Only 2 Remaining

Sunday's loss to the Rams was one of our worst losses this season. There were some positives but they are few and far between. Despite our bismal season, we still will end up missing out on the Quinn sweepstakes because the Detroit Lions are just as pitiful and lost their best player for the season.

Despite being shut out there are a couple of offensive performances that I'd like to analyze.

Andrew Walter
Walter came into the game late and made some nice throws. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 131 yards and two interceptions. The two interceptions turned a decent outing into a poor one but he really did show some progress. One of the interceptions was tipped up in the air by his receiver so that one shouldn't be completely on his shoulders but the other was his fault. Despite the interceptions I really feel that Walter showed he can be an effective Quarterback. He made some really nice throws and did complete 70% of his passes. I think he deserves a chance of playing the rest of the season. He should look much better now that Tom Walsh is gone and we might as well see what we have since we most likely won't get Brady Quinn.

Ronald Curry
Ronald Curry passed up Randy Moss as the team's leading receiver despite his limited playing time. Curry has been the one player on the Raider's offense that is fun to watch. I don't understand why he hasn't been elevated to the number 1 receiver spot. He has earned it by his play on the field.

Positives from a Negative Season

2-11 isn't what most Raiders fans were expecting this season but even with all of the poor play and distractions that have occured this season there are a few positives.

The most obvious is the vast improvement by our defense. I know the defense was torched by the Bengals but overall they have performed amazingly. Nnamdi Asomugha may be on his way to his first Pro Bowl appearence, he currently leads the league in interceptions and has returned one for a touchdown. Thomas Howard has played great for a rookie. He is second on the team in tackles and can play from sideline to sideline. Derrick Burgess and Warren Sapp have both had success getting to the Quarterback this season. Burgess currently has 10 sacks while Sapp has added another 7. Rookie Michael Huff hasn't made many impact plays but has been very solid in run support and has shown that he may become the Strong Safety that Derrick Gibson never was. Even on the offensive side of the ball there may be one positive. Ronald Curry has begun to emerge again and may be on his way to leading the team in recieving yards and receptions despite limited playing time.

This week we will face off with another talented group of receivers and an emerging star Running Back in Stephen Jackson. I expect our defense to rebound and perform well but can our offense finally get some rythm and lead us to a victory?