2008 Oakland Raiders season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Oakland Raiders
season was the team's forty-ninth season. The Raiders improved upon their 4–12 record from 2007
. This was also the first time in four seasons that the team did not play both contestants from the previous Super Bowl
, playing the New England Patriots
, but not the New York Giants
. This was also the first time in six seasons the club did not finish 4th in their division, but stood alone at third instead (they shared the spot with the Kansas City Chiefs
the previous season).
, in the second game of Monday Night Football
's doubleheader. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Broncos QB Jay Cutler
completed a 26-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal
. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to trail as kicker Matt Prater
got a 26-yard field goal, while FB Michael Pittman
got a 3-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Oakland got even more black and blue as Cutler completed a 48-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
, while Prater nailed a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders finally got on the board as QB JaMarcus Russell
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Ashley Lelie
. Denver ended its rout with RB Selvin Young
's 5-yard TD run and Pittman's 1-yard TD run. Oakland would close the game with Russell's 4-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry
.
With the dismal loss, the Raiders began their season at 0–1 for the sixth straight year.
for a Week 2 AFC West showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs
. In the first quarter, Oakland came out punching as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
nailed a 56-yard and a 25-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, rookie RB Darren McFadden
picked up his first-ever career touchdown in the third quarter on a 19-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders increased its lead with Janikowski getting a 40-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with their only score of the game as QB Tyler Thigpen
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez (along with a two-point conversion pass to FB Mike Cox
). Oakland would close out the game with rookie RB Michael Bush
getting a 32-yard TD run.
With the win, the Raiders improved to 1–1.
Darren McFadden (21 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown) would become the first rookie Raider to run for 100 yards since Bo Jackson
in 1987. Also, the Raiders' combined rushing attack would reach 300 yards for the first time since November 1987.
The defense's improvement from Week 1 showed, as they limited Kansas City to 8 points, which is the lowest that Oakland ever allowed since December 28, 2002 (7 point from San Diego).
for a Week 3 duel with the Buffalo Bills
. In the first quarter, Oakland got the early lead with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 23-yard and a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bills responded with RB Marshawn Lynch
getting a 14-yard TD run. The Raiders would end the half with Janikowski kicking a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Raiders increased its lead with QB JaMarcus Russell
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, Buffalo started to rally as Lynch got a 3-yard TD run. Oakland would respond as Russell completed an 84-yard TD pass to WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
, yet the Bills got near as QB Trent Edwards
completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish
. Later, Buffalo completed its rally as kicker Rian Lindell
nailed the game-winning 38-yard field goal.
With the heart-breaking loss, the Raiders fell to 1–2.
After the game, Chris Mortensen
of ESPN
and Jay Glazer
of Fox Sports
both erroneously reported that Lane Kiffin
would be fired the following Monday; this turned out not to be the case, as Kiffin was coaching the team during Week 4.
. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
got a 22-yard goal, with Safety Gibril Wilson
sacking Chargers QB Philip Rivers
in his endzone for a safety. In the second quarter, the Raiders increased their lead with QB JaMarcus Russell
completing a 63-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller
, along with Janikowski kicking a 28-yard field goal.
Just prior to halftime, Janikowski attempted to kick a 76 yard field goal, a full 13 yards longer than the NFL record and seven yards longer than the record at any level of gridiron football. Predictably, the kick fell well short, not even reaching the end zone (much less the goal posts), and the ball was picked up by Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie
.
In the third quarter, the Chargers got on the board with kicker Nate Kaeding
's 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Diego took the lead with Rivers' 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
and RB LaDainian Tomlinson
's 13-yard TD run (along with a successful 2-point conversion pass from Rivers to RB Darren Sproles
). Oakland tried to prevent another collapse as Janikowski got a 32-yard field goal. However, the Chargers sealed the win with Kaeding nailing a 47-yard field goal and Tomlinson getting a 41-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Raiders went into their bye week at 1–3.
The following Tuesday, Lane Kiffin was officially fired as head coach and was replaced by offensive line coach Tom Cable
.
for a Week 6 interconference duel with the New Orleans Saints
. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
got a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead as RB Reggie Bush
got a 3-yard TD run, along with kicker Taylor Mehlhaff
getting a 44-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Saints increased their lead as QB Drew Brees
completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Aaron Stecker
and a 15-yard TD pass to Bush. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans closed the game out with Mehlhaff nailing a 33-yard field goal, along with Brees completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Mark Campbell
.
