2008 Oakland Raiders season

The 2008 Oakland Raiders season was the 49th overall season of the Oakland Raiders franchise, the franchise's 39th season in the National Football League, their 14th season since their return to Oakland and the 2nd and final season under head coach Lane Kiffin. The Raiders improved upon their 4–12 record from 2007. This was also the first time in four seasons that the team did not play both contestants from the previous Super Bowl, playing the New England Patriots, but not the New York Giants. This was also the first time in five seasons the club did not finish 4th in their division but stood alone at third instead (they shared the spot with the Kansas City Chiefs the previous season).

2008 Oakland Raiders season
OwnerAl Davis
Head coachLane Kiffin (fired)
Tom Cable (interim)
General managerAl Davis
Home fieldOakland–Alameda County Coliseum
Results
Record5–11
Division place3rd AFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersNnamdi Asomugha, CB
Shane Lechler, P

Offseason

Notable roster losses

2008 Draft Board
Main article: 2008 NFL Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege
14Darren McFaddenRBArkansas
4100Tyvon BranchCBConnecticut
4125Arman ShieldsWRRichmond
6169Trevor ScottDEBuffalo
7226Chaz SchilensWRSDSU

Roster
2008 Oakland Raiders final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists



Practice squad



Rookies in italics
 55 active

Preseason schedule
Pre-Season Game Date Time Opponent Result Record Game site TV NFL Recap
1 August 8, 2008 7:00 PM San Francisco 49ers W 18–6 1–0 McAfee Coliseum ESPN Recap
2 August 15, 2008 5:00 PM Tennessee Titans L 17–16 1–1 LP Field ESPN Recap
3 August 23, 2008 6:00 PM Arizona Cardinals L 24–0 1–2 McAfee Coliseum ESPN Recap
4 August 29, 2008 7:00 PM Seattle Seahawks L 16–23 1–3 Qwest Field ESPN Recap

Schedule

All times are Pacific.

Week Date Time Opponent Result Record Game site TV NFL Recap
1 September 8, 2008 7:15 p.m. Denver Broncos L 14–41 0–1 McAfee Coliseum ESPN Recap
2 September 14, 2008 10:00 a.m. at Kansas City Chiefs W 23–8 1–1 Arrowhead Stadium CBS Recap
3 September 21, 2008 10:00 a.m. at Buffalo Bills L 23–24 1–2 Ralph Wilson Stadium CBS Recap
4 September 28, 2008 1:05 p.m. San Diego Chargers L 18–28 1–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum CBS Recap
5 Bye week
6 October 12, 2008 10:00 a.m. at New Orleans Saints L 3–34 1–4 Louisiana Superdome CBS Recap
7 October 19, 2008 1:15 p.m. New York Jets W 16–13 2–4 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum CBS Recap
8 October 26, 2008 10:00 a.m. at Baltimore Ravens L 10–29 2–5 M&T Bank Stadium CBS Recap
9 November 2, 2008 1:15 p.m. Atlanta Falcons L 0–24 2–6 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Fox Recap
10 November 9, 2008 1:05 p.m. Carolina Panthers L 6–17 2–7 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Fox Recap
11 November 16, 2008 10:00 a.m. at Miami Dolphins L 15–17 2–8 Dolphin Stadium CBS Recap
12 November 23, 2008 1:05 p.m. at Denver Broncos W 31–10 3–8 INVESCO Field at Mile High CBS Recap
13 November 30, 2008 1:15 p.m. Kansas City Chiefs L 13–20 3–9 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum CBS Recap
14 December 4, 2008 5:15 p.m. at San Diego Chargers L 7–34 3–10 Qualcomm Stadium NFLN Recap
15 December 14, 2008 1:15 p.m. New England Patriots L 26–49 3–11 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum CBS Recap
16 December 21, 2008 1:05 p.m. Houston Texans W 27–16 4–11 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum CBS Recap
17 December 28, 2008 10:00 a.m. at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 31–24 5–11 Raymond James Stadium CBS Recap

Standings
AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) San Diego Chargers 8 8 0 .500 5–1 7–5 439 347 W4
Denver Broncos 8 8 0 .500 3–3 5–7 370 448 L3
Oakland Raiders 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 263 388 W2
Kansas City Chiefs 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 291 440 L4

Regular season results

Week 1: vs. Denver Broncos
1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 10 101441
Raiders 0 0 01414

at McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California

The Raiders began their 2008 campaign at home against their AFC West rival, the Denver Broncos, in the second game of Monday Night Football's doubleheader. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed a 26-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to trail as kicker Matt Prater got a 26-yard field goal, while FB Michael Pittman got a 3-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Oakland got even more black and blue as Cutler completed a 48-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson, while Prater nailed a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders finally got on the board as QB JaMarcus Russell completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Ashley Lelie. Denver ended its rout with RB Selvin Young's 5-yard TD run and Pittman's 1-yard TD run. Oakland would close the game with Russell's 4-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry.

