Russell never had a chance
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, May 6th, 2010 at 7:20 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Let’s dispense with the obvious.
JaMarcus Russell bears much of the blame for his demise as an NFL quarterback. By most accounts, he didn’t work hard enough, didn’t care enough, didn’t love football, and had a schedule of extracurricular activities that would make even the young Charles Woodson envious.
He entered the realm of professionals without ever committing to be a professional.
If you want to get sanctimonious about it, Russell is what’s wrong with so many of today’s young athletes. A huge sense of entitlement. A me-first way of thinking. One wonders what he’s going to do with that diamond encrusted figurine of himself in a Raiders uniform with the words “The Chosen One.”
Change it to “The Released One,” perhaps?
Russell got $39 million from the Raiders, he doesn’t need our sympathy, nor does he deserve our scorn.
That belongs to the organization that decided to write the checks.
Let’s see if we can devise a diabolical plan to ruin the future of a No. 1 draft pick. (I choose the word diabolical because it’s an Al Davis favorite _ one he applied to the now defunct Oakland Football Marketing Association in the early days of Raiders blackouts):
– Make sure Russell holds out and misses the entire preseason, and in fact signs a contract after the regular season has already begun.
It’s an especially great idea for a guy who showed himself as a junior, had a minimal amount of college starts and really had only one lights-out game _ against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
Davis said the reason for the holdout wasn’t his fault, and there is some reason to believe him because the Raiders seldom have holdouts. But the reason he gave was “forfeiture” and making the pick accountable.
As it turned out, the contract was supposed to have a $30 to $32 million guarantee and Russell will walk away with $39 to $40 million for three years of sub-standard play. The whole contract impasse was a waste of time.
– Have Russell walk in to a budding firefight between the owner and coach.
Davis later made it public that Lane Kiffin didn’t want Russell. Those kinds of things go on all the time behind closed doors, but eventually a unified front is presented. You think Jon Gruden loved every draft pick Davis ever made? He hated some of them, but never said it in public. And some of those he hated he learned to love. It’s part of the game.
Russell’s holdout gave Kiffin a year to keep the quarterback on the bench, breaking him in gently at the end of the season. But Davis was upset after a 4-12 year, and wanted more of Russell. The animosity between coach and owner grew, and both of them were at fault for a rift which was destructive to the entire team _ and also served to stunt the development of the supposed franchise quarterback.
– Make sure Russell has plenty of different voices in his head.
First, there was Kiffin as play-caller, with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. When Kiffin was fired in part because he couldn’t “get over” Russell, Knapp became the play-caller. Tom Cable, with the offensive struggling, stripped Knapp of his duties and called plays himself _ with Russell leading the Raiders to a pair of wins at the end of the 2008 season.
The next season Cable again called plays, but with a new quarterbacks coach in Paul Hackett and a passing game coordinator in Ted Tollner.
Schizophrenics don’t hear as many voices as Russell did in his three years as a Raider.
– Give Russell no guidance in terms of dealing with all the outside issues that go with a being an NFL quarterback, such as dealing with the media.
Here’s how it’s done for any team with a clue in the NFL. Your quarterback stops by his locker to talk on Monday, even if he has a bad game. Especially if he has a bad game.
That way, he hashes over Sunday, takes responsibility, and the focus shifts to the following week. Instead, Russell, unlike Rich Gannon, Kerry Collins, Josh McCown and even Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter, went into hiding.
By doing that, Russell’s teammates were asked questions about Russell. Since Russell didn’t make himself available until Thursday, much of the week was spent dealing with what was wrong with Russell _ with the quarterback finally answering questions for Friday’s papers (Thursday on the Internet) and the storyline went on all week when it could have been over on Monday.
A team with a clue about how to deal with media relations understands this. Gannon, Collins and other veteran quarterbacks knew it through previous experience. Russell needed to be told. And no one was there to tell him.
There’s every possibility that if the Raiders had provided all the support Russell needed, he still would have been a washout. That he never would have cared enough or dedicated himself enough to succeed.
Yet there are coaches in his background in high school and at LSU that suggest otherwise. They think Russell was an immature talent in need of some guidance, hit a few bumps in the road and went horribly off course.
In that scenario, it would be up to the Raiders to get their investment back on track.
It didn’t happen, and the fact that Russell was cut Thursday was evidence Davis had finally gotten over the fact that it never would.
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May 6th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
1st
May 6th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
ALMOST 1ST
May 6th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
BFD
May 6th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
He failed because he didn’t try to succeed.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Plunketthead Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
BFD
BALTIMORE FIRE DEPT.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
KK is alive and well at PFT
KoolKell says:
May 6, 2010 10:14 PM
Plunketthead says:
May 6, 2010 10:03 PM
UnKool
Al just texted me
He said he was gonna live another 20 years, win three superbowls and piss on your grave.
————————————-
Fine, if he’s winning he’s alright with me.
But right now he’s 29-83. And a laughingstock
May 6th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Good article Jerry…and thanks for the recap of the details finally concluding with his waiver.
In recap, I believe, that anything which could have been done differently, wouldn’t have changed a thing. You are what you are and the truth will always come out in the long run…period. JaMoron, fat ass, was and is a lazy, dumb idiot who was handed “wealth” in exchange for an “honest effort” toward production as a QB. It was a one sided contract, where the moron took the money but failed big, big time in extending effort and a willingness to perform as a QB. All of his efforts were half-hearted at best and eating at the expense of being over weight and non-productive were of no concern to him. He has no integrity or character and those two attributes will come back and bite him in his fat ass. Sooner than later will be welcomed.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
JaMarmalade is thru. Never to be seen in seen in a game again. Mark my words.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
BS Jerry, complete BS. Paint it as you may Picasso, he failed, the organization didn’t fail him. Lack of structure? F that. He made millions of dollars and didn’t perform. If ANY one of us don’t perform at our jobs we get fired, regardless of what structure we do or don’t have, regardless of how many managers we did or didn’t have…
May 6th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
My words are rubbish. I cant even right write now.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
All that just show how much he is not prepared to be in the NFL.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
The fact he doesn’t respect himself based on his weight and how much he eats goes to show he doesn’t respect football, the NFL, the Raiders, and least of which the fans. See ya JaBlubber.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
If the Raiders didn’t pick him, some other team would have in the first round, he would have held out for more $$, he would do what he did and end up getting cut much sooner.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Jerry is just putting up as many blog articles as he can so they can be linked to national news media outlets. Either he or his boss are pressing to get as many blog articles as possible in hopes that one or several of them stick in a national media outlet in order to get local attention for their company.
Shamefull Jerry.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Einstein, I don’t have to say it but I will, your a genius.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
I know Dave, but thank you anyway. Btw, I live in and “I love L.A”….. love that song too,..
May 6th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
What can be say about JaJobless that hasn’t already been said?
May 6th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
ABSOLUTLY POST-13,WELL SAID..
May 6th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
No wonder you make sense.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Seriously, I’ll feel a lot better when time has passed and we no longer discuss or care about and revel in the renewed glory of my beloved Raiders. He’s done, screw him. I’ll bet some predictions of his future posted earlier are going to be accurate. Hopefully the entire Nation moves on. It’s a brand new day.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Einstein Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
I know Dave, but thank you anyway. Btw, I live in and “I love L.A”….. love that song too,..
……………………..RAMS AND RAIDERS DID NOT LOVE L.A.THEY GOT OUT OF CALIFORNIAS SEWER CITY
May 6th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
The title “Russell Never Had a Chance” is just plain stupid and ridiculous. What a joke.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
He IS what he WAS. The only blame is on JaBustus. Had he tried, he would have been better. He was ill-prepared to be a NFL QB. He had a strong inaccurate arm, Period. He had no touch, no pocket presence, no leadership skills, no determination to improve, no motivation, no inner-player rapport, no mobility, no-fault attitude and no future in the NFL. He made $39 million bucks – poor him. I should be so non-essential.
Adios JaBustus. The bad dream ends.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
should have been: ..care about “HE WHO MUST NOT BE SPOKEN OF” and revel..
May 6th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Yeah, this is a stretch Jerry. Seems pretty likely the holdout was his fault and even if he hadn’t held out does anyone really think if he had been there for that first training camp that the trajectory of his career would’ve been any better?
The problem here is that JaMarcus just did not care that much about football and had no intention of working hard. He figured he hit the lottery and would coast the rest of his days. Maybe you can get mediocre production out of a guy like that with that kind of raw physical talent at some other positions on the field, but a QB with that mindset is doomed to fail.
I’ll admit it. I was for taking JaMarcus that year as were most of the media pundits and fans. I saw the rocket launcher arm, the powerful 6-6 frame, the lights out Sugar Bowl game and our own pathetic QB play leading up to that draft and I figured he had to be the guy. Of course, I had no way of gauging what was in his head and heart.
I don’t blame Al for drafting him either. Typically, I like how he gambles on players with the big upside and follows his own hunches rather than taking the conservative, safe selections. To me that’s part of the Raider way.
I guess aside from JaMarcus the biggest source of blame should be the rookie salary system that allows an unproven college kid to come in and make a mountain of money just because he was the No. 1 pick while many other hardworking, good, productive players fight their whole careers and never even make that much because they were drafted later. Look at Zach Miller for example, how many years will he have to play in this league before he collects $39 million. Not that he’s going broke or anything, but he’ll probably have to play a full 10 years or more in the league before he reaches that figure. Just because he was the 38th pick and not the 1st.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
By the way, Tee Martin’s credibility has taken a real hit here.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I got a perdiction:
JaJobless will be looking like Cedric the Entertainer in a month and he’ll be a staple at the MGM grand breakfast buffet.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
1. He fell asleep in meetings
2. He stepped out of meetings, never returned, and had to be retrieved by others back to the meeting.
3. Overweight
4. Was sent home with a blank DVD of game film, and didn’t even watch it.
5. Didn’t have the support of his own teammates.
The list goes on and on and on, now explain how that is the organizations fault Jerry.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Chris in NY
I guess aside from JaMarcus the biggest source of blame should be the rookie salary system that allows an unproven college kid to come in and make a mountain of money just because he was the No. 1 pick while many other hardworking, good, productive players fight their whole careers and never even make that much because they were drafted later.\
You my friend are correct!
May 6th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Notice how Jerry writes up the blog articles, calls this “his” blog, but never interacts with this blog, other than the moderated “online chat”.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
JaMarcus Russell – The real Mr. Irrelevant!
May 6th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Absolutely on the money, Chris
May 6th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
# Einstein Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
1. He fell asleep in meetings
2. He stepped out of meetings, never returned, and had to be retrieved by others back to the meeting.
3. Overweight
4. Was sent home with a blank DVD of game film, and didn’t even watch it.
5. Didn’t have the support of his own teammates.
The list goes on and on and on, now explain how that is the organizations fault Jerry.
===================================================
What is the story on #4?