With the loss, the Raiders fell to 1–4.
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Jets kicker Jay Feely
got a 40-yard field goal. The Raiders responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 29-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, Oakland took the lead as QB JaMarcus Russell
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Javon Walker
. In the fourth quarter, New York tied the game as RB Leon Washington
got an 11-yard TD run. The Raiders answered with Janikowski making a 37-yard field goal. The Jets would send the game into overtime as Feely got a 52-yard field goal. In overtime, the Silver & Black prevailed as Janikowski nailed the game-winning 57-yard field goal (a franchise record).
With the win, the Raiders improved to 2–4.
for a Week 8 duel with the Baltimore Ravens
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as QB JaMarcus Russell
was sacked by LB Jameel McClain
in his own endzone for a safety. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to struggle as Ravens RB Willis McGahee
got a 1-yard TD run, while QB Joe Flacco
completed a 70-yard TD pass to WR Demetrius Williams
. The Ravens closed out the half with kicker Matt Stover
getting a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Oakland got on the board as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
got a 22-yard field goal. Baltimore would respond with Stover nailing a 30-yard field goal, yet the Raiders answered with Russell completing a 2-yard TD pass to FB Justin Griffith
. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens pulled away as Flacco got a 12-yard TD run.
With the loss, Oakland fell to 2–5.
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Falcons QB Matt Ryan
completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins, while RB Jerious Norwood
got a 12-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Raiders' struggles continued as Ryan hooked up with Jenkins again on a 27-yard TD pass, while kicker Jason Elam
nailed a 48-yard field goal. From then on out, Atlanta would prevent Oakland from getting any kind of positive drive going and the Raiders fell to 2–6 with the shutout loss.
In the loss, Oakland was held to 77 total yards of offense (fewest since 1961), three first downs (tied for the NFL's 3rd fewest since 1970), and 14:45 time of possession (2nd lowest since 1991).
. With QB JaMarcus Russell
recover from an injury, back-up QB Andrew Walter
was given the start.
In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Panthers QB Jake Delhomme
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad
. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to trail as RB DeAngelo Williams
got a 69-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Oakland got on the board with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 38-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with kicker John Kasay
nailing a 32-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Raiders fell to 2–7. This was also the Raiders
300th franchise loss.
On a positive note, Janikowski's two field goals helped him surpass George Blanda
and become the franchise's all-time career points leader with 865 points.
for a Week 11 duel with the Miami Dolphins
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Dolphins WR Ted Ginn, Jr.
got a 40-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Raiders responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 21-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Oakland started to catch up as DE Jay Richardson
sacked QB Chad Pennington
in his own endzone for a safety. Miami would answer with RB Patrick Cobbs
getting a 10-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders took the lead as Janikowski got a 37-yard field goal, along with WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
returning a punt 93 yards for a touchdown. However, the Dolphins sealed Oakland's fate as kicker Dan Carpenter
nailed a 38-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Raiders fell to 2–8.
for a Week 12 AFC West rematch with the Denver Broncos
. After a scoreless first quarter, Oakland drew first blood with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 26-yard field goal. The Broncos would respond with kicker Matt Prater
getting a 44-yard field goal. The Raiders would close out the half as WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Denver tied the game with FB Peyton Hillis
getting a 6-yard TD run. Oakland would reply with rookie RB Darren McFadden
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders pulled away as QB JaMarcus Russell
completed a 4-yard TD pass to former Broncos WR Ashley Lelie
, while McFadden got another 1-yard TD run.
With the upset win, Oakland improved to 3–8.
. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
got a 25-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with kicker Connor Barth
getting a 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Kansas City took the lead as CB Maurice Leggett
returned a fumble (who was from a trick play on a field goal attempt) 67 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Oakland responded with RB Justin Fargas
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Chiefs replied with RB Larry Johnson getting a 2-yard TD run, along with Barth making a 27-yard field goal. The Raiders tried to come back as Janikowski nailed a 51-yard field goal, but Kansas City's defense was too much to overcome.
With the loss, Oakland fell to 3–9.
for a Week 14 AFC West rematch with the San Diego Chargers
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding
getting a 20-yard field goal, along with RB LaDainian Tomlinson
getting a 3-yard TD run. The Raiders continued to trail as QB Philip Rivers
completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Darren Sproles
and a 59-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
, while Kaeding got a 39-yard field goal. Oakland responded with CB Justin Miller returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. After a scoreless third quarter, San Diego pulled away in the fourth quarter as Rivers hooked up with Sproles again on an 18-yard TD pass.
