One play he's making a dazzling run. The next play he's fumbling.

But Higgins showed his best form Sunday during the Raiders' 17-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium.

Higgins' 93-yard punt return for a touchdown gave the Raiders a brief 15-14 lead with 4:30 left in the fourth quarter. It was the team's first punt return for a score since Phillip Buchanon's 80-yard return Dec. 28, 2003, in San Diego.

It was also the second-longest punt return in franchise history, just behind Greg Pruitt's 97-yard return against Washington in 1983.

"I took two steps, and it just parted like the Red Sea," Higgins said. " ... From there I just tried to run my hamstrings off."

Higgins found himself one-on-one against Miami punter Brandon Fields, who could only dive and take an unsuccessful swipe at his feet.

Teammates have teased Higgins about not being brought down by a kicker, so Higgins was glad to get by Fields.

"I would have been mad if he tackled me," Higgins said. "I might have fought him after the game. Naw, I'm joking."

It's usually a mistake for a returner to field the ball at his own 7-yard line, but with the offense struggling, Higgins had the OK to take a chance.

"At that point you've got to try to get you a return and make a play," said interim head coach Tom Cable.

Take note, Fassel interested -- ESPN reported that former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel had sent a handwritten letter to Raiders owner Al Davis to express his desire to be the Raiders' next head coach.

Fassel was the Raiders' offensive coordinator from 1990 to 1992 and spent time working with ex-coach Lane Kiffin in training camp this summer.

He's been previously mentioned as a Raiders coaching candidate and has spoken with Davis when the job has been open in the past.

Fassel's previous coaching job was with the Baltimore Ravens when he was fired as offensive coordinator during the 2006 season.

Fassel's son, John, is a Raiders special teams assistant.

Loss for words -- Quarterback JaMarcus Russell did not speak with reporters after the game, his first after returning from a knee injury last week.

He'd received word that his godmother, Teresa Roberts, passed away and was emotional in the locker room.

McFadden's back -- Rookie running back Darren McFadden returned to the lineup after missing the past three games because of turf toe.

He ran only three times for 13 yards and caught two passes for one yard. He was sacked on a pass attempt.

Both feet have bothered McFadden. Sunday was his first game wearing cleats with carbon fiber bottoms to give him more support.

"(My feet) got a little sore on me as the game went on, but overall they're doing pretty good," McFadden said.

With McFadden back, Michael Bush did not play.

Maybe next week -- Defensive end Derrick Burgess missed his sixth consecutive game because of a triceps injury. The Raiders hope to have him back this Sunday against Houston.

Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/Raidersblog.