Vincent Jackson could be much better this week without Nnamdi Asomugha covering him.
Oakland @ Kansas City - Both of these teams put in surprising performances against superior teams last week, but neither one was able to close the deal. Oakland's defense looked good for three quarters, but JaMarcus Russell continues inching closer and closer to "bust" status. The Chiefs took advantage of big plays on defense and special teams but just weren't able to get enough offensive production against the vaunted Ravens D.
We still don't know for sure who will play QB for the Chiefs with Matt Cassel still recovering for a preseason knee injury. Brodie Croyle was fairly efficient considering the Chiefs complete lack of a running game against Baltimore. He completed 67% of his passes for 2 TDs and no picks. Maybe the most impressive stat for Croyle was that he actually finished the game.
For Oakland it was an inspired performance that turned into another heart-breaking loss to the team that has dominated them over the last 6 seasons. Russell struggled with accuracy once again, completing only 40% of his passes and throwing two picks. However, the Raiders showed that they can run the ball and stop the run which is usually the first step in the rebuilding process. Kansas City will have to come up with more big plays on defense and special teams to win this, or any other, game this year.
JaMarcus Russell - 175 yards passing, 0 TD 1 INT
Darren McFadden - 125 total yards, 2 TD
Michael Bush - 40 total yards, 0 TD
Louis Murphy - 3 receptions 65 yards, 0 TD
Zach Miller - 5 receptions 60 yards, 0 TD
Croyle/Cassel - 200 yards passing, 1 TD 1 INT
Larry Johnson - 50 total yards, 0 TD
Dwayne Bowe - 5 receptions 60 yards, 1 TD
Final Score - Oakland 17, Kansas City 13
