Effort Wasted as Raiders Fall to Lions 36-21

Posted by Matt Loede on September 10th, 2007 filed in Game Stories

After seeing a 17-0 lead turn into a 21-20 deficit, Jon Kitna connected with Shaun McDonald for the go-ahead 32-yard touchdown with 4:15 remaining as the Detroit Lions went on to beat the Raiders, 36-21, in the regular season opener for both teams at McAfee Coliseum. Kitna finished the afternoon 27-of-36 passing for three touchdowns and two interceptions while Calvin Johnson, the second overall draft pick, caught four passes for 70 yards and his first career touchdown. In the loss, Josh McCown went 30-of-40 passing for 313 yards with a pair of touchdowns and two interceptions while LaMont Jordan rushed 15 times for 70 yards and a score. The Raiders much-maligned offense gained 375 yards on the day but last year’s number-three rated defense allowed 392 yards. The Raiders are in Denver this Sunday to battle the Broncos.