Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was antsy to get on the field and stake his claim to the back-up role behind Jason Campbell. Last night against the San Francisco 49ers, Gradkowski convinced new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and solidified what the head coach already knew – that the depth chart at quarterback is a strength.
“Bruce Gradkowski was one of the bright spots in terms of going in there and having some efficiency and move the club around fairly well,’’ Tom Cable commented. “I think that’s what you want from your backup quarterback and he showed himself very well that way.’’
“I haven’t been out there so it was good to get the feel of the first team,’’ Gradkowski said. “It was good to play almost three quarters. It was really good to get back out there and get a feel.’’
Gradkowski ended 14-of-22 for 202 yards and two scores. We also saw the continued chemistry between Louis Murphy and the passer when they both hooked up for a 74-yard scoring strike in the second quarter.
As for Jason Campbell, the expected starter got Oakland out of the gate quickly with four completions on their 81-yard scoring drive. After the sack by 49ers defender Travis LaBoy, an organization and fan-base held their collective breath seeing Campbell on the turf and seated on the passenger seat of a cart.
“It felt a lot worse at the time that it happened, but … they don’t think it’s going to be really, really serious,” Campbell said. “But at the same time it’s something we’ve got to take care of before the season starts.”
Campbell suffered a stinger, but Cable stated he expects to have his starter under center week-one versus the Titans.
Jared Veldheer started for the injured Samson Satele. “I think you have to look at the film for that. I can remember one, there was a run through by a linebacker, (Patrick) Willis, one time that was on him but overall I think he directed the protections well,’’ Cable said of his center. “He really didn’t show up as the game went on so that’s a good sign. But we’ll have to look at the film.”
Neither Johnnie Lee Higgins nor Yamon Figurs distinguished themselves on special teams. But Figurs tallied two more catches for 18-yards while the inconsistent Higgins was shut-out on offense.
For the first time this pre-season, the Raiders did not record a sack. Rookie Rolando McClain led the team with 8 total tackles.
Both specialists are in pro-bowl mode; Sebastian Janikowski booted a 57-yard field goal and Shane Lechler bombed a 61yard punt, averaging 53.0 yards on his 4 attempts.
Darren McFadden played and was ineffective on the ground with 9-yards on 7-carries. He managed two receptions for 16-yards.
Defensive tackle Desmond Bryant had an elbow injury.
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
