Though Chiefs made a couple of grabs against Aso, and forced him into a costly pass interference penalty after he bit on KC wide receiver Dwayne Bowe's double move on 3rd and long.

The 6-2 Asomugha had a chance at redemption as MLB Kirk Morrison blasted Bowe on another play after a 12 yd completion. The ensuing forced fumble squirted through countless players hands as Asomugha and 4 other Raiders pawed at the ball, unable to secure it. Chiefs guard Brian Waters eventually fell on it.

Result?

A gain of 23 yds on the play to the Raider 25.

The squandered opportunity typified the day as the Raiders simply could not get a play to go their way.

Even sure shot Sebastian Janikowsi, after making one form 50, missed an opportunity to tie the game by kicking one wide left from 45.

The Oline sprung Raider running back Michael Bush for

Center Samson Satele negated a 15 yd pass to the 7 yd line by Zach Miller by being ineligible down field two plays before.

Oakland shot large chunks out of their feet through out this weeks loss to the Chiefs but battled the refs as well.

The NFL and head of officiating Mike Peiria need to take a serious look at how horrible this Mike Carey led officiating crew was today. Besides letting two blatant open field holds on a Jamaal Charles 44 yd TD run go uncalled, they then threw flags on ghost penalties that stalled Raider drives and frustrated the Raider sideline.

As an example, with :44 seconds left in the game, Carey actually moved the football back a yard to make it 4^rd and 1 for the Raiders.

The problem was, even after, the ball placement was STILL clearly a first down!

Carey chose not to stop the clock for a measurement, nor award the first down. burning valuable seconds and disrupting the Raiders game plan at a crucial juncture.

Coach Tom Cable was castigated by todays woefully inept commentators for not calling a time out after the play, letting precious seconds burn off the clock, but Cable was waiting for the refs to make their measurement because the ball was so close to a first down.

Inept referees or not, the Raiders did plenty to lose all by themselves.

After going 9 of 24 for 67 yds, Russell was yanked from the game late in the 3^rd after some errant throws and a bizarre coincidence after another incompletion.

The crows booed Russell for the umpteenth time, but the former LSU QB appeared to re act, thrusting his arm into the air and then slapping his elbow with his other hand.

It could’ve looked like he was signaling "up yours" to Raider fans and even coach Cable ,but on review, Russell was showing the crowd that on the throw, his elbow had been slapped by blitzing Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali.

                                  

                                                                                                                        Back up QB Bruce Gradkowski

Russell should feel vindicated by the back ups lack of play making. Gradkowski was off the mark several times and when he wasn't, Oakland receivers still couldn't hold onto the ball.

The Chiefs offense did all it could to give the game to the Raiders, looking like the keystone cops on far too many occasions and turning it over 3 times, but Oakland couldn’t capitalize.

After half time adjustments shut what little their was of the Raiders passing game down.

Chaz Schilens made a few grabs and finished with 3 catches for 27 yds. He looked good but was inconsequential against a poor Kansas City secondary. 

At least he held onto the ball.

Heyward Bey looked like a rank amateur and really, no foolin’, needs to see an optometrist.

SanJay Lal is doing a horrible job teach him to catch the ball outside his body. "Extend your arms! Touch your pointing fingers and thumbs to make a diamond pattern and catch the ball AWAY from your body."

How hard is that?

Bey dropped a TD pass over the middle with 10:59 left in the 2^nd half on 2^nd and six.

The play was well covered but the ball hit Bey right in the hands.

Louis Murphy had his usual allotment of drops but was burned by a questionable Robert Gallery penalty for tripping.

The flag cost 27 yds and now replaying the down on 3rd and 16, Russell was sacked and the Raiders punted.

Pretty much describes the way the entire game went.

Whether Russell was yanked because of his gesture or play should be a topic of discussion, but so should the lunacy of starting green rookies like Bey and Murphy who obviously need a lot of polish they are apparently not getting from rookie WR coach SanJay Lal.

Russell was yanked and replaced by the ineffectual Gradkowski but it was WR Johnnie Lee Higgins who should not only have been yanked, he should’ve been fired.

Higgins muffed punts, dropped passes and batted ball in the air for defenders to pick like KC safety Mike Brown did with 11:43 left in the 4^th.

Higgins has been a mess since a week one tackle rocked his socks off and has been consistently awkward and ugly.

