Raiders-Broncos: Lane Kiffin Disgusted in Loss to Denver

With Brandon Marshall serving a one-game suspension, Jay Cutler was forced to the find another go-to receiver—at least for one night. It looks as if he found his new favorite target.

Rookie receiver Eddie Royal caught nine passes for 146 yards and a touchdown for the Broncos, as he and the other Bronco receivers torched the much-hyped Raider secondary for 299 yards.

Darrell Jackson added a 48-yard touchdown reception and tight end Tony Scheffler caught a deep pass and rumbled for 72 yards.

During the offseason, the Raiders spent a lot of money on free agents. Less than a month after celebrating a Super Bowl victory, safety Gibril Wilson celebrated signing a free-agent contract worth $39 million.

Oakland then re-signed defensive lineman Tommy Kelly to a $50 million contract.  Oakland then traded two draft picks to acquire the rights to cornerback DeAngelo Hall and gave him $70 million. 

If my math is correct, the Raiders gave nearly $160 million to three players. 

Wilson is supposed to bring the championship experience he gained as a member of the New York Giants. Instead, at least three of his tackles were made more than 15 yards down the field, and he committed an unnecessary-roughness penalty.

Tommy Kelly was signed to replace Warren Sapp. So far, he's only replaced him on the depth chart. The Broncos gashed the defensive line for nearly 150 yards while not allowing a sack. 

The pairing of Hall with Nnamdi Asomugha conjured up images of Lester Hayes and Mike Haynes for the optimistic Raider Nation. Hall debuted for Oakland by getting abused by Denver receivers and embarrassing himself with two personal foul penalties on the same drive. Those penalties led to a Bronco touchdown.

Despite the brutality on defense, there were some offensive highlights. 

JaMarcus Russell hit on 17-of-26 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He did lose a fumble, but he did not throw an interception.

Running backs Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden combined for 143 yards on 27 carries.  Continued success of the running game will open up the play-action pass for Russell and allow him better pass protection.

Unfortunately for the Raiders, much of the offensive production came in the fourth quarter, well after the outcome was decided.