Daily Madden: Raiders Are Playing Pro Football Again
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - The Oakland Raiders looked re-energized in fighting a good San Diego Chargers team through all four quarters before losing 31-28.
"The Raiders really looked good," John Madden told the KCBS Radio morning crew. "That's the first time that I remember going to a game (in recent years) that was really a pro football game, that looked like it was played well by both sides."
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns.
"Going forward I think there's a lot there with Derek Carr. He's a rookie, but he's the real deal. He's going to be around for a long time... The Raiders don't have to worry about that position anymore."
Madden also gave credit to the interim coach.
"If anything Tony Sparano brought it's balance," Madden said. "They had balance of run and pass. We always talk about the offensive line and pass protection, and the running game really helps it. If you make them have to play the run and have to hang in there for the run, you don't get that big pass rush."
Despite the stellar effort, the Raiders remain one of only two winless teams.
"In the coaches book somewhere it says there's no such thing as a moral victory, so don't ever say that," Madden said. "But having said that, that (game) does give (the Raiders) some confidence because it wasn't against a weaker team... The Chargers are one of the stronger teams in the league, and they played them right down to the end." (6:35)
(Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 and Monday and Friday mornings at 9:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM.)