Raiders Begin The Gradkowski Era With 10th Straight Home Win Vs. Bengals

The Raiders dedicated their home game against the Cincinatti Bengals on Nov. 22 to Marquis Cooper, their special teams player who earlier this year died in a boating accident.  That motivation, along with an energized offense, led to a "never quit" attitude all through the game, culminating in a stunning comeback win, 20-17.  And the man who led the charge?  None other than Bruce Gradkowski.

Gradkowski wasn't great on the day, but he was good enough for the team to support, something for which Raiders fans have clamored for weeks.  Gradkowski finished with over 180 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT.  While the rushing game was stifled by a talented Bengals defense, the Silver and Black ultimately would not be denied.  Gradkowski hit strikes to TE Zach Miller and WR Louis Murphy (that throw was beautiful).  The last play was very fitting; an interception by arguably the Raiders' best player, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

I heard something today on ESPN that made me laugh.  Chris Berman was recapping the game, and discussed the 4th and 10 throw from Gradkowski to Chaz Schilens.  He said something to the effect of, 'Gradkowski to Chaz Schilens!  Exactly what you thought in this situation!'  While he was mocking the invisibility of these athletes to the casual fan, it WAS exactly what the Raiders hoped for; a quarterback who can get the ball to a healthy underrated receiver named Chaz.

Out of the Raiders' 3 wins, two have come against very tough opponents, the Bengals and the Philadelphia Eagles.  The Raiders' schedule doesn't really get any easier, as they eye the Cowboys in Dallas on Thanksgiving, and then the Pittsburgh Steelers.  But, as I've typed before and as I will type again, the Raiders have now proved twice this year that the old saying rings true, "On Any Given Sunday".

Will Gradkowski ever be a Pro-Bowl quarterback?  Probably not.  But if he can continue to keep the Raiders in the game, it will fire up the rest of the team like it did this week.  Justin Fargas spoke about Gradkowski's energy being contageous.  I don't see that energy slowing down at all entering Dallas.

Well, Raider Nation?  It's only been one week, but how satisfied are you with the Gradkowski era?  Personally, I'm looking forward to a (inter)nationally televised Raiders game, (we'll be watching in the Middle East!) and we'll see if Big Bruce's energy carries forward.