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Gradkowski Ignites Offense, Raiders Win

Bruce Gradkowski started the second half and ignited the Raiders offense, but it took a roughing the passer penalty in the final minutes and superb rushing by Darren McFadden to seal a 16-14 home win.

The Raiders were expected to win and did. That is a step. A win is a win, but it was ugly. The Raiders nearly doubled up the Rams in total yardage yet only won by two points.

Is there a quarterback controversy in Oakland or did Gradkowski do enough to be the uncontested starter? It should be an easy call for the coaches to make based upon the results, but they will want to go back to film.

Gradkowski is mobile, gets the ball out quickly and demands more from the offense with his fiery style. Maybe that is just what this Raiders team needs. Maybe Jason Campbell isn't the right quarterback to lead the Raiders franchise.

Maybe two bad weeks are just two bad weeks. Perhaps Campbell can't find a rhythm when his left tackle can't block his own shadow.  

The playcalling changed when Gradkowski entered the game. Gradkowski can use his legs to escape the constant pressure the offensive line allows. 

I don't think this is a hard one for the Raiders coaching staff.

I'll have additional analysis after re-watching the game. This  includes player grades on offense, defense, and special teams. 


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Comments

  1. robertSeptember 21, 2010 at 11:38 AM

    AL davis or Tom Cable, please have Nhamdi shadow fitzgerald, and then the following week please have him shadow Andre Johnson

    ReplyDelete

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