It is heady times in Raider Nation.
Sunday’s 33-3 victory over the Seahawks was better than last week’s drubbing of Denver, if that was possible. The team finally has back-to-back wins. They are relevant (and .500) this late in the season for the first time since 2002. And they suddenly have a good problem at quarterback.
Jason Campbell completed 15-of-27 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in his second straight highly efficient performance. It was a day that had to make Al Davis smile; his prized quarterback acquisition shined, while his recently maligned top draft picks Darren McFadden and Darrius Heyward-Bey both topped 100 yards.
Even though Campbell is playing well, however, he’s still not the starting quarterback. Coach Tom Cable said Bruce Gradkowski will be the team’s starter when he his recovered from his shoulder injury, according to NFL Network’s Steve Wyche.
For this week, we doubt the issue will matter. Gradkowski doesn’t seem that close to returning yet.
At 4-4, the Raiders have a must win against the Chiefs Sunday if they want to stay in the AFC West race. (Falling 3 losses behind with seven to play is asking too much.) If Campbell can win that game, perhaps Cable’s answer will change.