Raiders Win, Despite Awful Game By Offense

Raiders are now 1-1, but their first win (13-10) did not come so easily against their AFC west rival Kansas City.

Oakland ran 25 times for a poor 2.7 rushing average per attempt. Not what you'd expect for an offensive unit that has been a top ten rushing team the past two seasons. Both Darren Mcfadden and Michael Bush were both held to 35 yards rushing.

JaMarcus Russell's stats were not the best of the game, but he did lead the Raiders to a 9 play, 69 yard drive which led the Raiders to an eventual 5 yard rushing touchdown by Darren Mcfadden. Although the second straight Russell lead the offense into the red zone for a score to close out the game, it was also another showing of his inaccuracy.

"The ball was just coming out a little funny the first few drives," Russell told the media after the game. Coming out a little funny? Either Russell's grip of the football needs to be looked at or he has an excuse for realistically his second worst game of his three year career since his rookie debut (7-23, 1TD 3 INT in loss to JAC December 07'). 

Russell completed 7 passes out of 24 attempts for a low 104 yards, an obvious passer rating and completion percentage well under mediocre. Russell was missing wide open receivers left and right, going 0-5 to start the game. Paul Hackett was brought here to get Russell in the right mind-set, prepared, and more accurate. He will definitely be working on touch this week with Russell now more than ever, who has gone 19/54 with 1 touchdown and two interceptions for a 35.2 completion rate.

No receiver had more than two catches. Javon Walker was given limited snaps and not targeted once on all day. Zach Miller did not catch a pass, a rare showing by the most consistent offensive player the Raiders have.

Despite the loss by the Chiefs, they beat the Raiders in total offensive yardage (409 yards to the Raiders 166) as well as time of possession (Chiefs 38:39 to the Raiders 21:21). Can't continue to win games like that.

Defense comes up big

The defense came through against Matt Cassel at critical times, led by Michael Huff's two interceptions and two Greg Ellis sacks. Nnamdi Asomugha showcased his label of best corner in the league when tackling receiver Dantrell Savage in bounds with the clock ticking down giving the Raiders a 6-3 lead at the half. Asomugha also made some nice tackles behind the line of scrimmage on Larry Johnson making himself involved in the run game.

Richard Seymour did not get a sack Sunday, but was accountable for single-handily making some key stops up front on Larry Johnson.

At the end of the day the Raiders won, but it was downright ugly and not to the best of their ability. The bread and butter (run game) for the Raider offense was shut down, and the quarterback was inaccurate for most of the game with open receivers down field.

Gallery Has Broken Left Fibula, Heyward-Bey leaves Game

Robert Gallery told reporters that he has a broken left fibula and his recovery time is unknown at this time, he should be able to return this season. The Raiders once again slid center Chris Morris over to left guard, replacing Gallery like they did last week against San Diego. Samson Satele will now have to step his game up as the starting center if the Raiders keep the line the same as it was ending the game.

Gallery would be a huge loss to the offense, who started to get some recognition for his high level of play at left guard the past three years with Cable.

Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey left the game after appearing to re- aggravating his hamstring injury from training camp. With Johnnie Lee Higgins, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Heyward-Bey all ailing from injuries, the Raiders will be very thin at receiver if no one can go next Sunday at home against their other AFC west rival the Broncos.

This will be the Raiders chance to build off a win, and maybe get another two-win streak (or more) like they did closing out the 2008 season, with Denver at home next week.