With the loss, not only did the Raiders fall to 3–10, but they also suffered their sixth-straight 10-loss season.
. Oakland would get the early lead in the first quarter as quarterback JaMarcus Russell
completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Chaz Schilens
. The Texans would respond with fullback Vonta Leach
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, yet the Raiders would answer with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 33-yard and a 30-yard field goal. Houston would tie the game in the second quarter with kicker Kris Brown
getting a 53-yard and a 24-yard field goal.
Oakland would take the lead in the third quarter with wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins
catching a 29-yard touchdown pass from Russell, followed up by an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Texans tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Brown nailed a 40-yard field goal, yet the Raiders' defense would shut down any possible attempt.
With the win, Oakland improved to 4–11.
Michael Bush
who finished the game with 27 rushes for 177 yards. After a touchdown by both teams the Bucs
scored 17 unanswered points to take a 24–14 lead in the fourth quarter but a 12-yd touchdown
pass from quarterback
JaMarcus Russell
to wide receiver
Johnnie Lee Higgins
and a 67-yard run by running back Michael Bush
gave the Raiders a 28–24 lead. on the Bucs
next drive Jeff Garcia
threw an interception to safety Rashad Baker
. After a goal line stand by the Bucs defense the Raiders kicked a 25-yd field goal
by kicker
Sebastian Janikowski
to give Oakland a 7-point lead. On the next drive the first career sack by rookie
defensive end
Greyson Gunheim
s ended the game. The Raiders have ended their season on a 2-game winning streak and finish their season with a 5–11 record; the best since they also went 5–11 in 2004
and the Raiders
knocked the Buccaneers
out of Playoff contention. Interim head coach Tom Cable was named permanent head coach February 4, 2009.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the team's forty-ninth season. The Raiders improved upon their 4–12 record from 2007
2007 Oakland Raiders season
The 2007 Oakland Raiders season was the team's forty-eight season overall. The team finished the season with a 4–12 record. It began with the team's fourth head coach in six seasons. By virtue of the team's 2–14 finish in 2006 , they acquired the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft...
. This was also the first time in four seasons that the team did not play both contestants from the previous Super Bowl
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
, playing the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, but not the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. This was also the first time in six seasons the club did not finish 4th in their division, but stood alone at third instead (they shared the spot with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
the previous season).
2008 draft board
| Round | Selection | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Darren McFadden Darren McFadden Darren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007... |
RB Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
Arkansas University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas is a public, co-educational, land-grant, space-grant, research university. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with very high research activity. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and is located in... |
| 4 | 100 | Tyvon Branch Tyvon Branch Tyvon A. Branch is an American football safety for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Connecticut.-Oakland Raiders:Branch was selected by the Raiders in the 4th round... |
CB Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Connecticut University of Connecticut The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually... |
| 4 | 125 | Arman Shields Arman Shields Arman Shields is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. Prior to his selection in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, he played college football for the University of Richmond Spiders... |
WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Richmond University of Richmond The University of Richmond is a selective, private, nonsectarian, liberal arts university located on the border of the city of Richmond and Henrico County, Virginia. The University of Richmond is a primarily undergraduate, residential university with approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate... |
| 6 | 169 | Trevor Scott Trevor Scott Trevor John Scott is an American football defensive end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was a 6th round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft... |
DE Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
Buffalo |
| 7 | 226 | Chaz Schilens Chaz Schilens Chazeray "Chaz" Schilens is an American football wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
SDSU San Diego State University San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system... |
Preseason schedule
| Pre-Season Game | Date | Time | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | TV | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 8, 2008 | 7:00 PM | San Francisco 49ers 2008 San Francisco 49ers season The 2008 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 63rd season. Although they failed to reach the playoffs for the straight 6th year, the team improved on their disappointing 5-11 record from the 2007 season, and ended the season on a high note... |
W 18–6 | 1–0 | McAfee Coliseum | ESPN | Recap |
| 2 | August 15, 2008 | 5:00 PM | Tennessee Titans 2008 Tennessee Titans season The 2008 Tennessee Titans season was the 49th season for the team in the National Football League, their twelfth in Tennessee, and their tenth as the Titans. Despite being expected by most sportswriters to finish third or even fourth in the AFC South, they compiled a 13–3 regular season record and... |
L 17–16 | 1–1 | LP Field LP Field LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.... |
ESPN | Recap |