With the dismal loss, the Raiders began their season at 0–1 for the sixth straight year.

Week 2: at Kansas City Chiefs
1 2 34Total
Raiders 6 0 71023
Chiefs 0 0 088

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Hoping to rebound from their horrendous home loss to the Broncos, the Raiders flew to Arrowhead Stadium for a Week 2 AFC West showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter, Oakland came out punching as kicker Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 56-yard and a 25-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, rookie RB Darren McFadden picked up his first-ever career touchdown in the third quarter on a 19-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders increased its lead with Janikowski getting a 40-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with their only score of the game as QB Tyler Thigpen completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez (along with a two-point conversion pass to fullback Mike Cox). Oakland would close out the game with rookie RB Michael Bush getting a 32-yard TD run.

With the win, the Raiders improved to 1–1.

Darren McFadden (21 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown) would become the first rookie Raider to run for 100 yards since Bo Jackson in 1987. Also, the Raiders' combined rushing attack would reach 300 yards for the first time since November 1987.

The defense's improvement from Week 1 showed, as they limited Kansas City to 8 points, which is the lowest that Oakland ever allowed since December 28, 2002 (0 points allowed, also against Kansas City).

Week 3: at Buffalo Bills
1 2 34Total
Raiders 6 3 7723
Bills 0 7 01724

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Hoping to build off their divisional road win over the Chiefs, the Raiders flew to Ralph Wilson Stadium for a Week 3 duel with the Buffalo Bills. In the first quarter, Oakland got the early lead with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 23-yard and a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bills responded with RB Marshawn Lynch getting a 14-yard TD run. The Raiders would end the half with Janikowski kicking a 32-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Raiders increased its lead with QB JaMarcus Russell getting a 1-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, Buffalo started to rally as Lynch got a 3-yard TD run. Oakland would respond as Russell completed an 84-yard TD pass to WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, yet the Bills got near as QB Trent Edwards completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Roscoe Parrish. Later, Buffalo completed its rally as kicker Rian Lindell nailed the game-winning 38-yard field goal.

With the heart-breaking loss, the Raiders fell to 1–2.

After the game, Chris Mortensen of ESPN and Jay Glazer of Fox Sports both erroneously reported that Lane Kiffin would be fired the following Monday; this turned out not to be the case, as Kiffin was coaching the team during Week 4.

Week 4: vs. San Diego Chargers
1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 32528
Raiders 5 10 0318

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Bills, the Raiders went home for a Week 4 AFC West duel with the San Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski got a 22-yard goal, with Safety Gibril Wilson sacking Chargers QB Philip Rivers in his endzone for a safety. In the second quarter, the Raiders increased their lead with QB JaMarcus Russell completing a 63-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller, along with Janikowski kicking a 28-yard field goal.

Just prior to halftime, Janikowski attempted to kick a 76-yard field goal, a full 13 yards longer than the NFL record and seven yards longer than the record at any level of gridiron football. Predictably, the kick fell well short, not even reaching the end zone (much less the goal posts), and the ball was picked up by Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

In the third quarter, the Chargers got on the board with kicker Nate Kaeding's 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Diego took the lead with Rivers' 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates and RB LaDainian Tomlinson's 13-yard TD run (along with a successful 2-point conversion pass from Rivers to RB Darren Sproles). Oakland tried to prevent another collapse as Janikowski got a 32-yard field goal. However, the Chargers sealed the win with Kaeding nailing a 47-yard field goal and Tomlinson getting a 41-yard TD run.

With the loss, the Raiders went into their bye week at 1–3.

The following Tuesday, Lane Kiffin was officially fired as head coach and was replaced by offensive line coach Tom Cable.[1][2]

Week 6: at New Orleans Saints
1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 0 003
Saints 0 10 141034

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Coming off their bye week, the Raiders flew to the Louisiana Superdome for a Week 6 interconference duel with the New Orleans Saints. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski got a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead as RB Reggie Bush got a 3-yard TD run, along with kicker Taylor Mehlhaff getting a 44-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Saints increased their lead as QB Drew Brees completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Aaron Stecker and a 15-yard TD pass to Bush. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans closed the game out with Mehlhaff nailing a 33-yard field goal, along with Brees completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Mark Campbell.

