I should start by saying that I know that the Raiders squeaked-out a win over a lowly team in the St. Louis Rams, 16-14, yet fans and media alike should take note of a few things.
Firstly, the Rams should be quite happy with its draft picks from recent years. Sam Bradford looks like a star of the future, while left tackle Rodger Saffold has allowed Jason Smith to play right tackle.
With all the talk about Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson, it seems to me that St. Louis should consider the veteran wideout, or even dare I say, the Rams should consider acquiring Albert Haynesworth.
Musing aside...
With better play from the interior of the defensive line, inside linebacker James Laurinaitis also looks like a corner stone of the defense, while defensive backs Ronald Bartell and OJ Atogwe would also be able to make more plays.
Raiders coach Tom Cable clearly acted like he was on a mission to win.
My apologies to quarterback Jason Campbell, but the Raiders are just a different team with Bruce Gradkowski behind center. It seems to be a qualitative difference more than a quantitative one.
Cable benched Campbell during half-time. Gradkowski entered the game for a half, in which the Raiders scored 13 points. Gradkowski finished the day with 162 yards, a touchdown, and a pick.
Yet, unlike Campbell, Gradkowski was not sacked and did not fumble the ball. "Bruce Almighty" certainly wasn't perfect though. His interception started a drive in which the Rams were able to score and bring the game within two points.
Tailback Darren McFadden is looking like the player he was supposed to be when the Raiders made him the fourth overall pick in the 20...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