Late in the game after being awarded a crucial 3rd and 1 conversion on a 22 yd pass by Gradkowski to rookie Maryland wide out Darius Heyward Bey, (Bey was out of bounds. Another botched call by the refs, this time in the Raiders favor.) the former 7th overall draft pick batted an interception of his own to Mike Brown this time at the Raiders 10 yd line with 38 seconds left to seal the game for Kansas City.                                  

Photo Paul Sakuma / AP

                                                                                                           Bey's bobble

The sound of passes smacking off of the breast plates Raider wide receivers is all too familiar. Jamarcus Russell's now John Elway and he's not firing in laser shots to his wides, they just don't know how to or lack the discipline to catch properly. 

Shocking, but the math is simple.

Inexperienced QB with accuracy issues + rookie wides + rookie wide out coach = disaster.

KC played awful football today, but the Raiders played against themselves, the Chiefs and the refs.

Oaklands line was flagged repeatedly including back to back flags on left tackle Mario Henderson. In truth though, it was clear on play back 2 of his 3 flags were phantoms by corrupt or completely incompetent refs.

Probably a little of both.

Oakland did more than its share to lose today. Coach Tom Cable simply could not get a handle on his team in the back half.

Half time adjustments seem non existant or are at least a non factor and the fact Cable's "history of violence" pretty much prohibits any display of anger or emotion makes him incapable of firing up his players.

Something they desperately need.

At least the running game got off to a solid start.

Justin Fargas scored early in the 1^st after 60 yd gallop by Michael Bush who finished with 119 yds on 14 carries.

McFadden was back after missing 4 games with a knee injury and ran the "Wild Hog" formation several times but had zero impact on the game.

Just when you think they couldn’t get any lower, the Raiders, with the help of the refs, somehow manage.

  Photo Tony Avelar / AP

With the aid of an unusual silver and black pigeon acting as a "12^th man" the Raiders earned a victory and some new found respect as a fresh Justin Fargas and a renewed Raider D give Philly all it can handle.

Oakland manhandled the shell shocked Eagles playing the kind of physical football they are always capable of.

Granted, Philly’s O line suffered injuries, but the Raider rush was impressive none the less.

Youngster Trevor Scott started things off with 2 sacks early in the game that looked like gangbusters and inciting veteran Richard Seymour to take full advantage of a game time injury to starting left tackle Jason Peters. Even against double teams, Seymour was nearly unstoppable.

The 9 yr vet walked away with 4 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble.

The Raiders defense wasn’t the only impressive rush wearing silver and black.     

Photo Paul Sakuma / AP

                                                                                                         RB Justin Fargas

Taking full advantage of the injury to starter Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas did his thing and chewed up large tracks of turf between the 20s. Oaklands patch work O line roughed up the Eagle D typified by a run in the 3^rd quarter by Fargas who T’ed off on DB Quentin Mikell closing to make the tackle after a break away 11 yd run wide right.

Mikell tried to hop to his feet but could not find them.

He took a knee and was escorted from the field.

So were many other Eagles throughout the day. The aforementioned Peters, Mikell and stalwart LB Trent Cole whom the Eagles will miss dearly. Reports are preliminary, but as he lay on the field of battle you could clearly see him mouth the words "My left knee..."

San Diego hasn’t been the same since a week one match up against the Raiders where the silver and black literally destroyed their O line and injured several other players.

Lousi Murphy helped out in a major way and set a tone of his own by escorting TE Zach Miller down field with outstanding blocking and an 86 yd TD, the only one of the day.

Photo Paul Sakuma / AP

                                                                                                                                 TE Zach Miller 

Bigger, faster, stronger works when the plays are executed properly and with intent.

Emergence of the unknowns

Ok, everyone knows Stanford Routt as an underachiever thus far in his career, but with Pro Bowl corner back Nnamdi Asomugha out for most of the game, Routt stepped up his and thanks to a fearsome Raider pass rush had likely the best game of his career against a high flying Philly O.

Photo Paul Sakuma / AP

                                                                                                      CB Stanford Routt

Trevor Scott made noise along the D line early and set pace with two sacks and a ton of pressures. Oakland took advantage of Philly’s beat up O line, while at the same time, getting the most out of theirs.

Samson Satele the back up center was pressed into action and came through with a very solid game that sprung Raider running backs to their most productive day.