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 1–4.

Week 7: vs. New York Jets
1 2 34OTTotal
Jets 3 0 010013
Raiders 3 0 73316

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Saints, the Raiders went home for a Week 7 duel with the New York Jets. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Jets kicker Jay Feely got a 40-yard field goal. The Raiders responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 29-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, Oakland took the lead as QB JaMarcus Russell completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Javon Walker. In the fourth quarter, New York tied the game as RB Leon Washington got an 11-yard TD run. The Raiders answered with Janikowski making a 37-yard field goal. The Jets would send the game into overtime as Feely got a 52-yard field goal. In overtime, the Silver & Black prevailed as Janikowski nailed the game-winning 57-yard field goal (a franchise record).

With the win, the Raiders improved to 2–4.

Week 8: at Baltimore Ravens
1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 10010
Ravens 2 17 3729

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Coming off their overtime win over the Jets, the Raiders flew to M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 8 duel with the Baltimore Ravens. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as QB JaMarcus Russell was sacked by LB Jameel McClain in his own endzone for a safety. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to struggle as Ravens RB Willis McGahee got a 1-yard TD run, while QB Joe Flacco completed a 70-yard TD pass to WR Demetrius Williams. The Ravens closed out the half with kicker Matt Stover getting a 38-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Oakland got on the board as kicker Sebastian Janikowski got a 22-yard field goal. Baltimore would respond with Stover nailing a 30-yard field goal, yet the Raiders answered with Russell completing a 2-yard TD pass to FB Justin Griffith. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens pulled away as Flacco got a 12-yard TD run.

With the loss, Oakland fell to 2–5.

Week 9: vs. Atlanta Falcons
1 2 34Total
Falcons 14 10 0024
Raiders 0 0 000

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Russell would throw an interception on this play in the end zone against Atlanta

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Ravens, the Raiders went home for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Atlanta Falcons. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Falcons QB Matt Ryan completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Michael Jenkins, while RB Jerious Norwood got a 12-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Raiders' struggles continued as Ryan hooked up with Jenkins again on a 27-yard TD pass, while kicker Jason Elam nailed a 48-yard field goal. From then on out, Atlanta would prevent Oakland from getting any kind of positive drive going and the Raiders fell to 2–6 with the shutout loss.

In the loss, Oakland was held to 77 total yards of offense (fewest since 1961), three first downs (tied for the NFL's 3rd fewest since 1970), and 14:45 time of possession (2nd lowest since 1991).

Week 10: vs. Carolina Panthers
1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 7 0317
Raiders 0 0 606

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Hoping to rebound from their shutout loss to the Falcons, the Raiders stayed at home for a Week 10 interconference duel with the Carolina Panthers. With QB JaMarcus Russell recover from an injury, back-up QB Andrew Walter was given the start.

In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Panthers QB Jake Delhomme completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad. In the second quarter, the Raiders continued to trail as RB DeAngelo Williams got a 69-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Oakland got on the board with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 38-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with kicker John Kasay nailing a 32-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 2–7. This was also the Raiders 300th franchise loss.

On a positive note, Janikowski's two field goals helped him surpass George Blanda and become the franchise's all-time career points leader with 865 points.

Week 11: at Miami Dolphins
1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 3 21015
Dolphins 7 0 7317

at Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Hoping to rebound from their three-game losing streak, the Raiders flew to Dolphin Stadium for a Week 11 duel with the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Dolphins WR Ted Ginn, Jr. got a 40-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Raiders responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 21-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Oakland started to catch up as DE Jay Richardson sacked QB Chad Pennington in his own endzone for a safety. Miami would answer with RB Patrick Cobbs getting a 10-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders took the lead as Janikowski got a 37-yard field goal, along with WR Johnnie Lee Higgins returning a punt 93 yards for a touchdown. However, the Dolphins sealed Oakland's fate as kicker Dan Carpenter nailed a 38-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 2–8.

Week 12: at Denver Broncos
1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 10 71431
Broncos 0 3 7010

at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Trying to snap a four-game losing streak, the Raiders flew to Invesco Field at Mile High for a Week 12 AFC West rematch with the Denver Broncos. After a scoreless first quarter, Oakland drew first blood with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 26-yard field goal. The Broncos would respond with kicker Matt Prater getting a 44-yard field goal. The Raiders would close out the half as WR Johnnie Lee Higgins returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown.

In the third quarter, Denver tied the game with FB Peyton Hillis getting a 6-yard TD run. Oakland would reply with rookie RB Darren McFadden getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders pulled away as QB JaMarcus Russell completed a 4-yard TD pass to former Broncos WR Ashley Lelie, while McFadden got another 1-yard TD run.

