Falcons 24, Raiders 0: 3 First Downs

This week the Oakland Raiders set some special time aside in practice to work on their end zone celebrations. Perhaps this coming week the Raiders could set aside a little more time to work on (1) getting into the end zone and (2) getting a couple of first downs.

Atlanta marched into Oakland today and walked out with one of the most dominating wins of the NFL season, even though the 24-0 score may not totally dictate that. Statistically, this game was never, ever, not even for one second, competitive.

The Raiders finished the game with three, count em, THREE first downs, and were out-gained 453-77. The Falcons held the ball for 45 minutes to Oakland's 15.

At halftime, the Falcons had 20 first downs to Oakland's zero, while holding a commanding edge in yardage, 319 to -2.

Al Davis should give the few loyal fans his franchise has left a refund for sitting through even a second of that disaster of a football game.

The Raiders, without Darren McFadden, never threatened to score on offense, and didn't register a first down until the 9:56 mark of the third quarter. JaMarcus Russell, while still too early to refer to him as a bust, finished the game 6-of-19 for 31 yards and an interception. He also fumbled twice, losing one.

Frankly, the less said about the Raiders in this game, the better.

For Atlanta, Matt Ryan had another strong game in his impressive rookie campaign, as he went 17-for-22 for 220 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Both touchdowns went to Michael Jenkins, who caught two passes for 64 yards.

As a team, the Falcons pounded the Raiders defense for 252 yards rushing on an incredible 57 carries, including 139 yards on 31 carries for Michael Turner.