In fact, the entire back up line performed magnificently and deserve kudos.

LT Mario Henderson

LG Chris Morris

Center Samson Satele

RG Cooper Carlisle

RT Eric Pears

Oaklands O line cleared the way and provided enough protection for Russell to succeed despite throwing 2 picks.

Speaking of Russell’s...FB /HB Gary Russell was a late addition after injuries to Lorenzo Neal, Luke Lawton and Oren O’ Neal sent the Raiders back to the discard pile.

Gary Russell provided running lanes and more importantly gave the Raiders back their FB screen option. Something they’d done well with 07', but lost due to a series of injuries.

It wasn’t the prettiest Oakland win, but that seems like a tradition in Oakland. They certainly make things exciting. Todays beating doled out by Oaklands D looked old school too.

Philly ran into a buzz saw in Raider land.

Oakland showed it is capable of dominating opponents physically and more so, showed a new found blitz that caught the patch work Philly O line completely off guard.

A great performance as the Raider unknowns stepped up and its vets covered for each other.

The Raiders saw, they overcame, and they conquered.

With the help of Black Bart, the Raider pigeon of doom and a solid, focused physical effort by the team as a whole, Oakland emerges the victor and a fractured Philly is left to pick up the pieces.

Photo Pat Sullivan / AP

                                                                                                                         QB Jamarcus Russell

Ugly.

What can be said other than the cold hard truth.

Oaklands offense has been incapable of helping its D for years now.

Russell needs time to develop.

Bush has problems holding onto the ball.

McFadden is worse.

The former 4^th over all pick out of Arkansas is teetering on the precipice of being a legitimate bust.

Bey’s been a serious under performer with poor routes and worse hands.

Even when Louis Murphy makes a catch the refs take them away. Even after review, the refs screwed him again on a momentum changing 3^rd down conversion that was negated by the refs "blunder".

Look for Mike Pereira to sugar coat or ignore another rip off of the Raiders.

What needs to be addressed is rookie Texan linebacker Brian Cushing who went unflagged for two brazen head shots to Raiders Jamarcus Russell and later to Zach Miller attempting to make a catch.

His cheap, uncalled for punches remind one of the ugliness of Bill Romanowski.

Fines should be forth coming, but the League and its refs veracity has to be called it question.

Oaklands offense has suffered from bad play calling, rookie wides and a patch work, under performing Oline that can’t get a push in the run game and hamstrings the passing game with stupid penalties.

Third string center Chris Morris was called for false starts 3 times in the 1^st half alone.

He was replaced by under performer Samson Satele late in the 3^rd, shifting the versatile but pedestrian Morris to right tackle which was being filled by Eric Pears in place of the injured Robert Gallery.

Also late in the 3^rd, Pears was moved out to right tackle in place of Cornell Green, whom some Raider fans hope to never see again.

Right tackle Khalif Barnes may have a shot at snagging the position when he returns from injury, hopefully with in the next 2 weeks. Who knows, though? Cable’s play calling and worse, his baffling use of offensive assets leaves everyone scratching their heads.

Of course, who plays when and where may be influenced on high.

Before departing, Cornell Green threw in his obligatory, momentum killing false start on a 3^rd down in the first half.

Speaking of 3^rd downs...

Russell faced 3^rd and 11, 3^rd and 13, 3^rd and 15, 3^rd and 13, 3^rd and 10, 3^rd and 11 and two 3^rd and 9's in the first half.

He played better today, but didn’t get help from his wides or line.

The Raiders basic D only works if everyone does their job and executes.

Photo Dave Einsel / AP

                                                                                            DE Richard Seymour

They don’t show many looks and what you see is what you get.

What you get is a D that gives up big plays.

Built to rush the passer thats what Oaklands O line did against a prolific, but injured Texan O line, sacking the QB 5 times and snagging a pick.

Even the interception was tainted by the blatantly ridiculous refs who threw an unsportsman like flag when DB Chris Johnson "celebrated" by falling to his knees and spreading his arms.

Oakland special teams was anything but.

They’ve suffered some injuries and made some missteps. Kick returner Justin Miller was brought back in time for this game, but was sub par.

Oakland was burned for a 95 yd TD return after Texan special teams pinned them on their one with a great punt that turned into a safety.

Al Davis should’ve found a way to keep Brian Schneider who defected to USC and is sorely missed.

