Russell looks OK _ then the Raiders step in
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, April 30th, 2010 at 1:00 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell completed a practice session Friday superior to minicamp performances of a year ago, then met with the media and will wind up the focal point for something other than his passing.
Former Raiders safety Eddie Anderson stood close by, cutting off any questions that had to do with Russell’s contract or the starting role.
Russell’s pretty good at not answering questions and probably could have handled things himself . . . oh, well. Anderson becomes part of the story.
More to come later, rookies coming in for press briefings . . .
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
April 30th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
1st?
April 30th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Russell restructures?
http://raidernationstation.com/exclusives
April 30th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
3rd
April 30th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Nnamdi21 Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Russell restructures?
http://raidernationstation.com/exclusives
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This is not a credible source
April 30th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy & Nick Miller all hurt.
Hmmm..
good thing DHB & JLH are rippin’ it up !!!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
LMFAO!
Big Eddie in the house!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
jhill Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Nnamdi,
I notice you link a lot of stuff to that site, lol.
Went there for the first time just now and I can’t find the Russell restructures stuff.
WTF????
April 30th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
do Jason & Bruce need babysitters?
April 30th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Who the hell is #36 ????
That seems to be the real story of the first session!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
do Jason & Bruce need babysitters?
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Who ???
April 30th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
jhill Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
jhill Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Nnamdi,
I notice you link a lot of stuff to that site, lol.
Went there for the first time just now and I can’t find the Russell restructures stuff.
WTF????
http://raidernationstation.com/2010_off_season
==============
lol!
Sorry, my bad posted the wrong link
April 30th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Jerrymcd Eddie Anderson runs interference for Russell, cutting off objectionable questions. Nice to have a babysitter
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LMFAO !!!
Jerry Mac = RRS.
All this time, you had me fooled man.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
#36 = Mike Mitchell!
I called him “Gibson #36″ from the start
remember ???
April 30th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
JB Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Eddie Anderson runs interference for Russell, cutting off objectionable questions. Nice to have a babysitter
^^^^^^^^
Freakin LAME huh??
April 30th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Hope JR turns it around , no line for 3 years, no decent WRs, the stress made him fat!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
ottocrat Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Nnamdi21 Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Russell restructures?
http://raidernationstation.com/exclusives
———————————————————-
This is not a credible source
=========================
I agree. They qualified everything with maybes and I hate the whole according to an unnamed source bull sh-it.
And why would they have it before anyone lese?
It happens, but the fact Russell’s there and throwing lends creedence I susppose.
Either Davis has lost his mind or Russell’s reworked I’d say…
April 30th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I’m not Jerry Mac, but I respect the work he puts in.
BY FAR the best blog around and BY FAR the best Raider media guy too.
THANKS JERRY!
YOU ROCK!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Eddie Anderson was a GREAT player 4 us,imo….
Now Big Al has hired him to be da BOUNCER LOL!!!!!!!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Mike Mitchell is #34
April 30th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
jhill Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Who the hell is #36 ????
That seems to be the real story of the first session!
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@2
Looks like T-Mac came out of retirement!! Loved that guy.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
#36 is Terry McDaniel…makin a comeback!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
#36 = Mike Mitchell!
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You referred to him by name in your tweets so why the hell do you then tweet who the fugg is 36, LOL?
April 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
The raider nation station story mentions Routt too. His tender signing was never mentioned by Oakland either that I’m aware of. I think Davis knows the media will generate more stories if you don’t tell them anything and let them speculate.
Brilliant…
April 30th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Sports Illustrated Jim Trotter Twitter:
The Raiders have rookie LB Rolando McClain running with the 1st team. He’s physically bigger than I thought.
Not that it means anything, but JaMarcus looks a lot sharper in this minicamp than he did a year ago. Throwing with authority.
Heyward-Bey changed his jersey to 85. Unfortunately his hands are the same. He dropped the ball on a slant route.
Not surprisingly Campbell doesn’t look sharp. Still learning offense and receivers.
The more I see michael bush, the more I like him. Has a presence about him with the ball in his hands.
