Live from Buffalo: 1st Quarter
Gerard Warren sacking Trent Edwards
BUFFALO, NY – Prior to the contest, the Oakland Raiders announced that running back Justin Fargas was inactive for the game and that rookie Darren McFadden will start in his place.
Left tackle Mario Henderson was designated the starter at left tackle once again for the inactive Kwame Harris,
Other players declared inactive for today’s game were: WR Todd Watkins, CB Chris Johnson, offensive linemen, John Wade, Seth Wand and newly added tight end Ben Troupe.
Johnnie Lee Higgins got the Raiders started quickly with a 69-yard return to the Buffalo 30-yard line. During that drive, Javon Walker recorded his first reception as a Raider with a 13-yard catch on 2nd and 3. On the ensuing play, he hauled in a 5-yard toss, which set up Oakland at the 5-yard line.
Oakland would score on their opening drive when Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 25-yard field goal to give the Silver & Black a 3-0 lead.
The Raider defense also got going early, forcing Buffalo’s offense to go three and out. Their opening possession was thwarted on 3rd and 7 when Gerard Warren got great push in the interior, sacking Trent Edwards.
The Bills attempted to get Marshawn Lynch going in their second possession, handing the ball to their leading rusher on three consecutive plays. After he gained 18 yards on those plays, Buffalo was unable to get another 1st down and had to punt after their quarterback missed an open Roscoe Parrish on 3rd and 4.
Oakland was able to put pressure on almost every pass attempt, forcing Edwards into rushed throws. Gibril Wilson ended a Buffalo drive with a sack on a safety blitz.
On the ensuing Raiders drive, Higgins’ nice return and Ashley Lelie’s 23-yard reception on the opening play, set-up Janikowski’s second field goal of the quarter from 35 yards out.
The quarter ended on a high note for Buffalo after Darian Barnes caught a dump off from Edwards and picked up 25 yards.
SCORE at the end of the 1st quarter, Oakland 6 – Buffalo 0