Interestingly, the Texans special teams blockers ran the "wedge" several times despite a rule change strictly forbidding more then two player joining together to block.

Another example of terrible referees not protecting players.

These jokers where the worst seen since the Steelers - Seahawks Super Bowl.

If Oakland were a better football team losing because of horrific and biased refs and calls, it would be another story.

As it stands, the putrid calls are merely insult to injury.

Photo Ben Margot / AP

                                                                                                 QB Jamarcus Russell

So far Oaklands high draft picks have been a major disappointment. Glass half full types have pointed out its not all Russell’s fault, but at his lack of accuracy rests with him rather than poor blocking. He’s getting time and good protection. Yes, fielding two rookie wides isn’t helping but ultimately Russell’s poor showing and worse, interceptions are killing the Raiders offense.

Louis Murphy had another bone head penalty, this time it negated a 2 yd pass play on 2^nd down so it wasn’t a drive ender, but still uncalled for.

His two catches for 25 yds were the only receptions by a Raider wide receiver.

Heyward Bey is looking like a Heyward bust so far in his 3 games start.

Of course Russell’s not helping.

9 yr veteran WR Javon Walker claims to be in shape, but was inactive against his old team. It would be hard to imagine him doing any worse.

It seems Davis is willing to live or die with breaking in Bey.

So far its been die.

WR Chaz Schilens may be back next week against the Texans, but he may be a little off his game given the down time.

Right now, he’s Russell’s best hope for avoiding the bust label at the end of the year.

Promoted to Head Coach this off season, losing Tom Cable’s attention on the O line has hurt Oaklands running game. Even with Gallery the Raiders vaunted running game didn’t and hasn’t materialized.

Gallery’s out now with a broken leg suffered week 2 and is likely to miss 6 - 8 weeks..

His replacement, former Bronco Eric Pears was adequate playing against his old team, but the lack of yards on the ground has to be as big a concern as the passing game.

Pears and Henderson looked good blocking for the run and the sacks given up in the back half were Russell and the receivers fault more than the lines.

Cornell Greene, quiet until the 4^th quarter, made his obligatory drive stalling flag.

McFadden’s lack of production is harder to explain. He doesn’t look comfortable at this level, going down on first contact with little or no provocation.

Worse, he’s living down to his nickname "McFumbles" early on this season.

Russell has thrown 4 picks in 3 games and McFadden has put the ball on the ground 4 times losing one.

Granted they are young players but those kind of mistakes are killing the Raiders offense.

Michael Bush needs to see the ball more. Period. He’s rarely tackled for a loss and has shown he’s the type of back to make something out of nothing, slipping tackles and leaning forward for more yards.

Photo Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

                                                                                                    RB Michael Bush

Fargas got 2 touches and was completely ineffectual.

Mike Mitchell saw action this week and despite the fact Oakland got gouged for over 200 yds rushing by the Broncos looked good defending the run, covering TE’s and recovering a fumble.

Oaklands inept offense of course, was unable to take advantage and turn the tide of the game in the 3^rd quarter when McFadden fumbled the ball away inside the 10.

Michael Huff didn’t collect anymore turn overs, but had a very solid game making sure tackles and great reads.

Tyvon Branch limped away from one play in the 4^th but was back to make more jarring tackles after a brief breather. He came away with 10 all together and is looking good.

Nnamdi has been impressive against the run as much as the pass defeating blockers on the edge and making great tackles on an island.

Chris Johnson was called for a P.I. and had a few get past him. Woman beater Brandon Marshall had the better day. Denver mostly avoided the Raiders deadly DB’s by successfully going straight up the middle on the Raiders D.

Anytime Stanford Routt is on the field it’s a liability. I keep saying it and will till they do something about it.

He’s got a hitch in his play that looked a lot like Huff in recent years. It makes him a fraction late on every play.

He simply looks like he’s going through the motions and who can blame him, thats the way a lot of his team mates look too.

Oaklands D responded with a 4^th down goal line stand to start the game and tried to carry the day, but every time Oaklands Russell led offense was anemic.

The Raiders look apologetic and beaten before the snap of the ball.

Russell’s the worst QB in the game right now and thats not likely to change any time soon by the looks of it.

