Was it pretty? NO. Did JaMarcus Russell look like a #1 QB? No. Did the Raiders win? Yes, and give Russell credit: when the chips were down and he had to make a play(s), Russell orchestrated a monumentally outstanding drive, hitting three key passes and leading the Raiders to a 13-10 victory over the Chiefs in KC.
A huge win. A stellar, gut-check performance by the Raiders defense. Game ball to Michael Huff, who had two key interceptions and fittingly enough, broke up the last play of the game, cementing the victory in hostile Arrowhead.
Again, it wasn't pretty; the Raiders offense looked thoroughly out of sinc all day long. Part of that can be attributed to the conditions in KC--it was very humid and the temps got into the high 70's, but these types of games are precisely the contests in years past the Raiders would find a way to lose. In this instance, they got the W. It's not a 'sexy victory, but coming off the intensely frustrating Monday night loss to the Chargers, winning in KC, (a division game no less) is straight out of the old adage: "Just win baby."
KEYS TO WIN:
1. Raiders defense--(played remarkably well, other than last KC drive when Matt Cassel hit Dwayne Bowe for TD reception)
2. Tom Cable game plan: considering opponent, one would think that Cable would have drawn up a more creative game plan, but in the end, it worked.
3. Russell: Another errant, erratic performance, but give some credit to Chiefs defense. Nonetheless, Russell needs to pick up his game. He consistently missed and overthrew his receivers, but at the end, again, did what was needed to win.
4. Sebastian Janokowski: Tremendous game. Two long field goals and three kick-offs into the end zone. Ditto, Shane Lechler, whose booming punts kept Chiefs on their side of the field throughout the day.
OVERALL: Any win is big, but a road victory in one of the toughest, loudest stadiums in the NFL is big. Raiders needed this one badly.
INJURY: Raiders lose lineman Robert Gallery for a minimum six weeks with a broken fibula.
NEXT WEEK: Denver (Sept. 27, 1: 15 PST, Oakland Coliseum)
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