I never heard about that one.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
But it’s a business. One that requires many judgment calls. Al has many good ones and of late has made some seriously bad ones, one after another after another….
May 6th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Jason Campbell was in a very similar situation as Russell. Yet he left Washington as a respected teammate and NFL QB. Russell would have failed in any situation. The only way Russell MAY have succeeded, was if he was paid by incentives only. You play well, we pay you well. He is motivated by money. He got paid, and the Raiders got screwed. Simple as that.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Jerry will email you back if you send him an email. I think he avoids this blog because we’d just bait him into trouble, it’s a job you know.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Yea, is #4 true? ’cause if it is… That’s high school stuff. Not $39 Mill stuff.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Hopefully, DMac will get the message being given. Deliver & produce or you’re out. This should be the last year we tolerate DMac’s lack of production. In his case, it’s not all his fault. I personally think he ought to be the slot WR. There he could thrive. Between the tackles is a place he should not go.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Russell may have been given a crappy hand, but he would not have been released today, if he put in the effort and the Raiders had any inkling he may turn it around.
And refusing to re-structure, was a sign he wanted his $3 million and to do nothing for it.
I don’t think he signs with another team. The phone will ring, he will ask his agent how much they are willing to pay him, and when he realizes he will be playing a season for what he used to make in a week or two, he will pass.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Honestly, we need a seriously Kick Ass O-line and we can get any QB out of the draft to throw to Al’s ridiculous picks.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Russell may have never lived up to his draft status, no matter where he played. But, he went to the most unstable and insane atmosphere possible. Al Davis certainly shares some of the blame.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
In Defense of JaMarcus Russell………….. my opinion, I see a young QB WHO HAS ALREADY displayed skills and made throws
that no other QB in the NFL can make. I see toughness, heart, poise, leadership, and ice-water in his veins. I see a young man literally getting killed out there because he does not have time to throw and coaches call long developing plays at the wrong time. His receivers also drop balls, and there is no running game.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Jolly Roger says:
He got paid, and the Raiders got screwed. Simple as that.
——————————-
The Raiders screwed themselves.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
I’m just so happy about JaJobless being cut, that I feel a song comin’ on!!!
Ding Dong the BUST is gone!
The lazy BUST is gone.
Ding Dong the BUST is gone.
Which ole BUST?
The lazy BUST.
Ding dong the lazy BUST is gone!!!!!
May 6th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
I think DMac can get better, he just needs to show a strong work ethic.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
# fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
In Defense of JaMarcus Russell………….. my opinion, I see a young QB WHO HAS ALREADY displayed skills and made throws
that no other QB in the NFL can make. I see toughness, heart, poise, leadership, and ice-water in his veins. I see a young man literally getting killed out there because he does not have time to throw and coaches call long developing plays at the wrong time. His receivers also drop balls, and there is no running game.
*******************
Put simply, Bullschit!
May 6th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
# fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
In Defense of JaMarcus Russell………….. my opinion, I see a young QB WHO HAS ALREADY displayed skills and made throws
that no other QB in the NFL can make. I see toughness, heart, poise, leadership, and ice-water in his veins. I see a young man literally getting killed out there because he does not have time to throw and coaches call long developing plays at the wrong time. His receivers also drop balls, and there is no running game.
——————————————————- you are a moron of undefinable proportions.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Boo your own team’s Franchise QB and wish him to fail? You are a twisted and incompetent. You are a “what have you done for me lately group” who are blind to judging talent and potential.
Great players and great men overcome the most adverse circumstances. JaMarcus will.
JaMarcus has the Strength and Character to overcome your damnation. When he does, just how are you going to handle the shame of your actions?
How will you make amends for throwing him under the bus? How will you be able to call yourself a Raider Fan?
How can you not support the young QB in his growing years but jump on the bandwagon when he becomes the Franchise and wins multiple titles?
I say at that point it’s time for you to jump this pirate ship for another franchise.
Now that would be the honorable thing for you to do.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
That may be Fat Kidd,.. but what about falling sleep in meetings, being close to if not over 300 lbs for 3 seasons straight, all the bling… and so on and so on.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Fat Kidd, you are embarrassing yourself. Do you believe in Unicorns too.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
You guys need to read this – an article written on April 25, 2007, BEFORE the 2007 NFL draft, on a site called blogcritics.org. The author writes the article from the perspective of the future, the year 2011, looking back at the biggest bust of the draft that year, JaMarcus Russell of the Cleveland Browns. Sounds like a gimmick, but it’s amazing how many of the things came true:
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns, ending an era of missed opportunities and frustration for fans and players alike, released JaMarcus Russell today. The third pick of the 2007 draft never met the lofty expectations placed on him by a desperate community.
When Russell first shook hands with Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel in front of the assembled Cleveland media in 2007, his potential was as massive as his frame. Even Crennel, a former defensive lineman, stood in awe of Russell’s body. “He’s a biggun, isn’t he?” joked Crennel.
Russell’s arm was legend before the draft. He showed off before the 2007 Sugar Bowl by throwing the ball nearly the length of the field and then sitting on the turf to throw another ball 40 yards. Lesser men tried to catch a Russell Express and earned broken fingers for their trouble.
Stuart Scott, carefully keeping his distance from the demonstration, noted to an ESPN colleague that Russell was fully capable of bettering Daunte Culpepper’s best days. Scott creatively nicknamed Russell the Brown Cannon. While Russell was somewhat inexperienced compared to Brady Quinn, a fellow 2007 draftee, his athleticism provided a future previously unimaginable for Cleveland fans: a positive one.
The first hint of trouble came only two days later. The press conference introducing Russell came after a contract was agreed to but before it was formally signed. While both sides blamed the other, sources from both sides suggest Eric Metz, Russell’s agent, encouraged Russell to press his advantage. Minor contract requests regarding entourages, locker room amenities, and a request for a steady stream of Vanilla Oreos turned into an extended holdout.
While Russell did eventually report to camp, it was far too late to learn the playbook in time to play more than a few downs in the last preseason game and observe for most of another miserable Browns campaign. His first start as a professional in Week 17 ended in a cascade of boos as he failed to complete more than half his passes and was sacked four times in a 42-14 loss to the Packers.
From there, Russell walked a well-worn path to failure. Hurt feelings from Browns fans that expect their stars to understand the privilege of playing in Cleveland never truly subsided. Perhaps the lowest point came when a snowball that hit him in the helmet at Paul Brown Stadium led to a verbal confrontation with a fan in front of the fan’s four-year-old girl that required numerous half-hearted apologies to finally move on from. A false positive for a controlled substance (implied to be marijuana) leaked to the press only confirmed stereotypes for the angry Browns fan.
On the field, Russell never improved his college style of play, holding the ball much longer than feasible for a pro quarterback and relying on his cannon. He never mastered the playbook, which was trimmed back numerous times to give more opportunities for mastery. He spent most of his last two seasons looking up from either the turf or a trainer’s table. His oblique injury in Week 12 this season was almost a relief, knocking him out for the rest of the season.
With his athletic build and rocket arm still intact, a few teams are believed to be interested in Russell. His new agent, Leigh Steinberg, insists his client has turned over a new leaf and has been working out with a new trainer this offseason. The Chicago Bears, looking at their fourth new Week 1 starting quarterback in five years, are expected to be the lead suitor.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Sweep The Leg. Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
What is the story on #4?
I never heard about that one.
——————-
Unconfirmed reports that he was sent home with a blank DVD. He was told that it was game film on the next game. When he was asked by the coaches if he viewed the film and what he thought about it, supposedly he had said he did and made some comments about the film.
But the DVD was blank.
Again, unconfirmed reports.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
# L.A. Raider Dave Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Fat Kidd, you are embarrassing yourself. Do you believe in Unicorns too.
———
LMFAO.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
From true raiders fans =Hang in there JaMarcus. We have your back
May 6th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
In Defense of JaMarcus Russell………….. my opinion, I see a young QB WHO HAS ALREADY displayed skills and made throws
that no other QB in the NFL can make. I see toughness, heart, poise, leadership, and ice-water in his veins. I see a young man literally getting killed out there because he does not have time to throw and coaches call long developing plays at the wrong time. His receivers also drop balls, and there is no running game.
——————
Are you confusing JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski?
One’s an extremely quick, gritty 220 pound polack. The other could probably eat a 220 pound polish sausage.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Fat Kidd is probably MR, just scared to come in knowing he will get pwnd.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
I never would have picked him. I was disappointed by his CHARACTER. That was proved in his performance. He has so much money, so many resources at his disposal and he squandered it all. He makes no REAL effort to improve, made excuses for his own performance and he has no respect for the OPPORTUNITY the Raiders gave him. He is a failure in my eyes and always will be. When you put on the Silver and Black, with what they gave you, you better take it seriously! For the fans will let you know it.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Here’s some stats from NFLN:
Here are JaMarcus’s ratings sinc was drafted, among all QBs with at least 600 pass attempts (31QBs total):
Completion %: Last place @ 52.1
Pass Yards: Last place @ 4,083
Yards per attempt: Last place @ 6
Pass TD: Last (Tie) @ 18
Passer Rating: Last @65.2
As many of you know, I am the first to point out that stats CAN lie… and that they are not the be-all, end-all of comparative tools. In this case, however, the argument cannot be made that the stats lie. Yes, our offensive line sucks. Yes, we had rookie receivers in ONE of those years (his second year as the full-time starter). Despite those two things, there is no way to contend that the situation was better at all times for those other 30 QBs. We aren’t the only team with a horrible line. Despite the line and young WRs (ONE year), we have had RBs who were very good at catching passes out of the backfield (if the ball was delivered anywhere near them) and we have had excellent pass-catching from our TEs (mostly Miller).
There were contributing factors over which JR had no control, but there were more than enough positives that would have allowed even a mediocre QB to keep himself out of last place in ALL of those categories. Even blind damned LUCK would allow someone who put forth the EFFORT to do something right once in a while and bring those stats up.
JaMarcus was a lazy fatass who brought nothing to the game unless he had NOT started the game and we were within 7 with less than 2:20 left… and he wasn’t even consistent in those situations. He would get a lucky break on FOURTH downs in those situations. If he was truly a miracle clutch comeback performer for the ages as some of his supporters claim, then we never would have kept getting to fourth down in every one of comeback/4th Q winning drives.
Yes, he made some good throws in pressure spots, but those don’t excuse the bad throws he made in pressure spots… and they don’t come anywhere near close to excusing the horrible throws that he made in ALL OTHER SPOTS. He refused to put in any effort to get better… or even learn the offense. Sleeping in meetings is NOT the sign of a franchise QB… it’s even inexcusable for the punter. JaMarcus only cared about making sure he got paid. He cared nothing about football AT ALL, much less about becoming a great QB or leading the team to victories, greatness, and postseason wins.
