JaMarcus Benched Again in Ugly Raiders Loss

Ball off DHB results in game-sealing interception

The Raiders and Kansas City renewed their bitter rivalry at the Coliseum with a comedy of errors that neither team found particularly funny. Interceptions, fumbles, bobbles and drops ruled the action as JaMarcus Russell was benched again at home in a 16-10 loss.

Oakland’s final drive with under two minutes left ended abruptly as a pass hit off rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bay and into the hands Chiefs safety Mike Brown for a game-sealing interception.

On the opening drive, the previous week’s bye was working wonders for the Raiders running game and the execution was crisp. A 60-yard burst by Michael Bush set up a touchdown dive by Justin Fargas giving Oakland a quick lead just two minutes and 18 seconds into the game. Later in the first quarter, Ryan Succop’s 50-yard field goal cut into the lead, but with 2:10 left in the quarter Sebastian Janikowski nailed his own 50-yarder bringing the lead back to seven points.

On a fourth and one just into Raiders territory in the second, Kansas City went for it and it paid off in dividends. Jamaal Charles blasted 44-yards to the end zone for the Chiefs first rushing touchdown in 39 quarters, tying the game at 10. With less than seven minutes before the half, Succop added his second field goal, a 25-yarder, to give KC its first lead.

Late in the third quarter with Russell having gone 8-of-24 for 64 yards and a 42.4 QB rating, back-up quarterback Bruce Gradkowski entered the game going three and out in his first series. On the next Raiders offensive series into the fourth quarter, a Gradkowski pass bounced off of Johnnie Lee Higgins before Mike Brown grabbed his first interception of the game. The pick lead to a 31-yard Succop field goal giving Kansas City a six-point advantage with 6:17 left in the game.

Oakland defensive end Greg Ellis was inactive for the Raiders with an injured shoulder and knee. He had arthroscopic surgery during the off week and returned to practice on a limited basis Friday, but was replaced by rookie Matt Shaughnessy in the starting lineup.

Next Sunday the Raiders host the AFC North leading Cincinnati Bengals at the Coliseum.

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