In the post-game discussions of the Raiders win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the team had universal praise for quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, and the improvement he brought. After a slow start, the Raiders offense had their best game of the season as they came from behind to beat the Bengals.
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Raiders offense had languished under JaMarcus Russell looking like they were poised to free 2006 from its purgatory of ineptitude. The Raiders gave former backup Bruce Gradkowski his first start in Silver and Black, and the Raiders deployed an offense that looked surprisingly competent.
-Gradkowski didn't have an overly pretty statline: 17-34-183-2-1, but the two touchdown passes matched Russell's season total for touchdown passes in one game. He also beat Russell's yardage average of 118. Beyond the numbers, Gradkowski was able to put the ball on the spot for the receivers much easier than Russell.
Wide receiver Louis Murphy praised Gradkowski's energy, "This week, he was full of energy. He commanded the huddle, and he was punctual, and he was ready for the Bengals. He said that we’re gonna come out and we’re gonna play hard. We’re gonna continue to try to just move the ball and try to get first downs. Nothing too big, just move the chains. So that’s what we did.”
Gradkowksi hoped that the team would feed off of his energy level, "A lot of guys on the team feed off the quarterback’s energy. Hopefully, I made a difference today on that aspect of them feeding off me. I’m just going to be myself out there. That’s one thing coach Cable said is, just be yourself, play your game and I’m glad coach Cable had the confidence to go with me.”
On the other side of the ball, defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha appreciated the energy that Gradkowski brought to the offense. "He’s[Gradkowski] a little more outspoken, I guess, than JaMarcus. JaMarcus is more relaxed, laid back, nothing ever bothers him type thing. Bruce is more of a guy that’s going to show his emotion, whether he’s happy or whether he’s said, whether he’s fired up or whether he’s disappointed. I don’t know if guys feed off of that. I don’t know how offensive players play, but I mean, it’s good to see, good to see the spark."
Wide receiver Chaz Schilens said that Gradkowski knew where his other options were, "If his number one thing isn’t there it seems like he knows where he’s going to go to. It seems to me like he has a good grip of the defenses and where to get the ball to. Really, that’s all I can say."
Now the key for the Raiders will be to take their momentum from this game and not have a let down when they face the Cowboys in Jerry-Land on Thrusday. They are on a short week, but there will be no excuses. If the Raiders are going to capitalize on their upset of the Bengals they will need a second win in a row.
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
Comments
Ya, that was a GREAT game...started off kinda bad, but we hung in there and came away with the win. Honestly I would think Dallas is an easier team to beat than the Bengals, but I'm not calling a "W" just yet. Where is our running game, I didn't see us break one big run the whole game! Go Raiders!!!!
This offense is better than the offense in 2006. It's the QB. In 06 we started 3 different QB's and got the same result.
Gradkoski isn't even that good but is so much better than Russell (at this point) that our O looked 5 times better. This Offense could get 1st downs and score points. If we had a good QB we would be a playoff team!
I can't believe how the Raiders O-Line wasn't included much in the post-game win.I payed a lot of attention to it at the game in the last 2 minutes and they were GREAT.they picked up all the blitzes, and i noticed McFadden did too.They didn't allow any sacks.If they play the same way tomorrow, it's gonna be a huge difference maker.
I'm hearing everywhere that the Cowboys are gonna run it down their throat.I honestly don't think that will happen whatsoever.besides one 65 yard run by the Bengals i don't think they had many rushing yards at all.Just don't give up any big plays PLEASE.
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