Game Ball To McGloin In 28-23 Win

What can you say?  Rookie quarterback Matt McGloin led the Raiders to a convincing road win against the Houston Texans.  Did you see the release on the kid; quick, sharp and more times than not, accurate.  Sure the Texans gave up some turnovers early for good field position, but McGloin still had to get it into the endzone.  The kid did just that, making the redzone his playground with two perfectly placed passes for touchdowns in the first quarter.

"This is what happens when preparation meets opportunity," McGloin said. "I've been prepared for a while now to get in there. My team really supported me."

Raiders receivers are still dropping way too many balls, but thanks to McGloin it didn't seem as critical.

I'll say it, McGloin should start over Terrelle Pryor.  He's more decisive and doesn't try to do too much.  I think he took one sack all day.  No interceptions or turnovers for McGloin.  Running back Rashad Jennings did his thing, consistently grinding out four to five yards early in the game.  Then he broke a long beauty late in the third to put the Raiders up 28-17. 

Drive info: 1 plays, 80 yds, 0:13

The offense went stale after the big play, going three and out more times than I can count.  But that Raiders Defense is a keeper.   They limited the Texans to 90 yards rushing. I think I overheard that the Raiders are #5 in the league against the run.  

Defense	T-A	SCK	INT	FF
M. Jenkins	10-2	0.0	0	0
Ke. Burnett	7-0	1.0	0	1
C. Woodson	5-2	0.0	0	2
L. Houston	3-0	1.0	0	0
N. Roach	3-1	0.0	1	0
B. Ross	3-0	0.0	0	0
V. Walker	3-0	0.0	0	0
P. Adams	2-1	0.0	0	0
T. Porter	2-0	0.0	0	0
P. Sims	2-0	0.0	0	0
C. Chekwa	1-0	0.0	0	0
J. Hunter	1-0	0.0	0	0
S. McGee	1-0	0.0	0	0
S. Moore	1-0	0.0	0	0
D. Muir	1-0	0.0	0	0
J. Crawford	0-1	0.0	0	0
U. Young	0-2	0.0	0	0

With the offense unable to get first downs late, the defense played through their fatigue limiting the Texans to two field goals in the second half.  The Defense ended the game with a goal line stand, denying the Texans a first down at the two and a touchdown to WR Andre Johnson in the endzone.  The story for the Texans will be the heated exchange on the sideline between QB Matt Schaub and Johnson after their failed last play.


Today's win keeps the Raiders mathematically alive for a playoff spot. They're one game out, imagine that!  The Raiders played team ball thanks to an unflappable general at quarterback and a stingy defense.

Credit to the offensive game plan, coaches sticking with the run while letting McGloin pass at will.  Solution to a weakened offensive line; quick pass decisions and release......

Welcome Back WR Andre Holmes. Yes, I too thought that leaping sideline catch was good.  TE Mychal Rivera was a weapon.  Marcel Reese did a helluva a job blocking and helping move the pile on runs by Jennings.  Rod Streater, Danarius Moore, and I'll throw in Jacoby Ford for good measure, put in very good work.  Great win Raiders! Great Finish!

Final Score
Raiders 28
Texans 23