He was offered 4 million dollars for this season in a restructured deal. He was told that if he refused that deal, he would be cut… and only receive the 3 million that he was guaranteed by his contract. He chose to accept being cut from the roster and be paid 3 million for doing NOTHING instead of being paid 33% more… a MILLION DOLLARS… just to sign a new deal and TRY to act like an NFL QB should. That tells you all that you need to know about #2. He is a worthless waste of carbon. Good riddance to bad rubbish… and I hope that he’s 450 lbs and bankrupt within six months and I wish him nothing but the very worst possible in everything that he does for the rest of his miserable, pitiful, prideless, shameful existence.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
#55. LMAO!
May 6th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I listen to Papa and Plunkett every week and they say that Jamarcus regression is mainly due to the poor offensive line and coaching. The fumble sack against the Jets which really kicked off this media assasination of Jamarcus was called “Too Cute” by Papa. Then Plunkett went on to say that NO QB could have succeeded with this line.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
So what are the sources on the restructuring offer? That sounds unbelievable. an extra million?
May 6th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
In Defense of JaMarcus Russell………….. my opinion, I see a young QB WHO HAS ALREADY displayed skills and made throws
that no other QB in the NFL can make. I see toughness, heart, poise, leadership, and ice-water in his veins. I see a young man literally getting killed out there because he does not have time to throw and coaches call long developing plays at the wrong time. His receivers also drop balls, and there is no running game.
**************************************
Well you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but if no other team signs this guy, than obviously your opinion is full of holes.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
POST 58
Steve Alford you should be the one with the blog, not Jerry McRussell.
Well said in your post. You provide valuable resources with stats to back your argument, and you provided a factfull insight based on real facts not opinions of thought. Well said, very well said.
I think the apologists don’t realize JaBlubber also stole OUR money. In revenue basically us purchasing Raider gear, games, concessions, whatever… he took our money for what?
May 6th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
SteveAlford21. Your alright in my book. And its a good book.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
# fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I listen to Papa and Plunkett every week and they say that Jamarcus regression is mainly due to the poor offensive line and coaching. The fumble sack against the Jets which really kicked off this media assasination of Jamarcus was called “Too Cute” by Papa. Then Plunkett went on to say that NO QB could have succeeded with this line.
————-
Blah blah blah, make your argument fool, nobodys listening, go eat something fat boy.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
L.A. Raider Dave Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
So what are the sources on the restructuring offer? That sounds unbelievable. an extra million?
**************************************
Mike Florio of pft goes on the Las Vegas espn station every week and happened to come on today.
He said he heard the Raiders, after weeks of negotiating, told Russell they would restructure him down to $4 million with it all guaranteed, and his roster spot would also almost be guaranteed.
He passed. He simply did not want to work for a million dollars.
I think he will be regretting that in 5 years when he is doing cash for gold commercials.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
I don’t see another team taking a chance on this guy, Honestly this a multimillion dollar business, you’ve already seen what kind of person he is. That is TOO MUCH MONEY to risk on a possible back up.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
On that first play against the Jets, Cable said that Russell did not get guys lined up properly.
The first play of the game!!! A scripted one in which they assuredly practiced many times and reviewed during the Saturday walk through.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
NFL.com Readers poll:
Which quarterback do you think will play more in 2010?
88%
Brett Favre
12%
JaMarcus Russell
Total Votes: 31562
May 6th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Vegas Raider if he did that then he REALLY is the stupid player to ever be employed in the NFL.
Who is this kid getting advice from? Whoever they are, I guarantee they got their hand in his pocket. He is fool.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Being an “old school” Raider Fan, I remember the times when a QB took 5 years to develop (see Terry Bradshaw). I also know that “today’s fan” have a “microwave expectation policy” of “success NOW” that is not always the way it is going to be. Not saying that it is wrong, it is what it is. However, Al Davis has shown, that in some cases, it is best to wait (Aso, Branch, Huff, Gallery, were not instant successes but are now some of the backbone of the team). I hope JaMarcus can get it together, the skills and talent are there, with time, maturity and good coaching it can happen. He has proven before in flashes, he can be great. But I understand those that have given up on him. The name calling and booing…that is a sign of the times with the “modern fan.” I can’t bring myself to boo the Raiders and I don’t want to waste my time making up crazy names for players and wish the owner sell the team or die. But, that is today’s fan. I am in my mid 50’s. I rather be like Mr. Davis (And, Yes I know he is NOT always right) and wait and see, let the situation play out completely and hope JaMarcus becomes what we all hope he would be a few years ago, a great QB. If that happens, then it will be interesting to see what some will do after all the naming calling and mudslinging that he has endured, some of which sadly has taken a negative racial tone. I suspect they will act as if it never happen and support the Raiders and Jamarcus
May 6th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Chance JaJobless never plays in a reg. season game again.
100%
May 6th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Russell supplants Leaf atop list of all-time draft busts:
Ryan Leaf has waited a long time for this day, the one where his place on the all-time draft bust list matched his draft position: No. 2.
“If I’m going to be the biggest bust, I have to own up to it,” Leaf told the Los Angeles Times last month. “I used to go to bed at night hoping somebody else like Heath Shuler might magically leapfrog me on those all-time bust lists.
“It never happened. Why? Because I am No. 1. I can’t even think of anyone else in the ballpark that might be close to my combination of disappointment and failed expectations.”
Hello, JaMarcus Russell.
And move over — or should we say down? — Mr. Leaf.
With the Oakland Raiders’ release of Russell on Thursday, there is a new quarterback sitting atop the all-time bust list.
How bad was Russell’s short-lived career in Oakland? Consider what the Raiders received with their nearly $40 million investment:
» $5.7 million per victory (7 wins in 25 starts).
» $2.2 million per touchdown pass (18 in three seasons).
» $113,000 per completion (354 in his career).
Those are facts. What follows is one man’s opinion of the top 10 NFL draft busts.
1. JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
It cost the Raiders $36 million to keep Russell — the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft — around for three seasons, and they still are on the hook for another $3 million. That’s a lot of money for a player who never cared enough about the game.
What he’s doing now: Looking for an NFL job.
2. Ryan Leaf, QB, Washington State
Immaturity, a lack of commitment, and a bad temper doomed the second overall pick of the San Diego Chargers in the 1998 draft from the outset. To think the Colts, with the No. overall selection, had given some thought to taking Leaf over Peyton Manning.
What he’s doing now: Leaf is serving 10 years of probation after pleading guilty in Amarillo, Texas to eight felony drug charges and losing his job as an assistant football coach at West Texas A&M.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d817ff891&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
May 6th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Fat Kidd.
This isn’t the “old school” this is the real world.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Florio also was asked which is a likely next stop for Russell.
He said with Denny Green in the UFL (I think Sacramento). He said he may make more money out there (Losman got over a million last year) and would present the best opportunity to play the soonest.
I agree
May 6th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Vegas Raider, I can see that.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
What a crock, Jerry.
There was no diabolical plot, intentional or inintentional to have Russell fail.
You are right about one thing though…
Russell never had a chance — he’s too innaccurate and too STUPID to succeed as an NFL QB.
Some more thoughts on JaMoron being released:
As I have oft stated, the subtraction of Russell is the greatest addition the Raids could have made this off-season. So it is a move that should be gleefully welcomed by every Raider fan.
It was somewhat of a surprise to me that JaMoron was permitted to attend mini-camp last week.
I’ve stated on this blog, and am convinced that JaMoron was a goner ever since he was finally pulled last year and the Raids made it very clear he wouldn’t start again for the rest of the season. JaMoron wasn’t only benched – he was told that he was now 3rd string and wasn’t going to see the field again barring injury. It was apparent the Raids would rather go with Frye or even Losman than to have JaMoron take another snap.
Clearly this was at Cable’s behest, but you can bet the move came with Al’s approval – and in retrospect, JaMoron was as good as gone from that moment on.
The only possibility that Russell would remain a Raider was if Davis held out any hope that JaMoron had a chance of developing and Al was simply protecting JaMoron from becoming ’shell-shocked’.
Thankfully, Mr Davis could see what was painfully obvious to all (except for a few myopic fans like Priest and Debo) – JaMoron would never succeed in the NFL. Russell has got the physical tools, but not the mental ones – and he’s way too innaccurate.
There remained the possibilty that the Raids would allow JaMoron to compete throughout camp, talk up his game, and hope to get something/anything in return for him from any team dumb enough to trade for him.
There was also the possibility Davis feared JaMoron coming back to haunt the Raids in an opponent’s uniform.
The fact that Davis released JaMoron this early tells us that he knew Russell held absolutely no trade value, and that Davis had completely given up on him.
Hindight is always 20-20, but it is clear now that Russell’s pathetic play last season all but assured he would no longer be a Raider.
Even if he had shown up in fabulous shape and been willing to re-negotiate his contract – it probably wouldn’t have been enough.
Cable and Davis had seen enough and had enough of JaMoron’s utter futility on the field to know that Russell could not and would not ever be the face of the franchise.
It’s a shame the Raids didn’t luck out and get a franchise QB with the number one overall pick. This was a tremendous setback to the organization. But such is life. Davis has made many serious errors the last several years. Ultimately, he’s responsible for the sorry state of the Raiders. But he’s shown a willingness to admit his errors and move on. With some wise decisions Davis might yet realize the goal of some more Lombardi trophies for his Oakland Raiders.
I hope he succeeds.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Being an “old school” Raider Fan, I remember the times when a QB took 5 years to develop (see Terry Bradshaw).
—————————-
LMFAO. You old school mang? LMFAO. Dude please keep posting, you are seriously becoming a comedian on this blog.
You claim to be an “old school” Raider Fan, but yet you post an example of a Steeler, Terry Bradshaw nonetheless.
Your ignorance just proves you are a lying fool.
Any “old school” Raider fan has a DEEP hatred of the Steelers, and especially Terry Bradshaw, and an “old school” Raider fan would NEVER use either of these as an example to make a point.
How you like them apples mang?
May 6th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
RAIDERMAN99 Says:
As I have oft stated, the subtraction of Russell is the greatest addition the Raids could have made this off-season. So it is a move that should be gleefully welcomed by every Raider fan.
—————————————————————————————————————
You are very right about that. Good post.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Einstein.
You have said it perfectly once again.
Fat Kidd.
Are you learning from this?
May 6th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Einstein, Dodger fan?
May 6th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Even if he had shown up in fabulous shape and been willing to re-negotiate his contract – it probably wouldn’t have been enough.
*********************************
That’s the only part of your well-written post I disagree with Raiderman99.
If he would have said just give me the $3 million and a chance to compete, and was at the facility everyday, he would still be here.
The guy blew-off the first “voluntary” workoff session because he was “closing on a house”. He may have very well been, but he had already used up his get out of jail free card.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
yee-hawh!
May 6th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Fat Kidd, you loyalty is admirable, your reasoning isn’t.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Of course Raider Dave!!!!
I gotta go peeps. Chat at ya later. Good riddance JaBlubber!!
