The Test for the Oakland Raiders: Can They Win Out?

Last year, the Raiders, going into the last month of the season were not in a good way. They lost to Kansas City at home, due to a botched play during the game. Then, in the first two games of December, were beat up by San Diego and New England, by a combined score of 83-33. At that point, Oakland was 3-11, with some people thinking Cable would be gone after not making it a full season as a fill-in.

Then the Raiders put their feet down, and decided this was far enough... there was no place left to fall back.

It was time to rally at home against the Houston Texans.

Oakland proceeded to unleash their offense, scoring 27 points in their first win over the Texans ever. Oakland's gameplan was simple but effective, with the team having only two penalties, JaMarcus Russell throwing over 200 yards passing and two touchdowns, and Justin Fargas putting up 93 yards. The Raiders would then go across the country to Tampa Bay, who were looking for a win to get into the playoffs.

The Raiders decided to make that game for Tampa a perfect nightmare, as the Raiders rallied from ten down to win by seven. Tampa Bay since then has won only a single game and replaced Jon Gruden.

Looking to this season, it has been its own learning curve.

JaMarcus Russell started out as the quarterback of the future, in his crucial third year. His numbers were staggering, not for the size, but for the lack of impression for Raider Nation. Russell had just over 1,000 yards in nine games and delivered a 2-7 record, with two touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Bruce Gradkowski entered the picture, looking at a team with options, but not a lot of fire. Going against the Bengals who had only two losses this year, he helped engineer a late touchdown and win. Bruce matched JaMarcus's TD total... in one game.

In the last three games, Bruce has made JaMarcus Russell look like a bad dream and has the Raider Nation asking questions... what if we had started Bruce earlier... and what can he still do for the Raiders this season?

Three games in, he already has matched Russell's win total without needing nine games.

The next four games could be telling for our offseason and the 2010 season.

The Washington Redskins, at 3-9, just came off a heartbreaker. They had the New Orleans Saints down by seven, with the chance to ice the game with a short field goal. After a miss, the Saints tied the game, and won in overtime. While the Redskins own a poor record, they have an improving offense and a defense that can cause trouble as of late. Jason Campbell threw for 367 yards and three touchdowns.

Odds for this game, Campbell might have a harder time against us, as the Saints were without four key defensive players... and we have Asomugha to work with.

The second team we play will be a fan favorite. We travel to Denver to take on the second place Denver Broncos. Denver will be playing the Colts this next week, so it will be interesting to see if they will be playing us after losing to an undefeated team or playing after beating an undefeated team.

At the present Denver controls one of two wild card spots in the AFC, with Jacksonville controlling the other at 7-5 (At this time if the Ravens win Monday's game against the Packers, they will also be a wild card club).

Denver's game has been a rollercoaster ride. They won their first six games, including one at Oakland, but then lost four in a row before righting the ship with wins over the Giants and Chiefs. If Bruce can engineer a win against the Steelers, this Denver matchup will be critical. Stat of note: Oakland has won in Denver the last two seasons.

The third game looks to be a cold one, as the Raiders go to Cleveland to play the Browns in late December. Cleveland is sporting one of the worst records in the NFL, and scoring was at a premium until Brady Quinn replaced their own failed QB, Derek Anderson. Some might call it the worst bowl, or possibly the fight for the number one pick this year, but Oakland should have a better time here.

Hey, Bruce is from Pittsburgh, after all.

The last game of the year, in January, will be against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens started out good, with a 3-0 record, before coming back to earth. They now sit at 6-6. By the last week of the season they could be fighting for the playoffs or getting ready to clean out their lockers.

Joe Flacco, who was considered a bright prospect last year,m has had a rude sophomore slump. Add into the mix that the Raiders were humiliated in Baltimore last year and Oakland would love to give some back. Could the Raiders drop two teams out of the playoffs?

I would go out on a limb and give the Raiders a shot at 3-1. Denver or Baltimore could win, but I think the lessons learned from a Denver loss would help against Baltimore.

Or, let me be wrong, win out and finish at 8-8.

Playoffs?

Not this year. But we'll be reaaaally close.