| 3 | August 23, 2008 | 6:00 PM | Arizona Cardinals 2008 Arizona Cardinals season The 2008 Arizona Cardinals season was the 89th season for the team in the National Football League and their 21st season in Arizona. The season marked the Cardinals' first-ever Super Bowl appearance, coming as a result of their victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship.The... |
L 24–0 | 1–2 | McAfee Coliseum | ESPN | Recap |
| 4 | August 29, 2008 | 7:00 PM | Seattle Seahawks 2008 Seattle Seahawks season The 2008 Seattle Seahawks season was the 33rd season for the team in the National Football League. The Seahawks' streak of four consecutive NFC West divisional championships was broken, as they fell to a 4-12 record... |
L 16–23 | 1–3 | Qwest Field Qwest Field CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer... |
ESPN | Recap |
Schedule
All times are Pacific.| Week | Date | Time | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | TV | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 8, 2008 | 7:15 p.m. | Denver Broncos 2008 Denver Broncos season The 2008 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 49th season for the team . They improved from their 7–9 record from 2007 but failed to make the playoffs with an 8–8 record... |
L 14–41 | 0–1 | McAfee Coliseum | ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... |
Recap |
| 2 | September 14, 2008 | 10:00 a.m. | at Kansas City Chiefs 2008 Kansas City Chiefs season The 2008 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 49th season, and third with head coach Herman Edwards at the helm. The Chiefs failed to improve on their 4-12 record from 2007 with the youngest team in the NFL as part of their "youth movement." The season turned out to be the worst in the... |
W 23–8 | 1–1 | Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
CBS CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of... |
Recap |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | 10:00 a.m. | at Buffalo Bills 2008 Buffalo Bills season The 2008 Buffalo Bills season was the 39th season for the team in the National Football League and their 49th season overall. They finished with a record of 7–9 for the third consecutive year... |
L 23–24 | 1–2 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
CBS | Recap |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | San Diego Chargers 2008 San Diego Chargers season The 2008 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 49th overall season and their 39th in the NFL. While they completed the regular season with only an 8–8 record, they nonetheless captured their third consecutive AFC West championship... |
L 18–28 | 1–3 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | CBS | Recap |
| 5 | Bye week | |||||||
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | 10:00 a.m. | at New Orleans Saints 2008 New Orleans Saints season The 2008 New Orleans Saints season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League . The Saints entered the season in an attempt improve their 7-9 record from the 2007 season.-Pre-season:-Regular season:... |
L 3–34 | 1–4 | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
CBS | Recap |
| 7 | October 19, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | New York Jets 2008 New York Jets season The 2008 New York Jets season was the 49th season for the club and the 39th season in the National Football League. The team succeeded in improving upon their 4–12 record from 2007, but did not make the playoffs.-Signings:... |
W 16–13 | 2–4 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | CBS | Recap |
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | 10:00 a.m. | at Baltimore Ravens 2008 Baltimore Ravens season The 2008 Baltimore Ravens season was the 13th season for the team in the NFL. Despite having one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, the Ravens completed a major turnaround from the 2007 season, finishing the season with an 11–5 record and a playoff berth... |
L 10–29 | 2–5 | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
CBS | Recap |
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | Atlanta Falcons 2008 Atlanta Falcons season The 2008 Atlanta Falcons season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League. Overcoming a disappointing 4-12 record, quarterback Michael Vick's dog fighting scandal and head coach Bobby Petrino's abrupt resignation in 2007, the Falcons, who were expected to be in a rebuilding... |
L 0–24 | 2–6 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | Fox Fox Broadcasting Company Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the... |
Recap |
| 10 | November 9, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | Carolina Panthers 2008 Carolina Panthers season -Preseason:-Regular season:-Postseason:-Week 1: at San Diego Chargers:The Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers were locked in a defensive battle in the first quarter. John Kasay made three field goals while Philip Rivers connected with Chris Chambers on a 44-yard pass to score. At halftime the... |
L 6–17 | 2–7 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | Fox Fox Broadcasting Company Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the... |
Recap |
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | 10:00 a.m. | at Miami Dolphins 2008 Miami Dolphins season The 2008 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 39th season in the National Football League and 43rd overall. During the regular season the Dolphins completed the greatest single-season turnaround in NFL history, going from a 1–15 regular season record in 2007 to an 11–5 record in 2008... |
L 15–17 | 2–8 | Dolphin Stadium Dolphin Stadium Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It... |
CBS | Recap |
| 12 | November 23, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | at Denver Broncos | W 31–10 | 3–8 | INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
CBS | Recap |
| 13 | November 30, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | Kansas City Chiefs | L 13–20 | 3–9 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | CBS | Recap |
| 14 | December 4, 2008 | 5:15 p.m. | at San Diego Chargers | L 7–34 | 3–10 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
NFLN NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
Recap |