I’ve tried 2 avoid jamarcus weight questions, but there R 2 many. Let me say this: He looks as “trim” as I’ve ever seen him. Moving better 2
Wow. Team ushers jamarcus away becuz of questions about his job status and salary situation. Jamarcus appeared willing to talk.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
24. way to go Tato!
Very niiiize. Thanks man!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
RaiderRockstar Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I’m not Jerry Mac, but I respect the work he puts in.
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Yeah, what was I thinking there.
Jerry has seen enough of Zack Miller up and close to know that his blocking skills need a bit of fine tuning.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
ZACH miller is a better blocker than your boy Barnes!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Let the circus begin!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
MM was rippin’ it up in the 1st session
too bad he couldn’t cover JLH
I don’t fault him for that though. Higgins is a player!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Its a good day to be a Raider…
April 30th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
I’ve tried 2 avoid jamarcus weight questions, but there R 2 many. Let me say this: He looks as “trim” as I’ve ever seen him. Moving better 2
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Ok now …
Is there ANYONE who still questions why I just REFUSE to listen to the national enquier stuff?!?!?!
Sports Illustrated is far from a Russell supporter, and the guy just said he’s somewhere around the weight he was when Kiffin was here.
How’s that for reading between the lines ???
April 30th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Scheftforbrains on BSPN. Saying: “Russell’s day’s in Oakland are numbered.”
Next, they’ll have Clayton say: “Russell has improved so dramatically, he could be named the starting QB for 2010 any day now.”
Bunch of d-bags…
April 30th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Just saw JR on Around the League on NFL Network. The guy looks like a million bucks!! 260 lbs. max would be my guess. Saw Eddie intervening for him. Said he’s coming to work everyday until he’s told otherwise. Said Cable hasn’t said anything to him about Campbell. Said he and Campbell are teammates and that he’s just one of the QBs in camp competing for the job. Asked about all the media hype. Said it doesn’t bother him a bit, it’s just the business. The dude looks ready to go. Honestly, if he’s at his best, there’s no way Campbell beats him out.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Nick Miller not being ready is not doing himself any favors as far as unseating JLH as the #5 WR.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
So ..based on the first practice…of all the QBs we have, who was the most impressive QB?
COuldn’t have been that guy who most consider to be the worse QB to ever put on a football uniform…could it?
April 30th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
The Raiders won’t let Jamarcus answer questions from the press.
Who do they think he is, Sarah Palin?
April 30th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
pictures of mini-camp
http://twitter.com/raidersff
April 30th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Nnamdi21 restructures
http://www.raidernationstationreeks.com
April 30th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
dang, jamarcus makes Jason Campbell look like a little kid.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Nick Miller not being ready is not doing himself any favors as far as unseating JLH as the #5 WR.
***
never happen. Slade Norris was a 4th rounder who got cut. ended up on the practice squad. then elevated after injuries to Brown & Alston
same thing could happen to Jacoby Ford.
and by the way, Nick Miller is trash
April 30th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Watching this guy in interviews, it amazes me how he can be so hated by the media and the fans. Makes no sense at all.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Watching this guy in interviews
***
try watching him on the field!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
and by the way, Nick Miller is trash
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There you go with that racist crap again!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
English and Journalism majors becoming sportswriters while never previously watching or playing sports sounds like Poole and Kawakami lol! They write to get page hits , they don’t write factual, they’re all taught to report sensationalism to get readers , to get hits in this Internet world!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
38. lmao! Thats hilarious!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Russell looks like 300lbs to me, but he probably has 10 layers of clothes on.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
LOL @ Jhill.
truth hurts
April 30th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
I think Nick Miller may be the endangered one since Ford came to town.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
So just who was it that reported that Russ was 3 bills? Looks pretty trim in that photo… So much crap coming out of the media these days.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Kirk Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
The Raiders won’t let Jamarcus answer questions from the press.
Who do they think he is, Sarah Palin?
===========================
I can see Russia from my house!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
No Mas Diamante Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
So just who was it that reported that Russ was 3 bills? Looks pretty trim in that photo… So much crap coming out of the media these days.
