Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski connects on a field goal attempt in last weeks 16-14, win over St. Louis. The big story-line for Oakland will be the play of quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Can he sustain the momentum of last weeks win? Head Coach Tom Cable has the confidence in the young QB from the University of Toledo.
Photo by Oakland Raiders Media
Oakland Head Coach Tom Cable has put it in the hands of fifth year quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. The Pittsburg native did just enough to beat the St. Louis Rams last week, 16-14. The four yard touchdown pass to Louis Murphy did the trick. Gradkowski was 11-22 for 162 yards passing and the one TD pass. It was in a replacement role.
Gradkowski said his focus is on winning games and keeping the job he held for four games last season.
Head Coach Tom Cable said that Gradkowski would start against Arizona.
Gradkowski played just well enough in relief of Jason Campbell to rally the Raiders at the start of the second half. The Raiders had been trailing 7-3.
This is Gradkowski’s first season with the Raiders. They travel to Phoenix, Arizona this week to take on the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams are 1-1.
“We’re facing a good Arizona football team,” said Gradkowski. “They just went deep in the playoffs last year. This is a good football team so we have to be prepared.” Since Atlanta beat Arizona last week, this weeks game will be even tougher for the Raiders.
Oakland has been preparing for the Arizona offense led by WR Larry Fitzgerald and RB Tim Hightower. “They are a team that is very talented,” continued Cable. “Their receiver is a fabulous player; Larry Fitzgerald is as special a guy as there is in this league. Their runner, in my opinion, is very, very good. Up front they are very physical, and with the offensive line, you’ve got to find a way to get after the quarterback and disrupt him. It will be a challenge.”
Gradkowski will be in a great position if tailback Darren McFadden can establish the running game early for Oakland. This will freeze the Arizona linebackers and open up short passing lanes. This is the key factor for the Raiders.