| 15 | December 14, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | New England Patriots 2008 New England Patriots season The 2008 New England Patriots season was the 39th season for the team in the National Football League and 49th season overall. Despite finishing the regular season with an 11–5 record, the Patriots did not qualify for the playoffs—becoming the first 11-win team since the expansion to a 12-team... |
L 26–49 | 3–11 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | CBS | Recap |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | Houston Texans 2008 Houston Texans season The 2008 Houston Texans season was the 7th season for the team in the National Football League. Though the Texans lost their first four games of the season, they rallied and won five of their last six games, to finish with an 8–8 record for the second consecutive year.The 2008 season also marked... |
W 27–16 | 4–11 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | CBS | Recap |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | 10:00 a.m. | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the 33rd season for the club in the National Football League. Though the team finished with a winning record , they failed to defend their 2007 NFC South championship and did not qualify for the playoffs after finishing the year on a four game losing streak... |
W 31–24 | 5–11 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
CBS | Recap |
Week 1: vs. Denver Broncos
The Raiders began their 2008 campaign at home against their AFC West rival, the Denver BroncosDenver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, in the second game of Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
's doubleheader. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Broncos QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completed a 26-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to trail as kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
got a 26-yard field goal, while FB Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State....
got a 3-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Oakland got even more black and blue as Cutler completed a 48-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
Darrell Jackson
Darrell Lamont Jackson is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for nine seasons...
, while Prater nailed a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders finally got on the board as QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Ashley Lelie
Ashley Lelie
Ashley Jovon Lelie [] is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 19th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
. Denver ended its rout with RB Selvin Young
Selvin Young
Selvin Young is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
's 5-yard TD run and Pittman's 1-yard TD run. Oakland would close the game with Russell's 4-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry
Ronald Curry
Ronald Antonio Curry is an American football wide receiver, currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at North Carolina....
.
With the dismal loss, the Raiders began their season at 0–1 for the sixth straight year.
Week 2: at Kansas City Chiefs
Hoping to rebound from their horrendous home loss to the Broncos, the Raiders flew to Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
for a Week 2 AFC West showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter, Oakland came out punching as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
nailed a 56-yard and a 25-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, rookie RB Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007...
picked up his first-ever career touchdown in the third quarter on a 19-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders increased its lead with Janikowski getting a 40-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with their only score of the game as QB Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler "Dirty Pigpen" Thigpen is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League . Thigpen was drafted out of Coastal Carolina University in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.Tyler Thigpen was the first quarterback to play for...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez (along with a two-point conversion pass to FB Mike Cox
Mike Cox (American football)
Micheal Lawrence Cox is an American football fullback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He was undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, but signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs...
). Oakland would close out the game with rookie RB Michael Bush
Michael Bush
Michael Bush is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
getting a 32-yard TD run.
With the win, the Raiders improved to 1–1.
Darren McFadden (21 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown) would become the first rookie Raider to run for 100 yards since Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson
Vincent Edward "Bo" Jackson is a former American baseball and football player. He was the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major American sports, and also won the Heisman Trophy in 1985....
in 1987. Also, the Raiders' combined rushing attack would reach 300 yards for the first time since November 1987.
The defense's improvement from Week 1 showed, as they limited Kansas City to 8 points, which is the lowest that Oakland ever allowed since December 28, 2002 (7 point from San Diego).
Week 3: at Buffalo Bills
Hoping to build off their divisional road win over the Chiefs, the Raiders flew to Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
for a Week 3 duel with the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Oakland got the early lead with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 23-yard and a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bills responded with RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
getting a 14-yard TD run. The Raiders would end the half with Janikowski kicking a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Raiders increased its lead with QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, Buffalo started to rally as Lynch got a 3-yard TD run. Oakland would respond as Russell completed an 84-yard TD pass to WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round out of the University of Texas at El Paso in the 2007 NFL Draft.Higgins has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles...
