QUARTERBACK
JaMarcus Russell: Once again, the strong-armed passer managed the game well and continued his growth in his first career road start. His stats were not impressive, but the way he checked down on some plays to his fullback and tossed the ball away when there was nothing available down the field displayed maturity. With a powerful running game helping Russell out, the Raiders can now start expanding on the playbook and slowly bring along last year’s first overall pick. He is not forcing the ball into bad spots, and with no interceptions through two games, you have to like how Russell is developing.
GAME GRADE: B+
RUNNING BACKS
Justin Fargas: Left the game with an apparent groin injury as he was split out at wide receiver during a play in which Russell was trying to hook up with him on a sideline route. Fargas at that point had rushed for 43-yards on nine carries and pounding away at the Chiefs defense. Ironically, Oakland’s hard running ball carrier got hurt on a play he where he did not receive a vicious hit. Regardless of the depth at this position, losing Fargas for any amount of time will hurt due to his consistent performances on a weekly basis.
GAME GRADE: A
Darren McFadden: WOW! The rookie was explosive, dynamic and a game breaker. Everything the Raiders needed when they selected him in April’s draft. Backed up against their own end zone, McFadden started a 95-yard drive with a 21-yard scamper and then busted through the Chiefs secondary with a 50-yard run on 3rd and 11. He capped of the drive with a 19-yard touchdown march that made the game 13-0 in the 3rd quarter. McFadden’s 21-carries for 164 yards were as good of a performance any Raider has had in recent years.
GAME GRADE: A+
Michael Bush: The second year pro experienced the lows and the highs of a NFL game in his first action since breaking his leg in college. A fumble late in the game could’ve proved costly as the Raiders gave him a chance to put-away the contest. But the defense bailed him out on the ensuing drive, and then he capped the win with a 32-yard score.
GAME GRADE: B
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Ronald Curry: Again dropped what would’ve been a first down reception this week. Curry has to haul in those passes to help out his young quarterback.
GAME GRADE: D
Ashley Lelie: His lone reception for 11-yards was on a 3rd and 10. At this point, he appears to be the Raiders best wide receiver.
GAME GRADE: C+
OFFENSIVE LINE
Mario Henderson: In his first career start, playing at left tackle for the injured Kwame Harris, the much maligned lineman played very well. He was aggressive in pass blocking and was part of a unit that mauled the Kansas City front-seven. Henderson deserves to keep his job at left tackle after Sunday’s performance. The run happy Raiders did not allow a sack.
GAME GRADE: A+
Robert Gallery, Jake Grove, Cooper Carlisle & Cornell Green: Tom Cable’s bunch paved the way for Oakland rushers. They dominated all game and were the main reason why the team rushed for 300-yards.
GAME GRADE: A+
DEFENSIVE LINE
Derrick Burgess: He started the game quickly and was very active. Burgess was flagged for offsides on a 3rd and 3 in the 1st quarter, but his aggressiveness set the tone early. The speedster recorded one of Oakland’s five team sacks.
GAME GRADE: A
Kalimba Edwards: Oakland used a big nickel package throughout the game, and Edwards played well in extended action. He had one sack and was solid defending the edge and in backside pursuit.
GAME GRADE: B
Gerard Warren: Probably his best game as a Raider. The defensive tackle was dominant in the interior on passing downs, getting pressure up the field, and maintaining his ground versus the run. The Chiefs managed only 55-yards on the ground against this maligned rush defense mainly due to Warren’s impact, and the steady play of Tommy Kelly.
GAME GRADE: A
LINEBACKERS
Kirk Morrison: Nice bounce back effort after last week’s struggles. Morrison recorded an interception late that ended any Chief comeback.
GAME GRADE: B+
Thomas Howard: He started the game well with deep coverage along the sideline against Jamaal Charles and then as a blitzer, picking up a sack in Oakland’s aggressive approach today. He also stripped Larry Johnson, forcing a fumble, and deflected a pass on 3rd and 8 in the 3rd quarter to end a Kansas City drive.
GAME GRADE: A
SECONDARY
Nnamdi Asomugha: Oakland’s best defender had another solid effort. Could’ve had two interceptions today.
GAME GRADE: A
DeAngelo Hall: Had a better effort today, but once again was targeted by the opposing quarterback. Hall stuck his helmet in on run support.
GAME GRADE: B-
Tyvon Branch: Set-up a Raider score with his first career interception and 36-yard return to the Chiefs 9-yard line.
GAME GRADE: A
Michael Huff: Looked a lot better at free-safety, jumping routes and making plays on the football.
GAME GRADE: A
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Sebastian Janikowski: Booted field goals of 56 (career long), 25, and 40-yards. Also, continued to pound away kickoffs into the end zone.
GAME GRADE: A
Shane Lechler: Averaged 44.8 yards per punt, highlighted by a 67-yarder that altered field position kicking out of his own end zone.
GAME GRADE: A
Johnnie Lee Higgins: Consistently gave the Raiders solid field position on punt and kickoff returns. He is settling in to his role nicely after a shaky start to his career.
GAME GRADE: B-
COACHING:
Lane Kiffin: Solid play calling, mixing up play action passes when the Raiders were dominating on the ground, and keeping things simple for his quarterback. Everything stemmed off their running game.
GAME GRADE: A
Rob Ryan: He sent extra defenders consistently, and it lead to rushed throws, turnovers and a clogged up line of scrimmage when Kansas City attempted to run the football.
GAME GRADE: A