Some one needs to throw down the gauntlet and issue a challenge. Russell’s not the fire brand type but someone on their young offense has to get vocal and fire this team up. Of course leading by example and producing would be the fastest way to establish himself.

He’s going to have to.

Its his team.

Until he does, its more and more undeserved misery for its beleaguered fans.

They really deserve more of an effort.

Photo Ed Zurga / AP

                                                                                       TD DMC                             

Oaklands offense was abysmal thanks in large part to Jamarcus Russell. His praise by seemingly ill informed sports casters for last weeks performance seemed to discount his lack of accuracy which was on full display early against KC.

Russell over threw and missed the mark repeatedly, at one point throwing 10 incompletions in a row.

Boomer Esiason’s pre game assessment of Russell being a tire hung round the neck of the Raider O seemed spot on as the Raiders constantly went 3 and out.

Michael Bush looked good in spurts but again, its seems like Oakland is mismanaging its assets, hobbling itself with play calling and rotations.

Neither back can get into a rhythm.

Left guard Robert Gallery came out of the game late and was taken to the locker room with what broadcasters said appeared to be a left knee injury.

After the game it was revealed he has a broken left fibula and is out for the forseeable future. Its the second time Gallery has suffered a broken fibula in his short career.

Samson Satele came in as staring center Chris Morris slid over to take Gallery’s place.

Cornell Green tried his best to kill Oaklands come back drive with an all too typical penalty on a crucial 3^rd down.

Oakland converted despite him.

The Raiders suffered costly penalties but so did the Chiefs as the two teams seemed to try to out do each other in mistakes.

It was an ugly game, but Russell may have helped his cause with proponents who praised his maturity as he led Oakland on a game winning drive capped by a carbon copy of pitch left to Darren McFadden he scored on last year against Denver.

McFadden was misused all day as a decoy out wide and as a battering ram between the tackles where he gained very little yards.

His one play outside resulted in the 5 yd go ahead touch down.

Oaklands defense got pushed around in the run game with Richard Seymour predominantly double teamed by all pro guard Brian Waters and 1^st round draft pick Branden Albert.

The Raiders did generate pressure on Cassel who suffered no ill affects from a knee sprain that sidelined him opening week.

That pressure aided safety Michael Huff allowing him to break on two Cassel passes and come away with great looking interceptions.

He could be poised to have an Asomugha break out after years of failing to reach expectations.

Though Seymour was held in check veteran defensive end Greg Ellis stepped up and sacked Cassel to help end a last minute comeback drive by the Chiefs and helping to seal the victory.

Asomugha made plays all day including a sweet tackle for a loss where he expertly shed the FB and dropped the KC ball carrier for a loss.

Photo Charlie Riedel / AP

                                                                                            #21 Nnamdi Asomugha

He was MIA later in the game alarming broadcasters and fans alike, but returned to help finish the Chiefs.

Though it was a temperate 74 degrees at Arrowhead, Oakland seemed to lose several players to dehydration as the game went into the 4^th quarter.

Stanford Routt saw time in the secondary and proved his lack of desire is a liability every time he steps on the field.

Huff seems to be finally coming into his own making big plays and breaking on the ball like the Championship Texas safety he was when they took him 7^th overall in the 2005 NFL draft.

The former 1^st round pick had been castigated as a bust for his under performance, but is making a case for himself with 3 picks in 2 games and a fumble recovery.

Oakland did just enough to sneak away with a win from Arrow head. Jamarcus Russell and his rookie wides need to put in extra work if they ‘re going to be a complete offense.

Veteran wide out Javon Walker remains and enigma, seemingly healthy but no where near the field other than an odd appearance as a punt returner on one play.

He did make the field at wide, but was a non contributor.

Prolific TE and Russell favorite Zach Miller had zero catches against KC. That may have had to do with Oaklands lack of success on the ground and a combination of poor play calling.

Oakland and Russell can’t wait for 2^nd year wide out Chaz Schilens to return from a break to a 5^th metatarsal in his foot.

He could be back by game 4.

And not a moment too soon.

Photo Jeb Jacobson / AP

                                                                                   WR Darrius Heyward Bey

Raider Nation Station questioned the logic of even taking a receiver in the 2009 NFL draft considering the fact they had San Jay Lal as their wide receivers coach.

Lal had never even been a position coach in the NFL before being promoted to job. Lal took over for departing Hall of Famer James Lofton who after years of wrangling and even having his name mentioned as a potential head coaching candidate, stayed one year with the silver and black, overseeing one of the worst receiving corps in modern history.