May 6th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Fat Kidd.. really? Thats not just an excercise for your school Forensic Club? Taking the opposing position?
Francise QB? Thats an earned rank, not a given based on draft position.
Talent and Potential? Only valuable if realized. Which won’t happen with the Sloth, Greed, Pride and whatever other Deadly Sins are being practised by The UnNamed One
I have been a Raiders fan since the days of the Snake and the Stork and will be to the MF’n day I die. That includes the right to actively dislike a player I feel is dragging my beloved Raiders down.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
L.A. Raider Dave Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Einstein, Dodger fan?
*******************************
I’m a giants fan, but I got a question for you.
Do you listen to the raido telecasts and dodger talk? My cousin is Josh Suchon who runs the post game show and AM talk show with Lyons.
I hear a lot of Dodger fans don’t like him because he used to cover the Giants and wrote a fairly glowing book on Bonds and his 73 HR season.
Always looking for feedback, positive or negative. I think he is a better writer than announcer.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
# PlunkforHOF Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Fat Kidd.. really? Thats not just an excercise for your school Forensic Club? Taking the opposing position?
Francise QB? Thats an earned rank, not a given based on draft position.
Talent and Potential? Only valuable if realized. Which won’t happen with the Sloth, Greed, Pride and whatever other Deadly Sins are being practised by The UnNamed One
I have been a Raiders fan since the days of the Snake and the Stork and will be to the MF’n day I die. That includes the right to actively dislike a player I feel is dragging my beloved Raiders down.
—————————————————————————————————-
Spoken like a intelligent Raider fan. Well said my friend.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Casual reader, rare poster, here to vent about JaWalrus like everybody else…
Apparently there is no question on the Wonderlic that allows teams to find out how much work ethic somebody has and whether or not $30 mil in guarantees will kill that work ethic.
Why can’t the real world be like the NFL? I could have one great day at my job in 3 years (the LSU bowl victory vs. Notre Dame), get a $39 mil contract on the potential that I might have more great days on the job in the future, and receive the money whether I give a hoot or not about how good I am at my job. Amazing.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
In his defense, he never had good protection or good play calling. It’s no wonder why he sucked, it’s cuz the offense was altogether poor. Our running backs could rarely do anything and they’re good and experienced! Jamarcus Russel could’ve done better, he could’ve worked out and he could’ve gotten slimmer but in any case, he still would’ve done poor and we would’ve still benched him and won only 5 games. And in the Raiders defense, there really were no great, standout quarterbacks to choose from. All of the other quarterbacks chosen in that year’s draft have either sucked or been backups. Russel has an amazing arm, everyone else was no big deal. So the Raiders picked their best choice, the athlete. You can teach an athlete to be a football player but you can’t teach a football player to be an athlete.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Vegas Raider. No I haven’t. Mostly just watch on TV or go.
I don’t get too in depth with them or any baseball team. The season goes on too long for so many of the games to seem relevant.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
If the NFL doesn’t go to a rookie salary cap thing, they should look at what baseball does.
Some teams with the top picks will pass on the consensus top player, because he is “unsignable” or basically has Scott Boras and wants too much money. The 5th pick in the draft could make more than the 1st pick, and most all negotiations are done prior to the draft.
May not be a perfect solution, but it would give teams options at the top of the draft and after about 20 picks it really doesn’t matter anymore anyways.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Fair enough, figure I would ask.
Go Giants!!!!!!
May 6th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
nevadaraider.
I’m curious on your thoughts about the wonderlic, how does it judge work ethic?
May 6th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Linc is a hell of pitcher. pretty jealous.
You better hope it doesn’t go away with his youth.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Jamarcus Russel could’ve done better, he could’ve worked out and he could’ve gotten slimmer ..
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He could’ve learned the playbook, he could’ve stayed awake at meetings, he could’ve studied film, he could’ve put in extra time… ad nauseum
May 6th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Wonderlic is a worthless measure.
If anyone in here works in sales, often times you take some type of cheesy “aptitude” test as part of the hiring process.
It really doesn’t matter what you score on it, they just do it as any extra hoop to jump through. Really can’t help you but can hurt you if something weird comes up, or in the case of the wonderlic, you score really low.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
dont remember anything on jr’s wonderlic before the draft but i can remember vy’s. wonder why? jr must have not done so bad. oh well, just glad we’re through with ‘em.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
i dont think its fatt boy talking… ive read fatt boys shyt b4… its either raider debo, kool kell or tj
May 6th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Being an “old school” Raider Fan, I remember the times when a QB took 5 years to develop (see Terry Bradshaw).
…………………………………I am an school Raider Fan notice i aint talking baseball on a football blog.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
i went out and celebrated a lil after work…i really like what were doing here.. getting rid of all the bad apples
May 6th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
C’mon Jerry. Just a little bit of ego huh?
One of Russell’s downfalls was not talking to YOU until Thursday instead of on Monday?
Really? Really?
You actually expect me to believe that when he talked to the media had anything to do with completing passes?
The arrogance of the media never ceases to amaze me.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Jamarcus got a 24 on the wonderlic, which amongst NFL circles is average to slightly above average.
We can’t speak on Jamarcus’ overall intelligence, or at least I won’t, but as far as football IQ, the guy played as if he was dumb as rocks.
I can’t remember him ever throwing the ball away, but I remember plenty of times when he would try to squeeze in a pass on 1st and 10 and get picked. No clue on how to manage the clock at times, always wasting timeouts.
Played like a rookie after 25 starts, which is unacceptable.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
come on fatt boy.. this guy was a bad disease.. like hanging out with someones whos about to die bro…
May 6th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
hopefully we can use some of that 9.5 mil to get some d and o line help. c’mon man we can’t go into the season with kelly/bryant duo at dt. but sadly i see it’ll be the money they’ll probably give to 1 player alone.
Richard Seymour
May 6th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
who cares how intelligent Jamarcus is. he sucked as a QB. let him go and solve some wonderlik problems all he wants AWAY from my Raiders.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
30 Greatest Tigers of the Decade: #10 JaMarcus Russell …………..JaMarcus Russell was a player so good that even his successes seemed like disappointments. Here is a player that went 25-4 as a starter, yet people question whether he is a winner. He was a miracle play by Iowa away from having nine come from behind wins in his career, yet people questioned whether he was clutch. But no one ever, ever questioned his immense talent.
Actually, the first time we got a glimpse of JaMarcus was coming off the bench in the 2004 season opener. As a freshman, he came off the bench and score two touchdowns against Oregon St. to lead LSU to his first comeback victory. He would serve primarily as a backup as a redshirt freshman, but he started four games. He didn’t start the Capital One Bowl, but he came in down 24-12 and went 12/15 for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns, the apparent game-winner with less than a minute left. Still, it was about as promising a freshman year a quarterback could have,
Russell earned the starting job before his sophomore year, and he was the QB for the remarkable 2005 season, plagued by the hurricanes. OK, we can admit it was a bad call that allowed the play to stand, but his last second, 4th and 10, 39-yard touchdown pass to Early Doucet against Arizona St. was just a fantastic play. He put up big numbers: 188/311 for 2,443 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Russell threw for a TD pass in 9 straight games, as he was the emotional leader who carried the team through adversity and to the SEC Championship Game.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Russell’s junior year is the single greatest season by an LSU quarterback. Better than Hodson, better than Jones, better than Tittle, better than anyone. He was 232/342 for 3,129 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. The yards were second best in school history to Rohan Davey, but he set school records in completions, completion percentage, passer efficiency, and touchdowns. He became the only LSU quarterback to ever beat Alabama, Auburn, Florida, AND Tennessee (not to mention bonus wins over Arkansas, Miami, and Notre Dame).
Somehow, Russell was not name first team All-American, though he did sweep the All-SEC teams and won the Manning Award. He absolutely crushed Brady Quinn’s Notre Dame team in the Sugar Bowl, as if to show everyone who really deserved the plaudits as best quarterback in the country. Russell rightfully went pro and became the first LSU player since Billy Cannon to be drafted first overall in the NFL Draft. JaMarcus Russell is the greatest LSU football player to never win the SEC title, which is the only thing keeping him from being the #1 guy on this list.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Regarding the following post:
fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
In Defense of JaMarcus Russell………….. my opinion, I see a young QB WHO HAS ALREADY displayed skills and made throws that no other QB in the NFL can make. I see toughness, heart, poise, leadership, and ice-water in his veins. I see a young man literally getting killed out there because he does not have time to throw and coaches call long developing plays at the wrong time. His receivers also drop balls, and there is no running game.
*************
Is this a joke? Seriously… Sounds more like Andrew Walter than Jamarcus Russell!!!! Did you get #16 and #2 mixed up? There is no excuse to miss swing passes by 5 yards or lock in on recievers with your eyes so the defenses key on your targets when being a pro QB. The excuses continue…
May 6th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
the guy has no pocket awareness, no vision downfield can not properly make his progressions – or checkdowns…the only time i ever saw a glimer of hope is like chris in ny said less than 2 min to go, down by less than 7…he was more in his environment… shot-gun spread type offense other team playing the prevent..
May 6th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
if this past minicamp was mandatory and dick didn’t show, i don’t expect him to show till training camp when they’ll start taking some money back.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Honestly, O-LIne has to be our HIGHEST priority for the next few years with all the young talent we have to develop.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Fat Kidd are you JaMarcus Russell?
May 6th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Know what? I think 30yr is right. This is a different Fat Kidd. All cross posting long articles and no short all caps trolling.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Obviously Fat Kidd is just a fan and not a fan of the sport. He has no understanding of what really makes a player.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
# PlunkforHOF Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Know what? I think 30yr is right. This is a different Fat Kidd. All cross posting long articles and no short all caps trolling.
###############################
i know i am its debo kool kell or tj
May 6th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
well i’m eager to see if we spend that money saved from jr’s salary on other players not on the team.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
i bet its kool kell he loves to plagerize stuff
May 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Regarding post #107
So what – many great college players are not good in the pros. Ryan Leaf was not bad at Washington State and Andrew Walter was one of the best all time Pac 10 Qbs statistically – where are they now? JR had first day draft pic WRs and OL working with him. ND had a crappy pass defense that year for the Sugar Bowl. Take a look at how JR played against elite defenses like Florida. I called this in 2007 – JR will be a bust – I was hoping to be wrong on this because it set the team back for years but it was so. JR had two good games as a pro at the end of the 08 season but defenses caught on to his tendencies and it was all over… There is more to being a QB than throwing a ball 40 yards while on your knees.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Maybe KoolKell found out where Fat Kidd lives, broke into his house, and hijacked his computer so he could get back into the blog.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
I am not the fat kidd but i am at his home using his screen name ,dont tell richoshyt if you know who i am!!!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
listen guys we are not done with the house cleaning yet… hue jackson and tom cable are on a mission
May 6th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
#119 LMAO
#120 Suspect!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
vegas raider Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Even if he had shown up in fabulous shape and been willing to re-negotiate his contract – it probably wouldn’t have been enough.
