Raiders on top the AFC West

A 21 point second quarter helped the Raiders win once again, improving to 6-4 and atop the AFC West. The Raiders defeated the Vikings (2-8) 27-21, with Carson Palmer having another solid outing. Palmer’s only throwing touchdown was to Chaz Schilens, in between two Viking defenders as Palmer was also able to run one in. Receiver Darrius Hewyard-Bey suffered a serious injury when icings linebacker E.J. Hendersons knee inadvertently hit Heyward-Bey in the back of the head. Heyward-Bey was carted off the field as he gave a thumbs up sign. The running game of the Raiders was solid as well, as Michael bush rushed for over 100 yards, and a touchdown off 30 attempts.

The Vikings were without their superstar Adrian Peterson for most of the game, as he suffered a high ankle sprain in the closing seconds of the first quarter. Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder attempted 33 throws, and the Raiders defense took advantage of the rookie’s mistakes, recording 3 interceptions. However, the Vikings rallied in the 4 th, as a touchdown pass from Ponder to Percy Harvin made it 27-14. A few plays later, Michael Bush would fumble the ball, allowing the Vikings to score once more, as the score became 27-21. On a crucial 4 th down, Raiders safety Tyvon Branch broke up a pass intended for Harvin, as the Raiders showed their resiliency and stopped a late rally by the Vikings.

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The Raiders face the Chicago bears in their next matchup, who are without Jay Cutler. This will be a test to Carson Palmer, as the Bears defense is one of the stingiest and physical defenses in the league. The Raiders defense must step up once again and take advantage of the Bears replacement quarterback Caleb Hanie. The Raiders must contain Matt Forte, as he is explosive both in the run and in the pass game, while pressuring Hanie to make turnovers. The Raiders offense must once again be efficient running the ball and opening up the deep threats with Palmer and company.

By James J. Shim
ProFootball-fans.com Oakland Raiders Correspondent