, yet the Bills got near as QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish
Roscoe Parrish is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. Later, Buffalo completed its rally as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
nailed the game-winning 38-yard field goal.
With the heart-breaking loss, the Raiders fell to 1–2.
After the game, Chris Mortensen
Chris Mortensen
Chris "Mort" Mortensen , an award-winning journalist, provides reports for ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio and ESPN.com...
of ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
and Jay Glazer
Jay Glazer
Jay Glazer is an American senior writer for FoxSports.com and is a sideline reporter for the NFL on Fox since 2004. He is also the studio host, alongside Frank Trigg, on Fox Sport Net's PRIDE Fighting Championship show. Currently, he is the "NFL insider" for Fox NFL Sunday and hosts Pros vs Joes...
of Fox Sports
Fox Sports (USA)
Fox Sports is a division of the Fox Broadcasting Company . It was formed in 1994 with Fox's acquisition of broadcast rights to National Football League games...
both erroneously reported that Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin
Lane Monte Kiffin is the current head coach of the University of Southern California Trojans college football team. He was previously the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers college football team, the Oakland Raiders of the NFL, and the offensive coordinator for the Trojans...
would be fired the following Monday; this turned out not to be the case, as Kiffin was coaching the team during Week 4.
Week 4: vs. San Diego Chargers
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Bills, the Raiders went home for a Week 4 AFC West duel with the San Diego ChargersSan Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
got a 22-yard goal, with Safety Gibril Wilson
Gibril Wilson
Gibril Donald Wilson is an American football safety for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.Wilson earned a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in Super Bowl XLII...
sacking Chargers QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
in his endzone for a safety. In the second quarter, the Raiders increased their lead with QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completing a 63-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller
Zach Miller
Zachary Joseph Miller is an American football tight end for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:Miller Attended Desert Vista High School in...
, along with Janikowski kicking a 28-yard field goal.
Just prior to halftime, Janikowski attempted to kick a 76 yard field goal, a full 13 yards longer than the NFL record and seven yards longer than the record at any level of gridiron football. Predictably, the kick fell well short, not even reaching the end zone (much less the goal posts), and the ball was picked up by Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie
Antonio Cromartie
Antonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, the Chargers got on the board with kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
's 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Diego took the lead with Rivers' 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
and RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
's 13-yard TD run (along with a successful 2-point conversion pass from Rivers to RB Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
). Oakland tried to prevent another collapse as Janikowski got a 32-yard field goal. However, the Chargers sealed the win with Kaeding nailing a 47-yard field goal and Tomlinson getting a 41-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Raiders went into their bye week at 1–3.
The following Tuesday, Lane Kiffin was officially fired as head coach and was replaced by offensive line coach Tom Cable
Tom Cable
-NFL:-References:...
.
Week 6: at New Orleans Saints
Coming off their bye week, the Raiders flew to the Louisiana SuperdomeLouisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
for a Week 6 interconference duel with the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
got a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead as RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 3-yard TD run, along with kicker Taylor Mehlhaff
Taylor Mehlhaff
Taylor Mehlhaff is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin....
getting a 44-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Saints increased their lead as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Aaron Stecker
Aaron Stecker
Aaron Stecker is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Western Illinois....
and a 15-yard TD pass to Bush. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans closed the game out with Mehlhaff nailing a 33-yard field goal, along with Brees completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Mark Campbell
Mark Campbell
Mark Joseph Campbell is a former American Football tight end who played for ten seasons in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns from 1999–2002, the Buffalo Bills from 2003–2005, and the New Orleans Saints from 2006–2008. He was signed by the Browns as an...
.
With the loss, the Raiders fell to 1–4.
Week 7: vs. New York Jets
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Saints, the Raiders went home for a Week 7 duel with the New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Jets kicker Jay Feely
Jay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
got a 40-yard field goal. The Raiders responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 29-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, Oakland took the lead as QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Javon Walker
Javon Walker
Javon Lataff Walker is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 20th overall of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State....
. In the fourth quarter, New York tied the game as RB Leon Washington
Leon Washington
Leon Washington is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State. He is married to Charity Washington with whom he has a son...
got an 11-yard TD run. The Raiders answered with Janikowski making a 37-yard field goal. The Jets would send the game into overtime as Feely got a 52-yard field goal. In overtime, the Silver & Black prevailed as Janikowski nailed the game-winning 57-yard field goal (a franchise record).