==========================
Yeah who was that? Some one from a prominent outlet I think?
I say we line him up and let Russell sit on him.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I can see Russia from my house!
***
me too. it’s called “Skype”
April 30th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Debo:
The guy had a terrible year last year. So everyone jumps to the conclusion that he will suck forever…never gain a work ethic..never improve.
People act like he goes to bars and provides drinks to underaged little girls and then forces them to give him a BJ while his bodyguard blocks the door.
He’s a good kid who had a bad year. WHat is impressing me the most is his thick skin. Never has a player taken the abuse he has yet still, you do not hear him complaining. Your just seeing him show up to camp in shape(whick means the work ethic has improved).
Most QBs would have folded if they took half the abuse JRuss has taken. I mean the guy was boo’d loudly by his home crowd and called every fancy name in the book. Did anyone see the story on JRuss this morning on BSPN..OTL? Fans burning his jersey and crap like that?
So far…he is doing everything the organization has asked of him this off-season and his hard work is paying off.
Now for those who pounded him with all of the fat jokes…are you at least going to give him credit for putting in some work this off-season?
April 30th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
nick miller = gone
“gumby” higgins = gone
is cable going to answer some questions?
April 30th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Next session 4PM. Time for JR to hit lunch.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Our new MLB:
http://www.fanfeedr.com/ncaa-football/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-rolando-mcclain-right-and-slade-norris-58-work-o
April 30th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
watched on nfl network, first i think eddie was just translating for him and if he would take out the paris hilton earrings he might look tough enough to be taken serriously
April 30th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Well, actually Adam Schefter went on record with 290, and then you know how it goes from there.
What people SHOULD have been paying attention to was Kawakami 272 I believe it was.
Kawakami is surely not known as someone who would lie in favor of the Raiders. And he’s actually local.
Well, he’s as in shape as he’s ever been here, and “he’s reporting to work everyday until told otherwise.”
April 30th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
and by the way, Nick Miller is trash
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Miller>Higgins
April 30th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Nick Miller has a shot. They wouldn’t have kept him on the roster all year if they didn’t think very highly of him. Don’t think his fate will be decided at an April minicamp.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Its hard to tell but JRuss dosen’t look as fat as he did last year. Maybe all the criticism has had an effect. He does look huge next to Campbell.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I think that bspn is really starting to lose some crdibility, not that they ever really had any to begin with… can’t stand those dudes. and who the hell is mel kiper anyway?
April 30th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Now for those who pounded him with all of the fat jokes…are you at least going to give him credit for putting in some work this off-season?
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Never, lol!
Only thing that gets Russell back in “good graces” is wins, like I’ve been saying ALL ALONG!
Despite the fact that Russell was the best QB, SO FAR, we should cut him?
Despite the fact that THE COACH said he’s been there all this time, working and doing what he’s supposed to do, we should cut him?
Like my man Raider Dell always tells me … RELAX !!!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Russell looks pretty solid, to me.
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterback-jason-campbell-8-walks-beside-jamarc
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Was DMAC a no chow? Please jebus…
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
watched on nfl network, first i think eddie was just translating for him and if he would take out the paris hilton earrings he might look tough enough to be taken serriously
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LMFAO!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
^show lol
April 30th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
#64!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Adan Shefter tweeted that JR weighed 290 right before the draft.
Thats where I heard it from
April 30th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Only thing that gets Russell back in “good graces” is wins, like I’ve been saying ALL ALONG!
***
exactly. 9 wins in 3 years is disgusting
April 30th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Ryan Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Russell looks pretty solid, to me.
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterback-jason-campbell-8-walks-beside-jamarc
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Get ready for the “So what (I was wrong) that Russell isn’t 300lbs and cut before mini camp, he’s still a POS” posts, lol.
Nevermind that the spare tire is gone, lol. He’s a fat arss!
Hilarious stuff man.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
jhill
The truest statement I have seen all day is:
Only thing that gets Russell back in “good graces” is wins!
Man thats real talk! Even though Im excited that it looks like he is going to get a chance to at least compete, nothing will change his perception except win..as it should be!