Injuries, poor blocking, a "rookie" QB and a serious lack of depth and talent confronted him.

Even if projected starters Drew Carter and Javon Walker hadn’t been sidelined in pre season, its likely Lofton’s crew would’ve struggled. His inability to make anything good come out of it saw him quietly depart after a dismal performance by his squad.

How much blame lies with Lofton is anyones guess, but to replace him with an unknown like San Jay Lal should’ve raised more eyebrows than just those at RNS.

Lal played wide out at the University of Washington, then bounced from high school to Jr. College programs, moving onto an assistant at Cal for 2 yrs before signing on March 6^th 2007 as an Offensive quality Control Coach for the Oakland Raiders.

He studied what or what not to do under Lofton for a year before being handed the reigns as wide receiver coach to some very young and inexperienced wide outs, one of who recently was taken 7^th over all in last years draft and given over $23.5 million guaranteed. (5 yr contract $38.25 million)

Darrius Heyward Bey joined the Raiders out of Maryland and its hoped the 6-2, 210 lb speedster can help the Raiders stretch the field with is blazing speed, but its up to the inexperienced Lal to get him up to the level of an NFL receiver, something critics claim would be difficult for Bey who has demonstrated poor hands and technique on occasion.

Thats a lot of moo lah and responsibility to dump on a complete novice coach in the NFL.

MIA wide out Javon Walker has the most experience in the receiving corps in his 8^th season, but has had issues with his health and hasn’t contributed.

The rest of the players SanJay has to work with are very new to the NFL.

Louis Murphy’s a rookie, 5-11, 188 lb Johnnie Lee Higgins is in his 3^rd year but has seen relatively little field time despite leading the Raiders in receptions last year with 22 grabs for 366 yds and 4 TDs.

Lal may have had better luck with WR Chaz Schilens who looked great until he was hurt in pre season.

Schilens came on last year toward the end, but was dinged much of last year too. Health will remain a question for the 6-4, 225 lb former 7^th round pick.

Schilens has played over his potential and appears to have benefitted greatly from 3^rd yr Quarterback Jamarcus Russell’s impromptu extra curricular receivers camp this off season.

Russell and the former San Diego State wide out looked in synch like no other Raider wide out this off season.

How much of that has to do with Lal is debatable, but Raider fans hope the inexperienced coach is solid fundamentally, a quick learner and a quicker teacher.

Photo Marcio Sanchez / AP

                                                                               Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour

Like week 4 the Raiders came out on fire and dominated the Chargers, but like week 4 last year, came away the loser.

Oakland was praised by ESPN’s usually unkind broadcasters for playing simplistic man football not seen for decades and playing it extremely well.

It was vintage Al Davis. It was vintage Oakland Raider football. Again, right down to the loss.

BIGGER FASTER STRONGER

Davis’s original theorem about simplistic football played by bigger, faster players looked brilliant tonight and shows what can be done with the right motivation.

The Raiders were simply the better football team. Especially on D.

Oaklands defense got tired after the offense went on hiatus at the half but completely destroyed the Chargers O line inuring rookie right guard Louis Vasquez in his first NFL start, damaging left tackle Marcus NcNeil and forcing the cart to pick center Nick Hardwick off the turf.

VETERAN DE’S AND DEFENSE SHINE

"King" Richard Seymour was spectacular and was indeed "the one on top of the quarterback" twice, looking unstoppable as he split double teams on both occasions on his way to logging 6 tackles.

He looks like a monster and played all up and down the line upgrading the D and like he did in New England, making those around him better.

Greg Ellis stepped up and made big plays too with 3 tackles a forced fumble and a sack. as Oaklands defense plain and simply man handled the Chargers offense.

Signing Seymour makes Davis look like a genius. Oaklands run D was vastly improved and as mentioned, pummeling Phillip Rivers.

The line backers played solid gap control football and did their part, but it was the safeties that may be the best news for Oakland. Tyvon Branch looked impressive tackling on and island and shutting down the edge.

Hiram Eugene made a nice pick as did Michael Huff who also added a nice fumble recovery.

Asomugha was burned by an odd looking but perfectly placed ball from Rivers to Jackson for a touchdown but played well and his wrist didn’t seem to be an issue.