With the upset win, Oakland improved to 3–8.

Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
1 2 34Total
Chiefs 3 7 01020
Raiders 3 0 7313

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Coming off their upset road win over the Broncos, the Raiders went home for a Week 13 AFC West rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter, Oakland struck first as kicker Sebastian Janikowski got a 25-yard field goal. The Chiefs would respond with kicker Connor Barth getting a 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Kansas City took the lead as CB Maurice Leggett returned a fumble (who was from a trick play on a field goal attempt) 67 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Oakland responded with RB Justin Fargas getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Chiefs replied with RB Larry Johnson getting a 2-yard TD run, along with Barth making a 27-yard field goal. The Raiders tried to come back as Janikowski nailed a 51-yard field goal, but Kansas City's defense was too much to overcome.

With the loss, Oakland fell to 3–9.

Week 14: vs. San Diego Chargers
1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 7 007
Chargers 10 17 0734

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Chiefs, the Raiders flew to Qualcomm Stadium for a Week 14 AFC West rematch with the San Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, Oakland trailed early as Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 20-yard field goal, along with RB LaDainian Tomlinson getting a 3-yard TD run. The Raiders continued to trail as QB Philip Rivers completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Darren Sproles and a 59-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson, while Kaeding got a 39-yard field goal. Oakland responded with CB Justin Miller returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. After a scoreless third quarter, San Diego pulled away in the fourth quarter as Rivers hooked up with Sproles again on an 18-yard TD pass.

With the loss, not only did the Raiders fall to 3–10, but they also suffered their sixth-straight 10-loss season.

Week 15: vs. New England Patriots
1 2 34Total
Patriots 21 14 7749
Raiders 7 7 6626

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST/1:15 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 44°F (Rain)
  • Game attendance: 62,179
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (color commentator)
The Raiders run the ball against the Patriots in the rain

Week 16: vs. Houston Texans
1 2 34Total
Texans 7 6 0316
Raiders 13 0 14027

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Patriots, the Raiders stayed at home for a Week 16 duel with the Houston Texans. Oakland would get the early lead in the first quarter as quarterback JaMarcus Russell completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Chaz Schilens. The Texans would respond with fullback Vonta Leach getting a 1-yard touchdown run, yet the Raiders would answer with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 33-yard and a 30-yard field goal. Houston would tie the game in the second quarter with kicker Kris Brown getting a 53-yard and a 24-yard field goal.

Oakland would take the lead in the third quarter with wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins catching a 29-yard touchdown pass from Russell, followed up by an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Texans tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Brown nailed a 40-yard field goal, yet the Raiders' defense would shut down any possible attempt.

With the win, Oakland improved to 4–11.

Week 17: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 14 01731
Buccaneers 0 7 71024

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

After a scoreless first quarter Oakland scored on a 3-yd TD run by second year running back Michael Bush who finished the game with 27 rushes for 177 yards. After a touchdown by both teams the Bucs scored 17 unanswered points to take a 24–14 lead in the fourth quarter but a 12-yd touchdown pass from quarterback JaMarcus Russell to wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins and a 67-yard run by running back Michael Bush gave the Raiders a 28–24 lead. on the Bucs next drive Jeff Garcia threw an interception to safety Rashad Baker. After a goal line stand by the Bucs defense the Raiders kicked a 25-yd field goal by kicker Sebastian Janikowski to give Oakland a 7-point lead. On the next drive the first career sack by rookie defensive end Greyson Gunheims ended the game. The Raiders have ended their season on a 2-game winning streak and finish their season with a 5–11 record; the best since they also went 5–11 in 2004 and the Raiders knocked the Buccaneers out of Playoff contention. Interim head coach Tom Cable was named permanent head coach February 4, 2009.

Following the conclusion of the 2008 season the Oakland Raiders were identified as the 'Coach Killers' of the NFL. Following losses to the Raiders during the season, Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Herm Edwards of the Kansas City Chiefs, Eric Mangini of the New York Jets and Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos were all let go from their respective programs. Gary Kubiak of the Houston Texans was the only head coach to lose to the Oakland Raiders in the 2008 season and keep his job.

References
  1. ESPN: "Sources: Raiders finally fire Kiffin, consider promoting assistants". Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  2. "Raiders' owner Davis' letter to Kiffin". ESPN.com. October 1, 2008.
Preceded by
2007 Oakland Raiders season		 2008 Oakland Raiders season Succeeded by
2009 Oakland Raiders season
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