Bruce Gradkowski was named Oakland’s starting quarterback because team officials thought he could give the Raiders a better chance to win than JaMarcus Russell.

So far, so good.

Gradkowski wasn’t great for all of the game, but he threw a big touchdown late in the game to Louis Murphy to give Cincinnati the chance to fumble the ensuing kickoff in the final seconds. It set up a short Sebastian Janikowski field goal and gave the Raiders’ their third win of the season.

This win was unlikely, but the Raiders will take it. They are now 3-7 heading into a Thanksgiving Day trip to Dallas.

Life has been tough for the Raiders and Oakland deserves this dose of good fortune.

Gradkowski is likely not the long-term answer, but he has given the Raiders a renewed energy and a win. Oakland will gladly take both.