Final Score: Oakland 24, Dallas 31
Game Analysis for the Oakland Raiders
Pass Offense: Rookie quarterback Matt McGloin was extremely effective in the first half, especially when throwing deep downfield.
While he had a few big plays after halftime, McGloin was not nearly as efficient and made a critical mistake by throwing an end-zone interception with the Raiders in prime position to tie the game.
McGloin finished the game 18-of-30 for 255 yards, no touchdowns and an interception.
Run Offense: Oakland had a difficult time picking up yards on the ground in this contest.
While Rashad Jennings and Darren McFadden ran hard with the football, they rarely had the benefit of open running lanes from the line. The duo finished the game with just 48 yards on 22 carries, though Jennings did score twice.
Pass Defense: The Raiders defense did a nice job of limiting Dallas quarterback Tony Romo for most of the first half. However, Romo engineered touchdown drives on each side of halftime to bring the Cowboys back from a 14-point deficit.
Romo rarely wavered after Dallas tied things up. He completed all 12 pass attempts in the second half and finished the game 23-of-32 for 225 yards and a touchdown.
Run Defense: The Raiders shut down the Dallas rushing attack in the first half. They were gashed by it in the second.
As a team, Dallas had just 12 yards rushing by halftime. By game’s end, running backs DeMarco Murray and Lance Dunbar had combined for 145 yards and three scores.
Special Teams: A forced fumble and touchdown on the opening kickoff allowed the Raiders to jump out to a very early lead.
Aside from the opening play, it was a solid, if u...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
