In a season filled with failing grades, the Raiders put together a game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs worthy of quality marks, especially on defense.
The Raiders beat Kansas City 15-0, notching their first shutout in 10 seasons while snapping their six-game skid and improving to 4-10.
The Raiders basically fell out of the race for the No. 1 draft pick in 2013. But players and coaches fighting for their jobs and respect were too busy savoring Sunday's win to notice.
Offense: C+
The Raiders didn't score a touchdown for the second time this season, but they rushed for a season-high 203 yards and controlled the ball for 40:06, another season high. Darren McFadden rushed for 110 yards on 30 carries, proving that his high ankle sprain is behind him. Backup Mike Goodson added 89 yards on just 13 carries. QB Carson Palmer had a so-so day, completing 18 of 29 passes for 182 yards, but he didn't turn the ball over for just the third time this season and first time since Sept. 30 at Denver. With the Raiders' defense playing so well, Palmer didn't need to do much or take many chances. The Raiders, though, can't be happy with the fact they never scored a TD despite driving into Chiefs territory seven times. Rookie WR Rod Streater had another nice game off the bench, catching five passes for 62 yards, but starter Darrius Heyward-Bey was shut out for the second time in the past four games. Previous game’s grade: D
Defense: A+
The Raiders pitched their first shutout Sunday since blanking Kansas City 24-0 on Dec. 28, 2002, at the Coliseum. OK, so Sunday's shutout was against a Chiefs team that was averaging just 15 points per game, 31st in the NFL. Still, the Raiders became the first team this season to shut out Kansas City, and they did it in impressive fashion. The Chiefs entered the game leading the AFC in rushing but gained just 10 yards on the ground. The Raiders held Jamaal Charles, who had an AFC best 1,220 rushing yards, to just 10 yards on nine carries. Kansas City had zero first downs and 17 nets yards in the first half and just seven first downs and 119 yards for the game. The Chiefs went 1 for 12 on third downs. The Raiders consistently stuffed Kansas City on first and second down, forcing the Chiefs into third-and-long, then turned up the pass-rush heat on the overmatched Brady Quinn. They had a season-high four sacks, one each by Tommy Kelly, Philip Wheeler, Andre Carter and Desmond Bryant. Nickel corner Joselio Hanson had his second interception of the season. Previous game’s grade: C+
Special teams: B
Sebastian Janikowski did most of the heavy lifting on special teams, drilling five field goals and missing just once, from 51 yards. Janikowski connected from 20, 50, 57, 30 and 41 yards, allowing the Raiders to consistently salvage three points after stalling time after time in Chiefs territory. This grade would probably be higher if Denarius Moore didn't have such a rough day as the primary punt returner for the first time this season. Moore held that job much of last season, but he looked at times as if he'd never fielded a punt. He kept letting punts drop and roll deep in Raiders territory instead of fair catching them. Previous game’s grade: C
Coaching: B+
Raiders coach Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Jason Tarver put together a solid plan to shut down Charles and the Chiefs' running attack and consistently force Quinn into long-yardage situations. With the defense dominating, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp called 45 running plays to just 30 passes. The Raiders never reached the end zone, but they controlled the ball for over 40 minutes and rushed for over 200. The Raiders were eliminated from playoff contention long ago, but they played with effort and passion Sunday. Allen hasn't lost his team. Previous game’s grade: B-
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.
