Jamarcus Russel Finished With A 149.1 QB Rating
As the Oakland Raiders went into the 2nd half ahead 10-3 this Sunday, the Raiders had still failed to score an offensive touchdown. The Raiders stretched their scoreless streak to 15 quarters and only took the lead with another spectacular Johnnie Lee Higgins kickoff return.
But as the Raiders came out the 2nd half, they realized that Denver defense is, well, Denver defense. The Raiders came out and shut down Cutler and company and beat the Broncos 31-10 after losing 41-14 in week one.
Fargas pounded out 104 yards on 24 carries while McFadden delivered the finishing blows with 38 yards and 2 touchdown runs. Ashley Lelie returned to Denver posting a big 7 catch 105 yard against his old team including a monster 51 yard catch over two defenders. As for Russell, the former number one pick worked efficiently and led the Raiders down the field on a number of key drives. He finished the day completing 10 of his 11 passes, throwing one touchdown pass to Lelie, and an outstanding 149.1 QB rating.
After a disappointing loss to Miami last week, this Sundays game against Denver brought Raider fans a glimmer of hope. With a healthy quarterback and backfield, the Raiders displayed what talent could do with proper coaching and belief. The Raiders face division rivals in the upcoming weeks and at 3-8 the Raiders look to top their 4-win season from last year.
As silly as turf toe sounds, it’s an injury serious enough to keep running backs off the field for extended periods of time. Think of Josh Beckett’s (Red Sox) frequent problems with blisters in his fingers. Anyway, players always have the option of taking a pain killer shot to alleviate the pain and, if they so choose, play through turf toe. And no, it’s nothing like that behind the door sketchy scene with Jon Voight – Coach Kilmer – in Varsity Blues. Okay…I digress, anyway, McFadden is adamantly against taking any pain killer:
McFadden: Nah, I ain’t taking no shot. The last time I took a shot (Buffalo), it made it worse on me, so that’s something I’m not gonna do again.
I’m perfectly fine with Darren McFadden taking a pass and to anyone pushing for the rookie to play, relax, the Raiders should be fine against Miami this week. Despite Vegas placing the Raiders as 10-point underdogs, the Raiders destroyed Miami last year 35-17 easily. Yes it was a one-win Miami team but they were playing without beastly Ronnie Brown down the stretch, and the Raiders destroyed the fish when Brown was healthy.
Don’t worry about McFadden, let the injury heal out, and place your bets on the Raiders this week. They’ll turn some heads.