He still has ALOT or work to do.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
2010 wr’s – dhb, ford, schillens, murphy and T.O baby!!! just do it Al. We need a vet to teach these young guys.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Wow, Higgins and Huff are cut
http://www.raidernationstation.com
April 30th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
LOL
April 30th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Wow, Higgins and Huff are cut
http://www.raidernationstation.com
LMAO!!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Hey Nate,
You’re hitting on something that I’ve been trying to get across to the haters for a long time. There’s no denying JR’s arm strength. But no one ever talks about his physical and mental toughness. Not only would a lot of QBs have folded under all this BS criticism, but there aren’t many guys in the league who could have made it through the physical pounding he went through last year. And not one complaint. The guy is a pure badass! I’ve never rooted for another player to shut the pencil-necked geek haters up more than I am for Russell. Today is the 1st step.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
So does Mel kiper Jr. get back in the coffin until next years draft? Seriously, that guy is kinda creepy… he doesn’t age… and that hair style… all he needs for halloween is a black cape…
April 30th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
There’s no denying JR’s arm strength. But no one ever talks about his physical and mental toughness.
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We’ll talk about it when he gets some.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Stanford Routt should thank Russell for taking all the heat. Routt had as many PI penalties as Russell had turnovers.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Enough is enough with JR. He had his shot and he should be gone. Unless he takes the minimum, then we can keep him as fullback. Wait, he cant run either. F’em, send him to Arena League.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
‘Sup Nation?
I’m liking what I’m hearing from this new Nate guy. Sounds like a voice of reason. No, I don’t think he is one of Oakglenn’s new aliases.LOL.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterbacks-jamarcus-russell-left-and-jason-cam
April 30th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Wow, Al Davis retires and names Southwick as GM
http://www.raidernationstation.com
April 30th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Man thats real talk! Even though Im excited that it looks like he is going to get a chance to at least compete, nothing will change his perception except win..as it should be!
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Agreed.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Russ is here to stay and compete for a job. get over it. no way al lets him walk now and lets someone else pick him up. you know how al is about that stuff. he’ll keep him on the bench before he lets him go
April 30th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I have sat back in the cuts on this blog for a very long time Buckeye. I admit I love this blog. Some straight characters on here and its funny to watch all of the pissing matches. But still, you don’t find many true Raider fans like this blog provides…some real cool cats on here with alot of football knowledge…
But I had to start posting…first inspired by our great draft and then..I dunno…just wanted to put it out there that at least ONE Raider fan hasn’t given up on the big guy. Knowing my luck…the big guy might stink up the joint again lol..but we shall see
April 30th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Just watched LaCanfora stumble through a reversal on JR. Said Al still thinks highly of JR and wants an open competition at QB. Admits that he’s a big Jason Cambpbell supporter and rambled on about how he’s a hard worker and has “some ability”. LMFAO!!! All these guys are such a joke!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
How do you guys know Miller and Chaz are hurt?Maybe they are just being held out for whatever reason.Its kind of funny how so many of you jump to conclusions and form opinions based on nothing or on simple comments.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I have sat back in the cuts on this blog for a very long time Buckeye. I admit I love this blog. Some straight characters on here and its funny to watch all of the pissing matches.
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Gawd damn it man, you just ruined it …
Get ready!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Latest twitter:
Judging from the way Eddie Anderson cut off questions about Russell’s contract, would appear to be discussions going on in that area . . .
April 30th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Its kind of funny how so many of you jump to conclusions and form opinions based on nothing or on simple comments.
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Couldn’t agree more!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I like your attitude nate. But you better get ready to get hammered. Lots of JR haters in here, for good reason, and they like nothing better than to bash the living daylights out of optimistic believers like yourself.. hope your skin is a thick as Russells
April 30th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Thick skin is a side effect of cough syrup abuse.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
If Russell restructures,he isn’t going anywhere and that might not be a bad thing,I just hope the people who go to games can accept it-I have doubts!!!!!!!!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I mean, we’re talking about a guy that throws like he’s taking a jump shot. Also, does anyone remember all the passes to the ground. Not even the feet of his receivers, THE F-ING GROUND!!
