Raiders fall from first after 34-14 loss to Dolphins

BOX SCORE

PAUL GUTIERREZ'S INSIDE TAKE
DOLPHINS 34, RAIDERS 14
McClain plays: Three days after being arrested in his home town of Decatur, Ala., on a variety of misdemeanor charges, including setting off a firearm in city limits, middle linebacker Rolando McClain played in the Raiders' game. He did not start, however, and came in on Oakland's third defensive play of the day. Many wondered if coach Hue Jackson would suspend McClain for conduct unbecoming. McClain finished with eight tackles.Reggie beats Michael in the Bush Bowl: Dolphins running back Reggie Bush rushed for 100 yards, with a touchdown, while Raiders running back Michael Bush ran for 18 yards. At halftime, Reggie led Michael, 79-5. In the third quarter, after getting blasted by Aaron Curry and dropping the pass, Reggie rolled over and did at least six pushups, to show he was O.K.The penalties return: A week after the Raiders committed just six penalties for 35 yards, they were flagged 10 times for 91 yards against the Dolphins. Not necessarily a game-turner, but it doesn't help.RoMac distraction, or injuries caught up: I'm going with injuries finally catching up with the Raiders. The lack of explosive playmakers with Darren McFadden, Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore and, the threat of Taiwan Jones, finally took its toll on Oakland. Last week, the Raiders slugged one out against the Bears. This week, not so much.No shutout this week: Threatened with being shut out for the second time this season -- the Raiders fell 28-0 to Kansas City on Oct. 23 -- Carson Palmer hit former Cincinnati Bengals teammate T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a 40-yard TD pass with 7:51 to play. Then, Palmer hit Darrius Heyward-Bey for a pretty three-yard TD pass with 3:29 to go.Chris Johnson returns: Cornerback Chris Johnson, who was THISCLOSE to being placed on season-ending Injured Reserve with his groin and hamstring issues last month, made a nice defensive play in the second quarter. He knocked down a deep pass down the sidelines to Brian Hartline and showed his elation.