MVN: Most Valuable Network

The Oakland Raiders have played their way through the first quarter of the season and have a 1-3 record and a new coach to show for it. The Raiders rebounded from their opening game disaster to transform into what appears to be a competitive football team. There have been highlights and low lights on both sides of the ball. The only thing that has been consistent is inconsistency.

Quarterback: C

JaMarcus Russell has done well at avoiding the big interception, but he has also been inconsistent with his passing. It hasn't helped him that the receiving corps has been underachieving, but he needs to be be more decisive with what he is going to do. Overall, if it was not for his case of fumblitis he would have gotten a B grade. Russell has shown flashes, but he needs to be a lot more consistent.

Running Backs: B

This grade is dropped by injury. Darren McFadden has been hampered by turf toe and Justin Fargas has been out with a groin injury. This is not a knock on Micahel Bush as he has been solid with a 4.4 yards per carry average, but having the McFadden, Fargas, Bush three man rotation would have had better success.

Wide Receivers: F

There has been no position as sigularly responsable for the lack of offensive performance than the wide outs. Ronald Curry has had stone hands thus far this year. Javon Walker has been MIA. Late acquisition Ashley Lelie had a strong start, but has disappered. Johnnie Lee Higgins has been much better than expected, but has still only hauled in five catches to share the lead with Lelie.

Tight Ends: B+

Zach Miller has been Russell's top receiving threat. He has also been instrumental in the rushing game as he has been a crushing blocker. The addition of Ben Troupe should help free up Miller to make more catches, instaed of having to stay in to help with the blocking.

Offensive Line: C+

After a rough start, the offensive line has improved. The Raiders have ran the ball effectively as expected, but they have also done a better than expected job of protecting Russell in the passing game. The biggest surprise was Mario Henderson stepping in for Kwame Harris for two games, and actually loooking better than Harris. Robert Gallery has definately found his home at left guard. Cornell Green's play has been the albatross around this unit's neck.

Overall Offense: C

The Raiders have been able to consistently run the ball as expected. Other than the Chiefs game, they haven't been able to break off the big run. The passing game has been way to inconsistent. The Raiders have been able to move the ball between the 20s, but they have had a real problem being able to finish off the drives with touchdowns.

Defensive Line: C

The biggest problem with this defensive line has been lack of depth. The Raiders' defensive line has been able to get penetration for the first three quarters of the last three games, but have folded in the fourth quarter. Much of this is lack of depth, as Fred Wakefield is not a defensive tackle, but plays one in certain situations. Hopefully the bye week will help with Gerrard Warren's rehab, as he has been a force in the middle.

Linebackers: C+

This entire defense is haunted by the opening night massacre. The Law Firm of Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard have not been up to their usual standard. Like the rest of the defense, they are culpable in the fourth quarter fades. Ricky Brown has been solid but unspectacular.

Defensive backs: C

Nnamdi Asomugha has been Nnamdi Asomugha and been largely ignored by the opposing quarterback. DeAngelo Hall, on the other hand, has snagged two picks but also has been frequently beat like a drum. Nickleback Stanford Routt had been solid up until his injury. Gibril Wilson has been the force as a tackler that the Raiders were hoping for when they signed him. Huff has not been seen or heard from much this season, which needs to change before he starts getting the Stuart Schweigert treatment. Tyvon Branch has been coming along, but still has a ways to go.

Defense Overall: C

The Raiders defense has been like that little girl with the curl right in the middle of her forehead, when they are good, they are very good but when they are bad they are putrid. Rob Ryan has taken heat for his defensive coaching, but the players on the field have to make the plays.

Special Teams: B+

Sebastian Janikowski is on fire this year, with his only miss being from 76 yards. Shane Lechler is a punting machine, as usual. The coverage units have been very good, but a few key breakdowns in coverage keeps this from being an A unit.

Overall grade: C

This is a team that is a few missed plays away from being 3-1 instead of 1-3, but they are a 1-3 team right now. It will be interesting to see how the play calling changes with Lane Kiffin out and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp calling plays. Offensively, the biggest weakness is the receiving corps. Defensively, the biggest weakness was closing out games. It will be interesting to see how the coaching change affects the team.