Russell and “competing” should never be linked together!
April 30th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Where the hell are all of these pics of Russell looking “solid” or “trim”. All I’ve seen so far are pictures where half of him is cut off. In that sense half is technically trimmer then the entirety of his manatee-esque frame. Also, the dude is still wearing 3 layers. We can’t see that big gunt hanging over his belt line.
April 30th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
What’s a “gunt” Otto?
April 30th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
nothing about the QB on the left, screams out trim, or solid. I still see a tubbo, panting through some laps.
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterbacks-from-left-jamarcus-russell-2-charli
April 30th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Where the hell are all of these pics of Russell looking “solid” or “trim”. All I’ve seen so far are pictures where half of him is cut off.
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http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterback-jason-campbell-8-walks-beside-jamarc
Of course, you see what you want to see.
Time to move on the “his team mates don’t like him argument”, lol.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
No Mas Diamante Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I like your attitude nate. But you better get ready to get hammered. Lots of JR haters in here, for good reason, and they like nothing better than to bash the living daylights out of optimistic believers like yourself.. hope your skin is a thick as Russells
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Hell yea diamante… you daaaaamn right(in shafts voice).
But yea it looks to me as though davis plans on keeping jamarcus and letting him ride pine behind j.campbell and bruce for the next to years and develop him like they should have in the first place. No wonder kiffy believed in mcclown so much, he knew what was in store with russel.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
The only improvement Russell can make is to refuse to accept his $9mil because he conned us all into beleiving he’s a QB
April 30th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
That’s the way I see it too Pimp hand. Take some pressure of the guy. needs to learn and mature.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Hey Bo, meant to ask you… why the hate for jon condo? he’s a pro bowl long snapper and vital to the success of lechler and seabass…
April 30th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Candid Cam: Raiders’ Russell stuns world, looks capable of ‘competing’
By Cam Inman
Oakland Tribune columnist
Posted: 04/30/2010 01:47:23 PM PDT
Updated: 04/30/2010 01:48:47 PM PDT
JaMarcus Russell’s mere presence at the Raiders first minicamp Friday made him stand out among his teammates. His surprisingly impressive passes and sub-300-pound frame made him worth watching even longer.
Here he was, acting as the Raiders hoped he would when they drafted him first overall in 2007. Too little, too late? Probably, but Friday’s show made me wonder if he really does have a chance, a second chance.
“My thing is to keep coming out to work until they tell me not to,” Russell said. “Today I’m going to keep coming out, compete for the job, work my tail off.”
Russell’s arm strength never has been in question, so watching him zip passes was nothing new. To see those lasers reach their target — only about four passes of, say, 25 fell incomplete — was stunning.
As for his always controversial weigh, he didn’t appear or play like he was carrying 300 pounds, as multiple reports pegged his super-sized frame.
So now what? Can he really go about the business of competing for a starting job he lost midway through last season? For now, yes. But his contract must be addressed, right?
He is due $9.45 million base salary, $3 million of which is guaranteed whether or not he is on the opening-game roster.
Asked in the post-practice press conference if he has restructured his contract, Russell initially didn’t have a chance to answer. Raiders-appointed chaperon Eddie Anderson interrupted and said that
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question was off limits. I followed up, however, and Russell confirmed he has not reworked his deal, “not at all.”
Would Al Davis keep Russell around at that steep price as a backup to probable starter Jason Campbell? Seems ludicrous, until you realize the Raiders have mastered ludicrous in years past (see: Javon Walker, an expensive bench warmer 2009).
Russell doesn’t seem the least bit bothered that his status is up in the air after Saturday’s trade for Campbell.
“We’re teammates. We’re not fighting for each other,” said Russell, noting he was a junior in high school when he first met Campbell . “We’re out here to compete and get better for the organization.”
That Russell was allowed out there — thus putting the Raiders on the hook for his salary if he got hurt — was surprising if they are inclined to cut ties with him. That didn’t faze him either.
“Not at all. It’s a business,” Russell said. “That aspect, I don’t have anything to do with that. It’s a higher level than me. My job is to keep coming and competing every day.”