With the win, the Raiders improved to 2–4.
Week 8: at Baltimore Ravens
Coming off their overtime win over the Jets, the Raiders flew to M&T Bank StadiumM&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...
for a Week 8 duel with the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
was sacked by LB Jameel McClain
Jameel McClain
Jameel Leshawn McClain is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
in his own endzone for a safety. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to struggle as Ravens RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run, while QB Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completed a 70-yard TD pass to WR Demetrius Williams
Demetrius Williams
Demetrius Terrell Williams is an American football wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
. The Ravens closed out the half with kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
getting a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Oakland got on the board as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
got a 22-yard field goal. Baltimore would respond with Stover nailing a 30-yard field goal, yet the Raiders answered with Russell completing a 2-yard TD pass to FB Justin Griffith
Justin Griffith
Justin Montrel Griffith is an American football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens pulled away as Flacco got a 12-yard TD run.
With the loss, Oakland fell to 2–5.
Week 9: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Ravens, the Raiders went home for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Falcons QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan (American football)
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins, while RB Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
got a 12-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Raiders' struggles continued as Ryan hooked up with Jenkins again on a 27-yard TD pass, while kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
nailed a 48-yard field goal. From then on out, Atlanta would prevent Oakland from getting any kind of positive drive going and the Raiders fell to 2–6 with the shutout loss.
In the loss, Oakland was held to 77 total yards of offense (fewest since 1961), three first downs (tied for the NFL's 3rd fewest since 1970), and 14:45 time of possession (2nd lowest since 1991).
Week 10: vs. Carolina Panthers
Hoping to rebound from their shutout loss to the Falcons, the Raiders stayed at home for a Week 10 interconference duel with the Carolina PanthersCarolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. With QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
recover from an injury, back-up QB Andrew Walter
Andrew Walter
Andrew Scott Walter is a former American football quarterback in National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft after playing college football at Arizona State....
was given the start.
In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Panthers QB Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme
Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to trail as RB DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 69-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Oakland got on the board with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 38-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
nailing a 32-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Raiders fell to 2–7. This was also the Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
300th franchise loss.
On a positive note, Janikowski's two field goals helped him surpass George Blanda
George Blanda
George Frederick Blanda was a collegiate and professional football quarterback and placekicker...
and become the franchise's all-time career points leader with 865 points.
Week 11: at Miami Dolphins
Hoping to rebound from their three-game losing streak, the Raiders flew to Dolphin StadiumDolphin Stadium
Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It...
for a Week 11 duel with the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Dolphins WR Ted Ginn, Jr.
Ted Ginn, Jr.
-College career:OSU track coach Russ Rogers recruited Ginn to run track, believing that he could qualify for the 2008 Olympics. However, his track career was put on hold in order to focus on football. Ginn was recruited as a defensive back by Ohio State....
got a 40-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Raiders responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 21-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Oakland started to catch up as DE Jay Richardson
Jay Richardson
Jay Richardson is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he majored in African Studies...
sacked QB Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
in his own endzone for a safety. Miami would answer with RB Patrick Cobbs
Patrick Cobbs
Patrick Cobbs is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He most recently was a member of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
getting a 10-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders took the lead as Janikowski got a 37-yard field goal, along with WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round out of the University of Texas at El Paso in the 2007 NFL Draft.Higgins has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles...
returning a punt 93 yards for a touchdown. However, the Dolphins sealed Oakland's fate as kicker Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
nailed a 38-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Raiders fell to 2–8.
Week 12: at Denver Broncos
Trying to snap a four-game losing streak, the Raiders flew to Invesco Field at Mile HighINVESCO Field at Mile High
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001...
for a Week 12 AFC West rematch with the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Oakland drew first blood with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 26-yard field goal. The Broncos would respond with kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
getting a 44-yard field goal. The Raiders would close out the half as WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round out of the University of Texas at El Paso in the 2007 NFL Draft.Higgins has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles...
returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Denver tied the game with FB Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
getting a 6-yard TD run. Oakland would reply with rookie RB Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders pulled away as QB JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to former Broncos WR Ashley Lelie
Ashley Lelie
Ashley Jovon Lelie [] is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 19th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
, while McFadden got another 1-yard TD run.
