Raiders win one for Al: Week 5 Grades

On an emotional weekend the Raiders and Texans went down to the wire. It wasn't great, it wasn't pretty but the Raiders won in the end which is all that matters.

Campbell started off bad, and the O-Line extremely leaky. But both picked up their play on the last drive of the 2nd quarter and kept up the pace. JC finished up 15-35 for 190 with 2 TD's and a pick. DHB had a big day with 7 receptions for 99 yards, with a huge play shedding a tackle and taking it in for the score making it a game again. Fords caught 3 and Schilens 2 including one for a score.

Passing Offense C-

McFadden was contained most of the game, with most of his big runs being called back via penalty. He picked up 51 on 16 touches. Bush picked up 9 on 4 carries. The O-Line struggled all game opening up holes and when they did they were penalized.

Rushing Offense D

Schaub passed for 450 while Foster and Dressen had huge days catching the ball. The corners played well but once again the LB's left much to be desired in coverage. That being said the D-Line stepped up putting pressure on Schaub and sacking him three times (including Seymour with 2) while Michael Huff had a game winning pick in the endzone as the final whistle blew.

Pass Defense C-

Arian Foster was shutdown. Picking up only 68 yards on 22 carries and outside of his 20 yard run did absolutely nothing on the ground. The run defense really stepped up this week and the D-Line was a huge part of it. Very impressive and I hope they can keep it up and play like that for the rest of the season as it's been a huge weakness up until last game.
Run Defense A

The special teams was flawless and was the difference in the game. Jano was special converting 3 50+ yard FG's. Shane punted 7 times average almost 50 yards a punt while the kickoff and punt coverage was surprisingly solid. And that fake punt in the 4th was huge.
Special Teams A+

Hue Jackson made adjustments when Houston shutdown the O in the beginning. And I loved the aggressive fake punt call in the 4th quarter, while the defensive gameplan by Bres was surprisingly impressive.
Coaching B


Game Balls
First and foremost Al Davis.
On offense DHB gets the nod.
On defense Richard Seymour.
Special teams no doubt goes to Jano.