If we had access to any impressive statistical researchers, we’d be asking them to find out when a quarterback played an entire game, completed single-digit passes for double-digit net yards, and still won the game.
We don’t know when it last happened before today, but it occurred earlier this afternoon in Kansas City.
Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell connected on only seven of 24 passes for 109 gross yards (losses on sacks pulled the net down to 99), but Oakland still found a way to beat the Chiefs on their own turf.
It’s the third straight time the Raiders have won in Kansas City, and Oakland’s defense carried the way.
Defensive end Greg Ellis had two sacks, and safety Michael Huff -- who has at times been on the trading block and the chopping block after arriving as a top-ten draft pick in 2006 -- had two interceptions.
The Chiefs actually outgained the Raiders by a ratio of more than two-to-one. Kansas City racked up 409 yards, and the Raiders managed only 166.
But Oakland came together when it counted. After the Chiefs scored what at the time was the first touchdown of the game to capture a 10-6 lead, the Raiders got the ball back with 2:30 to play. And Russell drove them down the field, completing more passes on that drive -- four -- than he previously had managed the entire day combined -- three. The drive ended with a five-yard touchdown run from tailback Darren McFadden.
For the day, the Raiders had six three-and-out drives, and one four-and-out possession.
Still, the Raiders are a respectable 1-1. The Chiefs have fallen 0-2, all alone in the basement of the AFC West.