His job is also to answer the media’s questions. He should not need Anderson to cut off reporters’ questions — as was the case when Russell got asked, (1.) if Cable called him after the trade for Campbell; (2.) if he expects to be the Raiders’ starting quarterback in Week 1; (3.) if he could tell us his ideal playing weight, a question that prompted Anderson to end the interview session.
If Russell is to be the starting quarterback and serve as the face of the franchise — the latter is part of his job description so long as he is employed here — then he must answer every question himself, even if it warrants a “no comment.”
His on-field demeanor, however, is what mattered more Friday. He looked good. He looked better than Campbell, Kyle Boller and Charlie Frye, who took the initial snap with the first-team before Russell got his turn, followed by Campbell and then Boller.
Russell zipped mostly short-range passes to the Raiders’ still ridiculously raw receiving corps. His third pass was his longest, a 35-yard spiraling lob that landed in the hands of rookie Jacoby Ford, who fell down while catching the slightly underthrown pass.
Russell didn’t loaf from drill to drill like last year’s opening minicamp. He seemed on a mission, perhaps to protect that $3 million guaranteed stipend rather than risk losing it “for cause.”
One practice in and Russell is in the mix, even if that doesn’t hold true in the coming weeks or months.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
At a reduced salary, J-Russ would be a fantastic 3rd-string QB. Let him come along very slowly, and in spot duty he wouldnt be terrible. I read somewhere that he is only one month older than Colt McCoy, who is the QB of the future for the Browns. Kid has plenty of time to ride pine and develop, but it cant be at $10M/year. But the Raiders need to resolve this situation one way or the other, so that the team can move on.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Ryan Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Russell looks pretty solid, to me.
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterback-jason-campbell-8-walks-beside-jamarc
==========================================
The funniest part of this picture is Jason Campbell is a big guy. He looks like a high schooler next to Russell.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
lefty12 Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
If Russell restructures,he isn’t going anywhere and that might not be a bad thing,I just hope the people who go to games can accept it-I have doubts!!!!!!!!
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Who gives a flyin fk about the POS fairweather fans who don’t wanto to accept it?? STAY HOME AND FIND A NEW TEAM!! When the Raiders turn it around, the seats will be full.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
No Mas Diamante Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Hey Bo, meant to ask you… why the hate for jon condo? he’s a pro bowl long snapper and vital to the success of lechler and seabass…
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Cut Jon Condo! Teach Ike to snap!
April 30th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Russell’s career is on life support. We’ll see what he does from here on out. Staying under 300 lbs is a start, and acting like he cares is also a good sign…although when it came to money he acted the part prior to the draft and even lost weight for his pro day…so he has always been able to do it, but it was motivated by $$$…and so we’ll see what happends if he gets to keep his $10 million this season….
April 30th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
I don’t care about the money that J russ is due and apparently neither does Al.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Russell’s arm strength never has been in question, so watching him zip passes was nothing new. To see those lasers reach their target — only about four passes of, say, 25 fell incomplete — was stunning.
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“To see those lasers reach their target..was stunning.” That’s the point with Russell: he could possibly be one of the best ever to play the game. Hard to give up on a guy like that after just a year and half of starting. Especially with everything else that happened here not related to him.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Just kiddin’. Condo’s cool. Just stirring people up. He does get a lot of $$$$ though!
April 30th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
# Ryan Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Russell looks pretty solid, to me.
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterback-jason-campbell-8-walks-beside-jamarc
…….
Campbell is listed as 230-235
judging by this photo, Russell is 270-280 easy.
I don’t know what you people are seeing.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Does no one care that this guy has shown absolutely no heart, no desire to improve, nothing that shows any kind of leadership qualities. JR has none of the character to be a QB for a pro-team. Time to cut our losses.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Tom cables pimp hand Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
No Mas Diamante Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I like your attitude nate. But you better get ready to get hammered. Lots of JR haters in here, for good reason, and they like nothing better than to bash the living daylights out of optimistic believers like yourself.. hope your skin is a thick as Russells
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Hell yea diamante… you daaaaamn right(in shafts voice).
