As long as Jason Campbell isn’t scrambling, everything’s working well for the Raiders.
Jason Campbell fumbled when he didn’t protect the ball on a scramble in the first quarter and the Browns scored on the ensuing drive. Then, in the second quarter, Campbell dove forward to try and pick up a first down and wound up leaving the game with an injury to his shoulder or collarbone. He went back to the locker room with about four minutes to play in the half and Kyle Boller took over at quarterback.
Other than that, it has been a pretty nice day for the Raiders, who lead 14-7 at the half. A who’s who of Raiders history turned out to honor Al Davis, a tribute that included former Raider Henry Lawrence singing the national anthem, and they saw plenty of good things from the current team.
The Raiders rode a wave of emotion in the stadium to a quick three-and-out and then grabbed a 7-0 lead on a Darren McFadden touchdown run to cap a long first possession. They gave the lead away after Campbell’s fumble, but took it right back when Jacoby Ford took the ensuing kickoff 101 yards for his fourth career touchdown on a kick return. The defense has put a lot of pressure on Colt McCoy, who looks quite agitated whenever he leaves the field.
If Boller can keep the offense moving in the second half, the Raiders look like they are in good shape to deliver a win on an emotional day in Oakland.