*********************************
That’s the only part of your well-written post I disagree with Raiderman99.
If he would have said just give me the $3 million and a chance to compete, and was at the facility everyday, he would still be here.
The guy blew-off the first “voluntary” workoff session because he was “closing on a house”. He may have very well been, but he had already used up his get out of jail free card.
=================================================
You might be right about that, Vegas.
The fact that the Raids had Anderson baby sitting JaMoron lends credence to what you say.
There probably was still a very faint glimmer of hope for JaMoron to remain a Raider.
But at best, JaMoron had one foot out the door and the other on a banana peel.
Either way, I’m glad JaMoron is history as a Raider and I’m willing to bet he won’t ever succeed with another NFL team.
Oh, and Jerry, I don’t know if you bother to read any of these comments, but in this ridiculous entry of yours, you state:
” Russell got $39 million from the Raiders, he doesn’t need our sympathy, nor does he deserve our scorn.”
Well, JaMoron has got my scorn (and I suspect alot of other Raider fan’s as well) and he’s well deserving of it.
What JaMoron doesn’t deserve is the excuse making and coddling and refusal to accept the reality that he hasn’t got what it takes to be a good NFL QB.
If even 1/10th of the stories about JaMorons lack of work ethic and desire are true, then he definitely deserves the scorn of all Raider fans.
Even if Russell was in an environment that wasn’t conducive to success, he did next to nothing to overcome the situation.
And in the final analysis, he would’ve failed anyway. Impossible to play QB in the NFL without accuracy or brains.
The Raids should have never drafted JaMoron but to propose that there was a diabolical plot (intentional or unintentional) to undermine Russell’s chance to succeed is beyond ludicrous.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
# fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
I am not the fat kidd but i am at his home using his screen name ,dont tell richoshyt if you know who i am!!!
############################
wats up kool kell????i hope u burned that #2 today
May 6th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Just a big DUMB kid is all Russell was here. No amount of guidance was ever going to change that. Jamarcus took the money and ran away and hid in Vegas. Period.
See ya later, dummy. You have JaF*cked us for the last time.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
im die hard i only own one raider jersy its #87 casper… i would in a million years never never ever think of burnin a raider jersey.. but if i owned a #2 i would have burned it!!!! fact
May 6th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
You want to know about my #2 jersey come visit me at PFT tomorrow i will tell you all about it,some interesting discussions going on over there!!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
BornInOakland Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
See ya later, dummy. You have JaF*cked us for the last time.
/////////////////////////
Amen. g’night all.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
# 30 year raider Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
listen guys we are not done with the house cleaning yet… hue jackson and tom cable are on a mission
*******************************************
Your absolutely right, all this is sign that not all hope is lost, we obviously need a lot more improving to do, but in no way are we as far off as many suspect. Granted we’ll have some bad seeds that are better option then most available, but we have a good chance to compete in this division with them till we can make more improvements.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Kell, why the hell did you spend $250 on a Russell jersey? Was it diamond encrusted?
May 6th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I only got one jersey too, 30 Year. Its got #16 on it.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I think Thomas Howard is next on the chopping block.
Good dude, but not a good player, and has regressed quite a bit.
And I will never get over the fact this guy celebrates tackles when we are down 20 points, or when he tackles a guy 7 yards downfield on 2nd and 5.
We won’t miss him.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
fat kidd home from work signing off.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I think I cashed out on my Russell jersey the best I could last year.
I got someone on here to pay for the postage to send it to him. Doubt I could find a taker for that these days.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I have a Ronnie Lott Raider jersey.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
I loved Howard, Morrison, even Schwiegert, but they are strictly package type players, not your starters. You can’t compete with “coverage” type players on D only.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
hey has jawalrus left town yet,i will buy his bus ticket if he needs one.so he can go back home and buy his shrimpin boat!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
# fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
hey has jawalrus left town yet,i will buy his bus ticket if he needs one.so he can go back home and buy his shrimpin boat!
***************************************************************************
What is up with you dude? Are you drunk?
May 6th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
dave, my point was that with all the testing they do and all of the hoops that these guys have to jump through, it’s still tough to tell what $30 million guaranteed will do to somebody’s work ethic.
thanks to vegas for posting JR’s wonderlic score. 24 isn’t bad, and it goes to show what a crapshoot the whole thing is. Just for the record, I was hoping for Calvin Johnson, but still thought (hoped to hell) JR could be a good starting QB. By the way, you could argue that DHB’s production at WR so far is almost as bad as JR’s production. Let’s hope DHB shows huge growth!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
did someone get me in trouble here while i was working,cant say his name.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Tweet alert: Mario Henderson and Tyvon Branch are going paint balling this weekend.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
I think DHB got like an 8 on his wonderlic, lol.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Your handle was hijacked Fat Kidd.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
NevadaRaider.
I’m still very optimistic about DHB. He is trying and has the potential to be an excellent WR. I wish him the best for us and the Raiders.
Too me JR was a bad call from the start.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
# A.B. Paine II Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Tweet alert: Mario Henderson and Tyvon Branch are going paint balling this weekend.
*****************
More than likely up at JaLoser’s home in the Oakland Hills.
Good hunting guys!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
# JB Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
# A.B. Paine II Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Tweet alert: Mario Henderson and Tyvon Branch are going paint balling this weekend.
*****************
More than likely up at JaLoser’s home in the Oakland Hills.
Good hunting guys!
*****************
Payback is a SOB!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
well its a good day to be a raider!!! it would have been a better day if we drafted cj spiller.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
A.B. Paine !! interesting link.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
# fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
well its a good day to be a raider!!! it would have been a better day if we drafted cj spiller.
***************
Maybe, but I’m more than happy with RoMac – a real quality football player with the commitment necessary to become all he can be.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Later guys.. been a great day! GO RAIDERS!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I’m out guys, thanks. Dave, hope you’re right about DHB. At least this offseason is off to a good start. Hope we bring in a veteran receiver and some O line help. In honor of cutting JR, I will make sure I drive over and get to at least one game next season!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
It was fun fellas, and as the great Charlie Kelley says…
Later dudes, S you in your A’s Don’t wear a C and J all over your B’s
May 6th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
The witch is dead!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I don’t know about a witch but I do know a turd is a turd no matter what color you paint it. WORD!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Actually, I should have ended that last post with PERIOD instead of WORD. It just seems to make more sense.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Great day for RaiderNation.
The curse/pall is gone, and I bet all the players feel it too, knowing there’s a genuine coaching input in place now, competition at every spot, no scholarships, the franchise operating like a professional success-orientated team again, palpable sense in the locker-room and the practice field.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
jamarcus is gone jersey on sale tomorrow
May 6th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
# GG Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Great day for RaiderNation.
The curse/pall is gone, and I bet all the players feel it too, knowing there’s a genuine coaching input in place now, competition at every spot, no scholarships, the franchise operating like a professional success-orientated team again, palpable sense in the locker-room and the practice field.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
One last thing, best post of the night and will be the most relevant. The tools are in place, LETS DO IT RAIDERS!!!!!
May 6th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Didn’t have a chance? 1st year: What was his first order of business, study the playbook and begin to establish leadership with his teammates??? NO, hold out for a bigger contract and miss the majority of his rookie season sitting on his fat, lazy ass. 2nd year: Obvious work ethic FAIL, yet the organization continues to feed his ego, letting him off the hook time and time again, every excuse in the book made for his horrible play. 2009: Given the keys to the Offense only to be truly OFFENSIVE…and after his ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE PRESEASON, REGULAR SEASON, AND OFF THE FIELD BS, he takes off for Las Vegas during the last team meeting of the year. He had a chance, anybody with a 1/10th of the heart or talent (see Gradkowski) of this Tinman would have been busting his butt to make the Raiders into a contender. JaBusto, stop making excuses for this pathetic squandering of a football player.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Let the Jason Campbell era commence. Get the running game in gear, moderate the passing game, up the ante on all line fronts and it’s time for the D to step up & be counted. Determination & domination are the orders of the day. The crap has been flushed & a new deal is in-place. The upcoming season now bears relevance. There just may be a new Sheriff in the AFC-West.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
ya were gonna win some games this yr 9-7 very realistic..if we catch a few breaks 10-6
May 6th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
like i said we are not done cleaning house… eugene, routt, and carlisle will be next to go
May 6th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
stevie brown is already better than eugene as is mcfadden better than routt…i really wished we would have brought in 3 og undrafted guys
#1 jeff byers
#2 sergio render
#3 brandon carter
May 6th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Jerry’s post was just about right.
Al Davis is on record saying he doesn’t believe in team chemistry and all that.
JaDavis’ poor behavior was ENABLED by an organization that had infighting, incompetent coaches, poor game plans and a bad surrounding cast.
With that said, the attitude and behavior of JaDavis was breathtaking in that the guy didn’t try to work at his craft.
The Raiders are not…and really never have been a developer of talent….they are more a team that has historically relied on getting veterans that had that Raider attitude and still had gas in the tank with something to prove.
They have never developed a QB….except Stabler…..
Jason Campbell is the PERFECT QB for the Raiders…HEre’s a veteran who works hard, has something to prove and kind of got the shaft in Washington with all the coaching changes and ownership.
So, move on from the JaDavis experiment. We learned that there should be a salary cap for rookies, that physical attributes are not the predominate predictor for success and that the Raider organization’s historic weaknesses should focus it on acquiring free agents in spots and developing lower round self motivated players.
May 6th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Of course, that’s why Rolando McClain is here…is he the most athletic…no…but the guy works as hard at being a MLB as Peyton works on being a QB.
Davis is doing a course correction after the JaDavis, D-HB experiments.
Get football players and let the coaches do their job.
BTW, no way JaDavis gets away with the nonsense he did in Oakland in places like BAltimore, San Fran, New England or Indy…those places DEMAND excellence with NO COMPROMISE….everyone might not succeed, but they are going to work at it….if JaDavis was skipping meetings etc….the coaches and players would have dismantled him on the spot.
What’s sad is Oakland did nothing about it but let it go on…rewarding JaDavis for being overweight, skipping meeetings etc….what a joke.
Back to Alabama!
May 6th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Excellent post.This is why I love this blog. Will be checking in more often.
RAIDERS!!!!!!!
May 6th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
# SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Of course, that’s why Rolando McClain is here…is he the most athletic…no…but the guy works as hard at being a MLB as Peyton works on being a QB.
Davis is doing a course correction after the JaDavis, D-HB experiments.
Get football players and let the coaches do their job.
BTW, no way JaDavis gets away with the nonsense he did in Oakland in places like BAltimore, San Fran, New England or Indy…those places DEMAND excellence with NO COMPROMISE….everyone might not succeed, but they are going to work at it….if JaDavis was skipping meetings etc….the coaches and players would have dismantled him on the spot.
What’s sad is Oakland did nothing about it but let it go on…rewarding JaDavis for being overweight, skipping meeetings etc….what a joke.