With the upset win, Oakland improved to 3–8.
Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Coming off their upset road win over the Broncos, the Raiders went home for a Week 13 AFC West rematch with the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
got a 25-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with kicker Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
getting a 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Kansas City took the lead as CB Maurice Leggett
Maurice Leggett
Maurice Lamar Leggett is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He entered the NFL as a free agent in May 2008. He played college football for Valdosta State University. Won the Mack Lee Hill Award as the Kansas City Chiefs top rookie for 2008. On November 25, 2009, Leggett...
returned a fumble (who was from a trick play on a field goal attempt) 67 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Oakland responded with RB Justin Fargas
Justin Fargas
Justin Fargas is an American football running back who is a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Chiefs replied with RB Larry Johnson getting a 2-yard TD run, along with Barth making a 27-yard field goal. The Raiders tried to come back as Janikowski nailed a 51-yard field goal, but Kansas City's defense was too much to overcome.
With the loss, Oakland fell to 3–9.
Week 14: vs. San Diego Chargers
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Chiefs, the Raiders flew to Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
for a Week 14 AFC West rematch with the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
getting a 20-yard field goal, along with RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
getting a 3-yard TD run. The Raiders continued to trail as QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
and a 59-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
, while Kaeding got a 39-yard field goal. Oakland responded with CB Justin Miller returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. After a scoreless third quarter, San Diego pulled away in the fourth quarter as Rivers hooked up with Sproles again on an 18-yard TD pass.
With the loss, not only did the Raiders fall to 3–10, but they also suffered their sixth-straight 10-loss season.
Week 15: vs. New England Patriots
Week 16: vs. Houston Texans
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Patriots, the Raiders stayed at home for a Week 16 duel with the Houston TexansHouston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Oakland would get the early lead in the first quarter as quarterback JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Chaz Schilens
Chaz Schilens
Chazeray "Chaz" Schilens is an American football wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
. The Texans would respond with fullback Vonta Leach
Vonta Leach
Terzell Vonta Leach is an American football fullback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, yet the Raiders would answer with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 33-yard and a 30-yard field goal. Houston would tie the game in the second quarter with kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
getting a 53-yard and a 24-yard field goal.
Oakland would take the lead in the third quarter with wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round out of the University of Texas at El Paso in the 2007 NFL Draft.Higgins has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles...
catching a 29-yard touchdown pass from Russell, followed up by an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Texans tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Brown nailed a 40-yard field goal, yet the Raiders' defense would shut down any possible attempt.
With the win, Oakland improved to 4–11.
Week 17: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a scoreless first quarter Oakland scored on a 3-yd TD run by second year running backRunning back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Michael Bush
Michael Bush
Michael Bush is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
who finished the game with 27 rushes for 177 yards. After a touchdown by both teams the Bucs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
scored 17 unanswered points to take a 24–14 lead in the fourth quarter but a 12-yd touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
pass from quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
to wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round out of the University of Texas at El Paso in the 2007 NFL Draft.Higgins has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles...
and a 67-yard run by running back Michael Bush
Michael Bush
Michael Bush is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
gave the Raiders a 28–24 lead. on the Bucs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
next drive Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia
Jeffrey Jason "Jeff" Garcia is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State University....
threw an interception to safety Rashad Baker
Rashad Baker
Rashad Steward Baker is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as a undrafted free agent in 2004...
. After a goal line stand by the Bucs defense the Raiders kicked a 25-yd field goal
Field goal (football)
A field goal in American football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play . Field goals may be scored by a placekick or the now practically extinct drop kick.The drop kick fell out of favor in 1934 when the shape of the ball was changed...
by kicker
Placekicker
Placekicker, or simply kicker , is the title of the player in American and Canadian football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points...
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
to give Oakland a 7-point lead. On the next drive the first career sack by rookie
Rookie
Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of their sport or has little or no professional experience. The term also has the more general meaning of anyone new to a profession, training or activity Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of...
defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
Greyson Gunheim
Greyson Gunheim
Greyson Gregory Gunheim is a free agent American football defensive end who last played for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
s ended the game. The Raiders have ended their season on a 2-game winning streak and finish their season with a 5–11 record; the best since they also went 5–11 in 2004
2004 NFL season
The 2004 NFL season was the 85th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 9, 2004 to January 2, 2005...
and the Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
knocked the Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
out of Playoff contention. Interim head coach Tom Cable was named permanent head coach February 4, 2009.