But yea it looks to me as though davis plans on keeping jamarcus and letting him ride pine behind j.campbell and bruce for the next to years and develop him like they should have in the first place. No wonder kiffy believed in mcclown so much, he knew what was in store with russel.
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Huh??? When are you going to figure it out? Bruce is done!!! Ever heard the expression “can’t make the club in the tub”?? Stick a fork in Bruce Gradkowsli already.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
RaiderDebo Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Just saw JR on Around the League on NFL Network. The guy looks like a million bucks!! 260 lbs. max would be my guess. Saw Eddie intervening for him. Said he’s coming to work everyday until he’s told otherwise. Said Cable hasn’t said anything to him about Campbell. Said he and Campbell are teammates and that he’s just one of the QBs in camp competing for the job. Asked about all the media hype. Said it doesn’t bother him a bit, it’s just the business. The dude looks ready to go. Honestly, if he’s at his best, there’s no way Campbell beats him out.
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Aww Debo, You’re starting to get me to reconsider my stance on this guy. I was ready to hear he was cut and be happy about it & now…I dont know. I have been a little frustrated about how badly he’s been treated by outsiders (we are Raider faithful & are allowed to bash him all we want but Im not liking hearing it from others). If he’s willing to restructure, actually take the time & effort it takes to hone his craft & live up to the unlimited potential he’s been blessed with, we may be on to something….See? You’ve done it, I’m officially pulling for him again – based on the terms laid out above
April 30th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
yea but jamarcus needs to restucture, He should be begging al to take the money back like javon if he really wants to send a message to the team and fans. I was watching that run ricky run and i saw where he signed as a rookie and didn’t want the big contract because he saide he wanted to earn it. I think if russel did that he’d gain a little bit more respect, from fans, his teamates, and organization. Its not like he couldn’t get it back if he worked his tail off and improved.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Amazing. I’ve said over and over that Russell’s weight is not the issue. He lacks the leadership to inspire teammates, drive to succeed and work ethic to be an NFL QB.
A NFL QB is self-motivated. JR needs 24/7 babysitting.
A NFL QB motivates his team. He can’t motivate himself.
A leader doesn’t need Anderson to protect him from outragous questions like, “Do you want to start?”
Do you really think have Anderson wet nurse JR inspires PROFESSIONALS on the team?
Russell completed some passes against air. Call the Hall of Fame! Russell’s bust in Canton will have a little Eddie Anderson on the shoulder.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Dakota Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Russell’s career is on life support. We’ll see what he does from here on out. Staying under 300 lbs is a start, and acting like he cares is also a good sign…although when it came to money he acted the part prior to the draft and even lost weight for his pro day…so he has always been able to do it, but it was motivated by $$$…and so we’ll see what happends if he gets to keep his $10 million this season….
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On life support? According to who? Jason LaCanfora? BSPN?? Anybody care what Al has to say on the subject? LMFAO!!
April 30th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Did Russell read any defenses today?
Did Russell look off a defender today?
Did Russell recognize a blitz and pick up the hot read?
Did Russell anticipate the rush and step up to avoid defenders while keeping his eyes down field?
This guy had what some billed as the most impressive Pro Day ever. That hasn’t translated to being able to play when the whistle blows.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Ryan Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Russell looks pretty solid, to me.
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterback-jason-campbell-8-walks-beside-jamarc
^^^^^^^^
He still has plenty of work to do to get his head out of his azz and he still needs to take a HUGE paycut!
April 30th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Coach on Wheels….Finally someone that has some sense in here. Thats why I detest him being a Raider, let alone our QB.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Dakota Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Russell’s career is on life support.
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I doubt his career is on life support. Shoot, how many chances did Lawrence Phillips get? If they let Rae Carruth out of prison, someone would sign him. Russell would be PERFECT for someone like Holmgren, Bellichik, Peyton Manning, Andy Reid to mentor and let sit and mature. And that is exactly what would happen.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Not going to happen LA Dave. He’s here to stay… might not see him on the field much this season or next, but he’s not going anywhere.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Lets take a step back fellas…this was one practice…one practice does not mean the man has changed his ways. Alcoholics often times go a few days without drinking too.