Back to Alabama!
###################################3
could not have said it better
May 6th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
watched a video earlier dominc rhodes, jon ritchie, and ray something from the sf news paper.. man they really were ripping russell hard..it was a segment from outside the lines i beleive
May 6th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Here Raiders jersey not to buy list.
Don’t buy Jamarcus even if its for $2
Don’t buy Asmough I dont think he will stay after this year
Don’t buy DHB you might not be able to catch your hotdog
Don’t buy DMAC you might fall in the stairs walking
Don’t buy Campbell yet until after he wins 2 games in a row
Don’t buy Gallery he is getting old
Don’t buy Huff he is in his way out
Buy
McClain he is here to stay
Zach Miller best offensive player and probowl caliber
I can’t think of any others
May 6th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
I am looking forward to the new season.
New offensive coordinator, new quarterback, new middle linebacker, new defensive end, new offensive linemen, new kick returner, new starting running backs, and no JR.
Woohoo!
May 6th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Jerry, your best blog entry in months.
The Raiders, under Davis’s iron fist, post Gruden control, sucked long before Russell, and will suck long after him.
May 6th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Without a doubt, the old looney emperor man and his inability to keep coaches around is partly to blame for the ruining and transformation of JaMarcus Russell into JaMierda Russell.
May 6th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
FOR SALE – LEAVING TOWN IMEDIATELY
A $3 million home in Oakland. The home offers over 5800 sq. ft., 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms, 4-car garage, 4 fireplaces, large game room, wet bar, and bay views. Has a custom built study & gym – never used.
FIRE SALE PRICE: $!M cash!
http://www.sportshometribune.com/images/jarus1fin2.JPG
May 6th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Still believe that this is not a cause for celebration.
Scratch the Ryan Leaf jokes…..man, these 7 years have been a nightmare….hopefully things are turning up.
May 6th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
JB Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
FOR SALE – LEAVING TOWN IMEDIATELY
A $3 million home in Oakland. The home offers over 5800 sq. ft., 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms, 4-car garage, 4 fireplaces, large game room, wet bar, and bay views. Has a custom built study & gym – never used.
FIRE SALE PRICE: $!M cash!
he may need this house if he sticks around as QB coach or G.M.
May 6th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
What I have noticed is these high draft picks that lack work ethic from the begining all end up being busts. McClain is a can’t miss because of his overall mentality. I can’t wait until the authentic jerseys are for sale. I am also glad I decided to wait on the RUssell jersey based on the hold out. I knew Al sealed his fate at the Kiffin press conference.
May 6th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
jmeds Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
What I have noticed is these high draft picks that lack work ethic from the begining all end up being busts. McClain is a can’t miss because of his overall mentality. I can’t wait until the authentic jerseys are for sale. I am also glad I decided to wait on the RUssell jersey based on the hold out. I knew Al sealed his fate at the Kiffin press conference.
……………………….HIS OVERALL MENTALITY i hope he can hit
May 6th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Hey you moron Chargers Fan.Go on your own blog and write.Oh I forgot your team is boring and falling off.You run your mouth on our team but the fact is your team sucks and is never won a superbowl and never going to.Rivers sucks and even though we have not done that well in a few years we still beat you guys more than you beat us.Look at the history books.We will take the division if not this year it will be next and we will own it again for a long time to come.
May 6th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
There will be a new Sheriff in the AFC-West this year. Write it down!
May 6th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
BS Jerry….
Jawalrus never had a chance because he never gave himself a chance. The Raiders spent money on having personal assistants to him in the offseason and he still can’t do it.
Stop making excuses. This fella refused to motivate himself.
May 6th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Aig,
JaDavis is completely at fault and he has character issues…big time!
But Jerry’s post does point to other SERIOUS problems that Cable and Hue Jackson are hopefully fixing.
Could you imaging JaDavis in a lockerroom with Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Matt Birk and Derrick Mason trying to pull that B.S? Ozzie Newsome as the G.M…JaDavis might not have liked it and chafed in other ways…but his big backside would be on time and in those meetings….and if he showed up overweight, skipping meetings…no way Jon Harbargh puts him on the field…and he would have front office support….say the same for Mike Singletary or Bill Belicheck
Al Davis runs a loose ship when it comes to player discipline..that only works when you have a ton of high character players with the experience and credibility to police the lockerroom….because for a long time the coaches werent’ able to do it…and that’s well chronicled.
Anyway, let’s hope Al Davis has learned…I admire when people admit they are wrong and change course… so 2010 is fairly bright…especially with hard working players all over the roster…hope Kelly is paying attention
May 6th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Alot of QB’s (Especially those drated #1 overall) are going to face adversity.
I can’t recall a super bowl team needing or taking a QB #1 overall draft because teams that draft #1 overall usually suck.
I think the media thing with Jerry is blown out of proportion. “If he’d only met with us on Monday it’d be over” Aw, BS.
He and everyone else knows the media would’ve said what ever it was going to regardless of a mumbled Russell statement on Monday or not.
Yes, Russell had crap / young wides bad blocking and a coach rotation.
I myself used those excuses for him. They are legit, but the fact is, it ain’t gonna be perfect when your on a team that “earns” the #1 overall.
He didn’t work. Period.
What a huge disapointment.
Moving on.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:04 am
Singletary set a standard across the bay.
Ravens were a bad team when they got Flacco
Look, Cable and Hue Jackson are trying to change the culture and get Davis to buy in.
No doubt JaDavis didn’t work\
But the Raider organziation has made huge mistakes….and have been at the core of this 7 year period of nonsense.
Jerry is right to state those issues….JaDavis was no good…but the org is right there with him in blame.
Hopefully they right the ship
May 7th, 2010 at 12:04 am
Need a Full Back.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:07 am
SnB offense defense specialteams Says:
May 7th, 2010 at 12:04 am
Singletary set a standard across the bay.
Ravens were a bad team when they got Flacco
Look, Cable and Hue Jackson are trying to change the culture and get Davis to buy in.
No doubt JaDavis didn’t work\
But the Raider organziation has made huge mistakes….and have been at the core of this 7 year period of nonsense.
Jerry is right to state those issues….JaDavis was no good…but the org is right there with him in blame.
Hopefully they right the ship
=====================
“the organization is to blame”? Partly, but c’mon, OF COURSE ITS GOING TO BE MESSED UP. ITS DRAFTING #1 OVERALL!!!
Its not going to be Patriots or Steeler central with Randy Moss or a killer D to help out.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:07 am
I learned something early in my teen years that I live by today: I am ultimately responsible and accountable for everything that happens to me. There are no victims, only those that (often in 20/20 hindsight) made the wrong choices at the wrong time.
The point here is that Russell had plenty of chance. Or does this article attempt to say that any of the other highly picked starting QBs in the NFL today would not have succeeded given this situation. Somehow I think that Manning (either one), Brees, Rivers, Ryan, et al would have fared better if they swapped places with Russell in their careers, and Russell would not have done as well as they.
It’s pretty simple. To be a starting QB in the NFL means that you have to be amongst the top, say, 40 people in the ENTIRE WORLD at what you do. And in any other profession that I can think of, in order to be tops in the world means that you have to not only have incredible natural talent for that profession, but you have to be driven for success and with a work ethic that leaves others in the dust.
JaOrcas on partially had one of those covered; he has the physical tools but doesn’t have the intellect nor the intangible awareness needed to play QB in the NFL. He certainly didn’t show any glimmer of the drive or work ethic needed, especially given his talent deficiencies mentioned above. So yeah, based on that assessment he definitely never had a chance — a chance to be a successful NFL QB that is. And that’s all on him and has nothing to do with the situation that he landed in on the Raiders.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:17 am
I dont think he wanted to be a raider anyway.He never looked like he wanted to be there.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Was it really three seasons?? Are they counting the holdout year. More like 2 and some change. This tells me that all of the Jamarcus stories must have been true for Al to give up on him so fast. Al is the last person who gives up on an player.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:24 am
They say to screw up on the top pick will set your team back 5 years. Well, Jamarcus was only here three. IMO, it will take this team another 2 years to fully recover.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:40 am
Thank god no more lazy people on the team no more.No more russel sands moss type players on the team.Should have a productive year.Some players will break out this year Murphy Bey Mitchell schillens miller Mcfadden bush And Jason C Should do alot better this year Due to Hue Jackson.
May 7th, 2010 at 3:52 am
fat kidd Says:
May 6th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Being an “old school” Raider Fan, I remember the times when a QB took 5 years to develop (see Terry Bradshaw). I also know that “today’s fan” have a “microwave expectation policy” of “success NOW” that is not always the way it is going to be. Not saying that it is wrong, it is what it is. However, Al Davis has shown, that in some cases, it is best to wait (Aso, Branch, Huff, Gallery, were not instant successes but are now some of the backbone of the team). I hope JaMarcus can get it together, the skills and talent are there, with time, maturity and good coaching it can happen. He has proven before in flashes, he can be great. But I understand those that have given up on him. The name calling and booing…that is a sign of the times with the “modern fan.” I can’t bring myself to boo the Raiders and I don’t want to waste my time making up crazy names for players and wish the owner sell the team or die. But, that is today’s fan. I am in my mid 50’s. I rather be like Mr. Davis (And, Yes I know he is NOT always right) and wait and see, let the situation play out completely and hope JaMarcus becomes what we all hope he would be a few years ago, a great QB. If that happens, then it will be interesting to see what some will do after all the naming calling and mudslinging that he has endured, some of which sadly has taken a negative racial tone. I suspect they will act as if it never happen and support the Raiders and Jamarcus
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
this is the deepest post i’ve ever read from you…
like you, i’m in my mid 50’s… i own my own business…
over time i have discovered something that leads me now in the running of a business…
i cannot and will not care more about a person’s job than he does…
people who come in late… surf the internet on my dime… produce poor quality work through neglect… stay out too late and come in without being prepared to work…
i cannot be concerned about them or their families…
because they aren’t… they make those decisions…
i used to try and work with poeple like this…
but not anymore… the best thing to do is sy good bye and hope they learned from the experience…
they must reform themselves…
but not on my dime…
but here’s the thing…
May 7th, 2010 at 3:59 am
You hit it right on the head! Everything you wrote is right on the money. The problem is that these kids coming out of college expect to make the big bucks when in fact 90% are a bust and the guy who is the sleeper comes out in the late rounds,there should be a Cap for the first contract most of these guys don’t even play there first 2 yrs. This will force them to be hungry coming out of college which I might add doesn’t even come close to the NFL.
May 7th, 2010 at 4:38 am
[...] Russell never had a chance – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly clas… Ill add a couple of more. Please disagree if you want. No oline No running game hurt or crappy receivers no run defense [...]
May 7th, 2010 at 5:51 am
Good Morning Nation!!!
…and so the Jason Campbell era begins!
