The home opener started in impressive fashion for the Raiders. Oakland's defense was swarming to the ball and dominating the line of scrimmage. On special teams, Johnny Lee-Higgins made Tom Cable look even more foolish for ever starting Yamon "Mr. Muff" Figurs when Higgins took his first punt return 53 yards to the St. Louis 25 yard line.
The Oakland offense did not start as impressive as the rest of the team, but it was not the bumbling group that took the field against the Tennessee Titans. Darren McFadden continued to impress as he put up 32 yards in the first quarter and never stopped, finishing the game with 30 carries for 145 yards.
However, despite establishing a solid run game, the Raiders offense were not able to finish drives and only put three points on the board in the first half. New Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell played especially poorly, finishing the half going 8 for 15 for 87 yards and an interception.
Oakland fans made their opinion of Campbell's play clear as the clock ran down on the first half. As players began to jog into the locker room, the crowd showered the Oakland Raiders with chants of "Bruce! Bruce! Bruce!"
Well, the fans in the Oakland Coliseum got their wish when the Oakland Raiders offense took the field to start the second half. Leading the Raiders was none other than that fiery journeyman quarterback who just refuses to go away.
With Gradkowski under center, the Raiders offense looked like a completely different team. There was more life in every aspect of the game. Guys were catching balls and making plays after the catch. The offensive line was opening up holes and Darren McFadden was punishing defenders with his down hill running.
The offense was by...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