Chris Johnson looks like a top 5 defensive back.

He’s really, really impressive.

THE WHEELS FALL OFF

Oaklands D was nothing short of spectacular most of the night especially Seymour. He was an instant upgrade, but the entire front line disappeared at the end of the game.

Despite being built specifically for just such an occasion, the Raiders failed to stop Rivers and the Chargers from marching down field and killing them with a game winning TD run by Darren "Oompa Loompa" Sproles with :21 seconds on the clock.

The prevent defensive play calling was to blame as much as anything, but Oakland should’ve destroyed the Chargers injured and patch work O line.

Though they played outstanding D, they let a few get by that cost them the game. Raider fans can lament the lack of blitzing and safe zone play for the Chargers late game go ahead TD.

In that way, it really was vintage Raider football and the result was the same as it has been all too often.

THE RUSSELL QUESTION

Though Phillip Rivers was able to manufacture scoring drives with his passing he wasn’t terribly accurate on many of his throws, but Jamarcus Russell was worse.

Though he’s not even on the team, media will be asking whether Garcia could’ve - should’ve been the guy.

Russell was that bad. He shouldn’t have had to carry the team but thats why they pay him.

He’ll bounce back, but it was a bad game.

Pairing him with 2 rookie wide outs was a mistake.

BAD PLAY, BAD CALL AND ONE GREAT PLAY

Darrius Heyward Bey dropped several balls and did nothing to quiet draft day detractors.

Murphy made mistakes but was robbed by referee’s of a clear touch down catch that was reversed and cost the Raiders 4 points.

Raider fans can justly point and proclaim Raiders robbed by refs again.

On 3^rd and 5 at the Charger 18 Russell threw a strike to Murphy who caught the ball, landed both feet and then his ass on the turf before rolling on his stomach rise and celebrate.

He never dropped the ball. It shifted and only the tip of it touched the ground but the replay assistant challenged and the TD was over turned.

Oakland settled for a field goal and lost 4 points.

The difference in the game.

Russell made some great throws to TE Zach Miller who is making a case as one of the Leagues best in at his position, but Russell didn’t hit a wide out until the 3^rd quarter.

Photo Marcio Sanchez / AP

                                                                                            QB Jamarcus Russell

Late in the game though Jamarcus rolled alarmingly on the turf after converting a 4^th down on a quarterback sneak. The 6-6, 270 lb QB had his knee injured by LB Shawne Merriman who fell on him late.

It was really Merriman’s only play.

Gradkowski came in and engineered a 1^st down with the help of a 5 yd penalty that resulted in an automatic 1^st down.

Russell came back in threw an incompletion then an ill advised ball over the middle that got Johnnie Lee Higgins blasted in the jaw harder than Cable vs Hanson.

Higgins was hammered and writhed on the field before shakily making his way to the side lines.

But on 4^th and 15 Russell dropped back and fired an old school Raider deep strike that looked like a play that could launch a career. Murphy hauled in the catch to put the Raiders up and give Russell a highlight, but his accuracy through the night was appalling.

If he doesn’t get his timing and footwork down there could be serious trouble.

Russell finished the night 12 of 30 for 208 yds and a TD.

How many games till we get back Schilens?

LOOKING AHEAD

If Oakland shows up to play football like it did on Monday night, they have a legitimate shot at turning things around.

Oaklands O line dominated the early part of the game but lost a step when left guard Robert Gallery left with a minor injury and inexperienced starting center Chris Morris had to move to guard. He was replaced by Samson Satele for a little while till Gallery returned, but the cohesion was no longer there.

McFadden had 68 yds on 17 carries. Michael Bush had 55 yds on 12 carries but the Raider ground game fell off a cliff in the 2^nd half despite dominating up to that point.

Oakland has to do something about right tackle Cornell Green. Like we said in the pre game article, he is the worst starting right tackle in the League. His costly blunders help derail the Raiders in the back half...again.

It’s a disappointing start to come away with the loss, but for the first time in a while, there are many positives too.

The Raiders simplistic, man vs man old school defense that took the field tonight looked the part decked in terrific looking 50^th anniversary gear and helmets and played like the brutal, physical Raiders of old.

If Russell can get a grip, get back wide out Chaz Schilens can come back from injury by say, week 3 or 4, based on tonights play, Oakland looks like they could compete.