1973 began with Daryle Lamonica still the number one quarterback of the Oakland Raiders. After three games, obviously the Zone Defenses had permanently caught up with the Mad Bomber. In the third game, Kenny Stabler became the number one quarterback. Stabler relieved Lamonica three times in 1972 as a precursor to the future.
Game 1. The Raiders lost at Minnesota 24 to 16. Oakland's lone touchdown came on an interception return from George Atkinson. Lamonica completed 13 of 30 passes for 183 yards; threw two interceptions; and the Minnesota defense sacked him four times for 30 yards.
Game 2. Oakland broke the Miami Dolphins' 18 game winning streak with a 12 to 7 victory. Lamonica completed 7 of 10 passes for just 63 yards. Marv Hubbard and Charlie Smith evenly divided 168 rushing yards. George Blanda, in his 300th game and on his 46th birthday, kicked four field goals. The Dolphins scored on a 30 yard touchdown pass from Bob Griese to Jim Mandich very late in the game.
Game 3. This was just a game of field goals with the Chiefs leafing 9 to 3 early in the fourth quarter. Lamonica completed just four of 12 passes for 63 yards; threw one interception; and the Chiefs sacked him three times for 18 yards in losses. Stabler went 4 of 6 for 43 yards; threw two interceptions; and one sack for six yards in losses. For Kansas City, Wendall Hays had 83 yards rushing. William Lanier intercepted a Stabler pass returning it 16 yards for a touchdown. Final Kansas City 16 Oakland 3.
John Madden said it was unfair to put Stabler in with the Raiders trailing late in the game. Kenny Stabler became the number one quarterback in game four. Oakland 1-2 in the first three games, was 8-2-1 thereafter.