Goodbye Russell!!! I, for one, would have loved to see you finally get it and lead the Raiders to greatness…but it wasn’t meant to be! Good Luck!
May 7th, 2010 at 5:56 am
Man I must say I was really down on the Raiders after last year and I didn’t think much would be done to get my interest back up as it always used to be….
But after the Hue Jackson and Mike Waufle hirings, a real solid draft, the trade for a decent starting QB and now the release of Russell…I find myself really excited again, let’s go Raiders!.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:05 am
GOOD MORNING SPORT’S FAN’S,HWNRDR,I AM JUST GLAD THE ORGANISATION STOOD UP AND MADE THE DECISION 2 MOVE ON.COULD NOT HAVE BEEN AN EASY CHOICE 2 MAKE.GET SOME NEW PEOPLE IN HERE THAT HOPEFULLY WANT 2 PLAY THE GAME AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:07 am
Morin’ mornin’ crew. How does it feel to wake up without the feeling of a Walrus laying in bed next to you eating a shrimp & egg sammich!?!?!!
May 7th, 2010 at 6:10 am
Yup…I am happy too! Makes me that much more eager for the season to start!!! Like you said on Wednesday…is it Cinco de September yet?
May 7th, 2010 at 6:13 am
In the upper left-hand corner (while facing your computer) on the lead page of Raiders.com, a McFadden figure has replaced Russell
***
excellent.
Jerry Mac, might I suggest Darren McFadden for the top of this blog banner as well ???
May 7th, 2010 at 6:13 am
good morning AM crew!
it’s a great day to be a Raider fan, isn’t it?
May 7th, 2010 at 6:13 am
ANY MAYO ON THAT SAMMICH TW ? WONDER IF THE KID WILL EVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN,EVER..
May 7th, 2010 at 6:13 am
I guess Bo isn’t up yet!!! LOL
Trade DMac for the Banner!
May 7th, 2010 at 6:14 am
You know I heard that Sean payton MAY consider him…but he has to put in the work, the dedication…ok, stop…I guess never again!
May 7th, 2010 at 6:17 am
Grey poupon Dirt-Lot, for $35 Milllion a black Alabama kid won’t eat mayo! Jadumptruck probably has cajun hot sauce on it too.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:20 am
I wouldn’t doubt Shanny might sign him just for the agravation to Al. $1 mil a yr. Then he’ll say he’s just like Elway when he was a rookie & needed the help only Shanny could give (like cheating on the salary cap for 2 yrs).
May 7th, 2010 at 6:24 am
I think he’ll end up on the Patriots roster.
they love to pick up ex-raiders and have nobody behind Tom Brady …
Walter, Sands, Jordan, Gabriel, Moss, Burgess and now Warren
May 7th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Right on, Jerry. You are always the voice of reason. It’s easy to dump on this guy and make up cute nicknames for him — he’s earned and deserves a lot of criticism due to his non-existent work ethic — but things are not that simple. They drafted him young and raw when he had very few starts and only one strong performance. At the time, I was 100% behind the pick and thought he would be great. Instead, he’s been a huge disappointment and set the Raiders back five years. But to put all the blame on him, when he showed promise early on, and when he’s had to deal with an organization in complete turmoil during his tenure, 5 different voices in his head, and no offensive line to speak of, is unfair and inaccurate. Had he been drafted by another organization, he may have had more success. Had he had the character and work ethic of a Jason Campbell (who I think is going to surprise a lot of people if they can surround him with a solid O-line, some decent receivers, and if Hue Jackson sticks around for longer than ten minutes), he would have had more success. I think the last word on JaMarcus has yet to be spoken — the guy is only 24 years old and a huge upside if you take away all that stupid money he was earning and implant some maturity in him. When the pressure’s finally off and he’s in a stable place, he may surprise. I don’t view this guy as a Ryan Leaf. I view him as a young, immature player with talent who got lazy and took his future for granted. Let ye who never had that mindset at age 24 cast the first stone.
Now let’s enjoy us some Jason Campbell and climb out of the wilderness.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:26 am
Raider TW,
am I recalling correctly from yesterday that you said today is your b’bay? If so, Bon Anniversaire!
May 7th, 2010 at 6:29 am
Let ye who never had that mindset at age 24 cast the first stone.
***
GDC: I had better work ethic at age 16 going to school and working 3:30-8:30 Monday thru Saturday
these excuses are bogus imo. When you get outplayed by guys like Bruce & Charlie, you either don’t want it, don’t get it or suck. and none of those 3 are acceptable, whether you’re making $6 million for each win or $6 an hour. plain & simple
May 7th, 2010 at 6:31 am
I will be glad when we stop talking about Russell and start talking about Campbell, Mclain, and Bush.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:32 am
watching JaBanished lowlites on Chronicle live last night as the cut was being discussed three things stood out.
all his movements were slow. his recognition was slow. and his reactions were slow.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:33 am
Pacman Jones & Gibril Wilson are now both officially Cincy Bungles!
May 7th, 2010 at 6:39 am
Al Davis means business this year. Great draft, great trade for Jason Campbell and then swallowing pride and cutting dead weight in Russell
Give me Jacksonville in the JaMarcus sweepstakes.
-Vittorio Tafur (twitter)
May 7th, 2010 at 6:39 am
WELL SAID GHOST,I JUST THINK HE WAS DRAFTED TO HELP BRING THE RAIDERS OUT OF THE TURMOIL AND DISFUNCTION, PAID HIM A LOT OF $ TO DO IT.MAYBE A GOOD SPLIT 4 BOTH SIDES..
May 7th, 2010 at 6:40 am
does Jason Campbell have the ability to:
-read a defense?
-grasp a playbook?
-throw an accurate screen pass or dumpoff?
-be on time and AWAKE at meetings?
-stay in shape?
-feel a pass rush coming?
-scramble or throw the ball away?
-refrain from wearing all the bling, goofy sweaters and haircuts?
-be a professional (i.e. don’t throw your teammates under the bus or skip mandatory interviews) ?
May 7th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Thanks, Lonetree, RRS, Dakota, me & vegas raider all have (had) Bdays in a 2 week time period.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Can’t wait till the season starts no Russell,Fargas,Morrison,Walker. Call me crazy I would take TO we don’t have a 1 Wr ,no way Chaz is a 1 when he can’t even play a full season.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:43 am
I’m going to celebrate like a JaWalrus would, I’m going to all you can eat sushi!
May 7th, 2010 at 6:44 am
when I think of immaturity, I think of Jay Cutler.
when I think of laziness, I think of JaMarcus Russell.
the difference?
Cutler threw for over 4500 yards & 25 TD’s in his 3rd NFL season.
Russell threw for under 1300 yards & 3 TD’s in his 3rd NFL season.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:46 am
ROCKSTAR,POST=213. A D M B AL DAVIS MEANS BUSNESS..
May 7th, 2010 at 6:51 am
looks like Russell purchased a new ride with that extra $3 million in his pocket …
http://howsyourrevolution.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/walrus.jpg
May 7th, 2010 at 6:52 am
now that Russell’s NFL career has ended, he has picked up a new hobby:
http://neatorama.cachefly.net/images/2008-11/sara-walrus-saxophone.jpg
May 7th, 2010 at 6:53 am
Russell never really took to Paul Hackett’s coaching style:
http://neatorama.cachefly.net/images/2006-10/walrus-peekaboo.jpg
May 7th, 2010 at 6:55 am
You think anyone would get him out of his laziness? I heard he wanted to open up a chicken franchise? I think he should just wisely invest what he has and stay rich! I mean, his career is over before it began!
May 7th, 2010 at 7:01 am
Hwnrdr,
Lackawanna might be a railroad, but it is also an incurable disease in an NFL player.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:01 am
Fine analysis, Jerry, but you left out a few key things.
Russell was mediocre — not terrible — in 2008 and was facing a big season, his make-or-break season, in 2009.
So the Raiders gave him TWO rookie starting wide receivers, one of whom was completely unprepared to play in the NFL.
How many QBs in the NFL could succeed with two rookie wide outs?
In addition, Russell’s starting tackles were among the worst in the league. Cornell Green led the league in false starts — constantly putting Russell in second-and-longs and third-and-longs. Henderson gave up the most sacks of all left tackles in the league.
Clearly, Russell was his own worst enemy.
But Al Davis, as you point out, never gave him a chance to succeed.
Now let’s turn our attention to why McFadden can’t get past a single tackler.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:03 am
I don’t think that is anyone’s fault there…McFumbles better do something this season!
May 7th, 2010 at 7:04 am
Dakota,
did you know that on your birthday (and his 79th) the California State Legislature passed a declaration stating “Willie Mays is the greatest baseball player to have ever lived.”
no more of this “greatest living ballplayer” crud. facts is facts.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:04 am
“Russell never had a chance”
Yes he did. Rookie training camp. Oh wait he missed that. Offseason training? No. Film study? No.
I’m not even going to bother reading this article. Jerry’s stock with me just plummeted with an asinine headline like that.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:05 am
DMC better have been working on leg strength & ball security this offseason!
May 7th, 2010 at 7:08 am
Bradford & Stafford were drafted by horrible teams too.
do they “have a chance” ?
I guess Brady Quinn & Trent Edwards “never had a chance” either then, huh ???
May 7th, 2010 at 7:10 am
SR Raider,
a future Jerry Mc posting – “McFadden never had a chance” followed by blah blah blah ’bout blocking and injuries and play calling.
“I’m a victim of soicumstance!” – Curly Howard
May 7th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Now let’s turn our attention to why McFadden can’t get past a single tackler.
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A jamarkably lucid comment, this.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:14 am
And Cam Inman does a far more entertaining live chat…
May 7th, 2010 at 7:21 am
Oh my god! Will people stop making excuses for JaMarcus. Jesus Christ! He hasn’t earned ANY “good” words from me. Raiders at fault too? HELL NO!! Most of all this falls at JaMarcus’ feet. Don’t give me that “culture” garbage. I agree with the cat that said almost ANY qb wouldve done better than JR. Coach changes you say? Shouldn’t effect your qb. He’s been the “man” for all coaches until he showed he wasn’t. Offense streamlined and playbook simplified yet can’t hit the 5-8 yard flats? Bad line play? At times yes but not entirely. I mean come on. You block well for a few plays then JR throws an INT or worse overthrows the Wr or Te leading to 4thdown. So many 3 and outs land at JR’sfeet. Bad play calling you say? Well if JR had watched his game film maybe we coulda called more plays but JR NEVER changes plays or calls audibles or helps the line presnap. Or works hard to LEARN a play book that didn’t change much from Kiff to Cable. So give me a break. What I really wanted wasfor San Diego todraft Rivers #1 instead of taking Eli so he wouldn’t drop to Raiders. Bastards. At least Marty paid for it by losing his job going 14-2. Lol.
