Even with low expectations for his first NFL start, Terrelle Pryor did well for the Raiders. (US Presswire)

Highlights were few and far between for the Raiders and rookie coach Dennis Allen during a nightmarish 4-12 season. As for lowlights, the competition was fierce to make the top 3.

Highlights:

  • Beating the Steelers in Week 3 -- The Raiders trailed 31-21 entering the fourth quarter but rallied to beat Pittsburgh 34-31 on Sebastian Janikowski's 43-yard field goal on the game's final play at the Coliseum. Darren McFadden rushed for 113 yards, Carson Palmer threw three touchdown passes and Allen captured his first victory with the Raiders.

     
  • Shutting out the Chiefs in Week 15 -- For the first time in 10 years, the Raiders' defense pitched a shutout, blanking Kansas City 15-0 at the Coliseum. The Raiders allowed just seven first downs -- none in the first half -- 10 rushing yards and 119 total net yards. It was a dominant performance during a solid stretch run by the defense that likely saved rookie coordinator Jason Tarver's job.

     
  • QB Terrelle Pryor's first career start -- The Raiders suffered a 24-21 loss in their season-finale at San Diego in a game between two teams long out of the playoff race, but Pryor gave Raiders fans a reason to watch. Granted, the bar was low, but Pryor exceeded expectations, throwing a pair of touchdown passes and running for a touchdown.


Lowlights:

  • Getting blown out by Miami in Week 2 -- After nearly beating San Diego in their season opener, the Raiders traveled to Miami and were crushed 35-13. The Raiders actually led 10-7 at halftime before being outscored 28-3 in the second half as they wilted in the Florida heat and humidity. In a sign of problems to come, McFadden rushed for only 22 yards on 11 carries, and Miami's Reggie Bush gained 172 of the Dolphins' 263 net rushing yards.

     
  • Rolando McClain's suspension -- McClain, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2010 draft, confirmed his status as a colossal bust when he was suspended two games for conduct detrimental to the team, then was inactive the final three games. Long before that, McClain lost his spot in the nickel defense and became a part-time player.

     
  • Six-game skid -- The Raiders stood at 3-4 after back-to-back wins and had legitimate playoff hopes. But those hopes died during a six-game losing streak in which they went zero-for-November and were outscored 215-109.


Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.