Oakland Raiders: Raiders Need Jason Campbell Back for Playoff Run

No one was more surprised by the Oakland Raiders trade for Carson Palmer than injured starter Jason Campbell.

In Sunday's 28-0 meltdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, no one was missed more than Jason Campbell.

The Raiders quarterback pair of Palmer and Kyle Boller threw six interceptions in the loss, including two that were returned for touchdowns.

After a week of turmoil following the Palmer trade and tons of media speculation over who would get the opening snap, Boller started for the Raiders. He lasted just into the third quarter and was pulled after his third pick. Carson Palmer didn't even need two full quarters to throw three interceptions of his own.

Luckily for the Raiders, they have a bye week coming up and it'll give Palmer a chance to become better versed in the Oakland offense. But if he struggles again come Week 9, it may doom the Raiders playoff hopes.

Oakland sits at 4-3 with a tough division to win. The AFC Wildcard spot may even tougher, with three teams ahead of Oakland for the last two playoff spots.

Campbell said before he had surgery last week that he hoped to be back in six weeks, which would bring him back around Weeks 12-14 if all goes well. But that may be too late for the Raiders to get into the postseason. 

Let's take a look at the five reasons Oakland needs Campbell back if they hope to make the playoffs.

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