Raiders rookie linebacker Rolando McClain on Tuesday made good on his promise to fans of granting an interview with the media for their part in helping Oakland sell out a home game for the first time this season.

"It was crazy for the times I was out there," said McClain of the sellout, though he played only part of Sunday's 23-20 overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs because of a hip pointer. "I only played 20 plays, but I don't think I've ever heard it that loud."

McClain said he was vocal about the lack of support because he wanted fans to take part in the team's turnaround. The Raiders (5-4) went 11 straight regular-season games without a sellout before Sunday.

"I wanted the sellout because I knew we were about to do something special," McClain said. "You can feel it in the locker room; you can feel it in practice. We're about to be pretty darned scary around here. I just wanted the fans' support."

McClain last spoke with the local media Sept. 12. He said his reluctance to be interviewed also stems from his being shy.

"I'm just not a media guy, to say the least," he said. "I'm just shy and I like to stay to myself. If it was my choice, I would never do media."

He said fans will hear from him next when the Raiders sell out a home game again. Their next game at the Oakland Coliseum is Nov. 28 against the Miami Dolphins. After a bye week, the Raiders play the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Nov. 21.

Raiders coach Tom

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Cable said McClain's play has improved as the season progressed.

"When Rolando's in there, you have to get out of (blocking) combinations quicker, being a line coach," Cable said. "You can't let 55 just run free in there. He'll kill you. So, we're creating, he's creating, more (opportunities) for those two tackles inside."

  • Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle), tight end Zach Miller (arch), defensive tackle John Henderson (foot) and wide receiver Chaz Schilens (knee) missed practice Tuesday. McClain and strong safety Tyvon Branch (concussion) returned to practice only two days after missing the end of the Chiefs game.

  • The Raiders have lost their past seven games after a bye. Their last victory in such games came in 2002.

  • The Raiders solidified their NFL lead in penalties (91) and penalty yards (794) on the strength of 15 for 140 yards against the Chiefs. They are 14 penalties ahead of the No. 2 Detroit Lions and 142 yards clear of the runner-up Philadelphia Eagles.

  • The Raiders improved to 3-0 against their AFC West rivals by beating the Chiefs. They've beaten each division team and are 3-0 for the first time since 2001. The Raiders haven't won more than two divisional games in any of the previous seven seasons.