Just keep our fingers crossed that it is real, but otherwise be ready for the Campbell era.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
New post…
April 30th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
“Only about 4 of 25 fell incomplete.”
Oh that’s great stuff. Never mind in that setting most QBs hit at least that many. Call me when Russell has to read a defense.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Im not getting excited about russel until I see him in a game with those 300 pound behemoths chasing him down. Too many times you hear about good practice players who get and a game and forget how to play. Jamarcus can complete a ten yard pass with no pressure in his face, but can he handle thae all out blitz he had trouble with last year? can he hold onto the ball if sacked? can he move up in the pocket and help his lineman? can he throw accurately when the heat is on? call audibles? These are things he had trouble with last year, completing an out pass is the least of his troubles. I wanna see has he improved enough to win games… f**k practice pshh.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Nate,
Like you I read this blog for awhile before I started posting. This blog is a blast. It almost feels like an extened, albeit dysfunctional family. I wouldn’t worry too much about the thick skin thing. It’s all fun and games. I’ve been a pretty vocal supporter of JR on here. Even Rich-O, who I called the blog antagonist has been cool to me. Although Ron did inform me that I was “delusional” the other night. No Biggie. Were all One Nation. The Raider Nation.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
# Raider75 Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Did Russell read any defenses today?
Did Russell look off a defender today?
Did Russell recognize a blitz and pick up the hot read?
Did Russell anticipate the rush and step up to avoid defenders while keeping his eyes down field?
This guy had what some billed as the most impressive Pro Day ever. That hasn’t translated to being able to play when the whistle blows.
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I don’t know, when he engineered comebacks against KC, TB, Houston and Denver he sure did those things, including converting a 4th and 12, a 3rd and 19, and a 3rd and 12. And let’s not forget the bomb he threw to Murphy against SD. Wasn’t that a 4th down play? Seems he made some pretty good decisions on those plays.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
On life support? According to who? Jason LaCanfora? BSPN?? Anybody care what Al has to say on the subject? LMFAO!!
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Tom Cable
April 30th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Now that it looks like JRuss might be putting it together, the tweets I want to see from Jerry and others is…how is Khalif Barnes looking? Is Henderson looking improved? Is the offense more diverse under Hue Jackson? How are we using McFadden?
Doesn’t matter who we have as the starting QB, if the TEAM doesn’t improve as a whole, it is going to be the same ol sh*t.
Come on Hue….your the key to the turnaround. If we can put up at least 18 points a game, I think that will e enough for the the defense and we can win some games.
April 30th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Coach on Wheels Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Amazing. I’ve said over and over that Russell’s weight is not the issue. He lacks the leadership to inspire teammates, drive to succeed and work ethic to be an NFL QB.
A NFL QB is self-motivated. JR needs 24/7 babysitting.
A NFL QB motivates his team. He can’t motivate himself.
A leader doesn’t need Anderson to protect him from outragous questions like, “Do you want to start?”
Do you really think have Anderson wet nurse JR inspires PROFESSIONALS on the team?
Russell completed some passes against air. Call the Hall of Fame! Russell’s bust in Canton will have a little Eddie Anderson on the shoulder.
^^^^^^^^
Exactly and he still needs to restructure down that bad contract!
April 30th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Ryan Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Russell looks pretty solid, to me.
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/04/30/oakland-raiders-quarterback-jason-campbell-8-walks-beside-jamarc
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The funniest part of this picture is Jason Campbell is a big guy. He looks like a high schooler next to Russell.
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No the funniest part is Russell’s eyes. Look closely. While “running” it looks like he’s eyeing a cheesburger on someone’s cafeteria tray and trying to figure out how to reroute his workout in that direction for a drive by.
April 30th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Cable: Seymour absent from minicamp while a longterm contract is negotiated with Raiders.
April 30th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
I could care less who starts as long as it translates to wins on the field. Russell is all of 24. He can make a transformation if he puts in the effort. This is probably the first time in his life he faced this kind of up hill battle. We will see how he handles it.