Anyway JR was given the “keys to the kingdom” and lost them on the flight into Oakland. Or ate them. Made what? At least a good couple mil his first year when he sat? Did you ever hear h having the offense over his crib? Think his house had a film room? Davis blessed JR with FAITH and MONEY. JR gave back nothing. You can’t even say he gave a good effort so how does this fall on Raiders? Hindsight is 20/20 but JR had the money to take the time to devote himself he didn’t. Raiders brought in countless individuals to help mentor/tutor him. A couple wereeven qb guru’s. No change in JR. I am sorry but the only blame that Davis gets is the initial drafting. But Davis gets a pass on it becuase at the time we needed JR. Wait we needed the college JR that was 25-4 in college and actually gave a crap cuz no $$ were present. JR stopped working on his craft the sec he got our $$. And don’t say the Raiders don’t develop talent cuz that’s absurd. We have plenty of DRAFTED guys on the roster in STARTING positions so give me a break. And that weak wrcore everbody likes to dog? Who has Mcnabb had all these years. Only three of his Philly years did he have NFL caliber wr’s. So that front is bogus too. We’ve added weapons every year wth the only suspect one being DHB. Who I feel wouldve looked a ton better if JR wasn’t throwing him the ball. I was all set for Al and Cable to give me Gradkowski but the move for Campbell has refreshed my faith that hadn’t dwindled but had people trying to step
on it for the last seven years. But I remain unduanted and ready for the rivival of “genuis” Al Davis owner of the Oakland Raiders.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:28 am
BSJ: I have been assured by McFadden’s baby mamas that he’s been working hard this offseason and now has kung fu grip – whatever that means!
May 7th, 2010 at 7:29 am
that has something to do with ball security, right?
May 7th, 2010 at 7:31 am
They meant a kung fu grip on his $$$$$, unfortunately.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:32 am
Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting. Well, for example, the other day my wife and I went into town and went into a shop. We were only in there for about 5 minutes. When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.
We went up to him and said, ‘Come on man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?’
He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him a Nazi Storm Trooper. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires.
So my wife called him a knucklehead. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket. This went on for about 20 minutes. The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote.
Personally, we didn’t care. We came into town by bus and the car had an Obama sticker.
We try to have a little fun each day now that we’re retired. It’s important at our age.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:38 am
McFadden has ball security taken care of:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fwPLXLMBPco/R-p669iHlRI/AAAAAAAAACI/JO4IqGd9NS0/s320/p3423146p275w.jpg
May 7th, 2010 at 7:38 am
McFadden was just overhyped and hasn’t been used correctly. Bush should be the #1 back, with McFadden in there for a change of pace or as a motion back. He’ll be fine, and is in no way like japorky.
btw – the same is true for DHB. If you consider Murphy the #1 pick and DHB the #4, they’re both doing all right. Not great, but all right. Why does it matter how they got here?
If the Raiders hadn’t had such a solid draft, I would be singing a differnt tune. But they seem to have learned from recent mistakes.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:38 am
We need 4 QB’s for OTA’s, which start up in less than 2 weeks.
Bruce is still recovering …
Campbell, Frye, Boller and ???
should we sign somebody to actually compete for a 3rd stringer job like Jon Kitna, Joey Harrington or J.P. Losman or just go with somebody we know doesn’t have a chance like Tui or Jeff Otis?
May 7th, 2010 at 7:38 am
BoSJack,
to paraphrase – there are five possible outcomes from giving the ball to DMc and only one of them is okay.
1) he’ll fall down on his own
2) he’ll go down at an opponent’s first contact
3) he’ll cough up the ball
4) he’ll get injured
5) he’ll gain 3.4 yards
(please burn some incense for Hue Jack to work miracles)
May 7th, 2010 at 7:39 am
And McFadden has really improved his lower body:
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4bw0NAQSd1w/0.jpg
May 7th, 2010 at 7:40 am
If the Raiders hadn’t had such a solid draft, I would be singing a differnt tune. But they seem to have learned from recent mistakes.
***
except for run defense.
sign John Henderson!
May 7th, 2010 at 7:42 am
SR Raider Says:
May 7th, 2010 at 7:38 am
McFadden was just overhyped and hasn’t been used correctly.
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Correct. He should be used as trade bait.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:45 am
BSJ: I don’t get why you’re so bitter about DMAC.
you know he’ll eventually get hurt and our 3 backs will be Bush, Bennett & Cartwright … and Edgerrin James & Brian Westbrook are still available in free agency
May 7th, 2010 at 7:51 am
westbrook is a head case
May 7th, 2010 at 7:54 am
he has taken to many hits but i love his game when he is healthy
May 7th, 2010 at 7:54 am
We need a FB before another HB imo. y’know, run a little, catch a few, BLOCK…
May 7th, 2010 at 7:55 am
RaiderRockstar Says:
May 7th, 2010 at 7:45 am
BSJ: I don’t get why you’re so bitter about DMAC.
you know he’ll eventually get hurt
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Because we play Ryan Clady twice a year.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:57 am
Kirk Says:
May 7th, 2010 at 6:31 am
I will be glad when we stop talking about Russell and start talking about Campbell, Mclain, and Bush.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Looking forward to a lot of big hits by our new MLB
and a whole lot of rushing TD’s from Bush
May 7th, 2010 at 8:00 am
we play Ryan Clady twice a year.
***
thanks for the reminder. *puke*
Fargas, Jordan, Rhodes, Bush, Echemandu.
we drafted a RB ???
WHAT?
thats water under the bridge though imo. He’s a Raider. those other cats are gone (except Bush) and i’m rooting for him!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:00 am
my guess is if one RB goes down we will try westbrook
May 7th, 2010 at 8:01 am
We need a FB before another HB imo. y’know, run a little, catch a few, BLOCK…
***
couldn’t agree more.
sign Brad Hoover!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:02 am
Choke on this McFadden haters! Now that Russell is out and Campbell is in, and Cable is out and Jackson is in, and Fargas’ nut sucking is out of the way expect much more of this from McFadden and Bush:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKDfPjRTqso
May 7th, 2010 at 8:02 am
we should pick up a blocking TE and make him a FB
May 7th, 2010 at 8:06 am
Brian Westbrook was injured last year, but in 2008 he had 1338 total yards & 14 TD’s …
However, he’s 30 years old (when most RB’s start heading downhill) and had multiple concussions last year
it’s a risky bet for sure, but if the price is right and he stays healthy theres no question he could help this football team!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Kyle Boller is a “don’t mess it up for the Defense” QB who knows Hue from BAL. We should keep him and cut Frye.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:10 am
Doesn’t that video get you guys excited to see what Hue can do with those two talented RBs? Yeah baby! Now if we can just get some decent o-line play….
May 7th, 2010 at 8:10 am
we should pick up a blocking TE and make him a FB
***
83: we have 2 on the roster, Brandon Myers and John Owens …
Myers – 24 years old. 6′4″ 250 lbs
Owens – 30 years old. 6′3″ 255 lbs
Lawton, Reece, Moline & Tonga all weigh 240 lbs or less!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:12 am
well meyers needs to play FB cause he can catch as well
May 7th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Good Morning Nation.
RR,
I like Hendeson too, and I do want us to add another DT, but it’s not that important IMHO.
We have:
LDE: Houston, Richardson, and Scott/ Groves on passing downs.
DT: Seymour, Des Bryant, Joseph/ Heard.
DT: TK, Bryant, Joseph/ Heard.
RDE: Matt S, Groves, ?
That’s a good DL IMHO, but we can always improve to a great DL.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:14 am
that was a great clip dakota but i see nobody has that breakaway speed
May 7th, 2010 at 8:15 am
is Seymour the highest paid defensive player in the NFL yet?
May 7th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Obama in Ann Arbor Saturday:
“It is great to be here in the Big House, so may I say, ‘Go Blue!”
Glorious.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:16 am
his 4 sacks and our 29th ranked run defense merit a huge pay increase.
probably more than Julius Peppers …
May 7th, 2010 at 8:17 am
we need a guy who gets in the open then he is gone not hawked from behind that causes fumbles
May 7th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Obama in Ann Arbor Saturday:
“It is great to be here in the Big House
***
he belongs in the big house …
May 7th, 2010 at 8:20 am
is Seymour the highest paid defensive player in the NFL yet?
he said he looks forward to being a leader and turning this franchise around
May 7th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Great Video Dakota.
Thunder & lightning!!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:22 am
he said he looks forward to being a leader and turning this franchise around
***
he did a great job of that last year, didn’t he?
May 7th, 2010 at 8:24 am
he belongs in the big house …
thats only if bush(W) is in the hole and we get to take his oil companys over f these dumb ass people who blame the clean up man i knew this would happen blame the 1ST black pres for a coke snorting pres mistakes but its cool cuz i stayed ready for this
May 7th, 2010 at 8:26 am
I said this before and I was a big JaDavis critic…this is not a GREAT DAY for the Raider Nation….a necessary day…but not a great day.
It represents a massive failure on the organization and set it back tremendously in that we passed up on players in the draft or salary cap reasons…..also, the franchise will be known forever as having drafted the worst pro athlete in PROFESSIONAL SPORTS HISTORY.
Not something to celebrate…necessary…but not something to celebrate….
My opinion anyway..
May 7th, 2010 at 8:27 am
he did a great job of that last year, didn’t he?
the d took 70% of the game on the feild so u would suck to if u were tired from all the 3 and outs
May 7th, 2010 at 8:27 am
W was a coke fiend? And a drunk?
May 7th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Seymour moved around last year to create mismatches and only finished the season with 4 sacks. 3 fewer than old man Ellis and undersized DE Trevor Scott, who moved to WLB towards the end of the season … and the run defense was atrocious
Cable said Kelly & Bryant can play NT and everybody yelled a collective “WHAT?”. But others said not to worry because Little Richard will start there and be double teamed all day.
this team still doesn’t have a nose tackle on the roster, unless you count undrafted player Kellen Heard. We will not stuff the run unless we add a starter quality NT or Kellen Heard proves to be that guy after Mike Waufle coaches him up.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:29 am
after this yr say something about big rich
May 7th, 2010 at 8:33 am
I dont know if I like J Campbell that much. I kinda thought he sucked in WASH. I know the stats say he improves every year in the NFL, which is great. But, the ’skins finished 4-12 last year – can he be a winner?
May 7th, 2010 at 8:34 am
this is not a GREAT DAY for the Raider Nation….
***
would you rather have JaScholarship starting at QB again with Bruce & Charlie the only backups?
cutting your losses with all the players from last year who didn’t “get it” according to the coaching staff and rest of the locker room breaths life and fresh air into what had been a terrible situation for everybody envolved. Russell was just another one of those players. Walker, Warren, Fargas, Green, etc. even my boys Ellis & Morrison!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:37 am
any news on Seymour?
May 7th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Cutting Russell is a reason for celebration. Yes it means that we tanked the #1 overall pick, however the part that deserves celebration is that we mitigated our damages by cutting him thereby lifting his dead weight off of the back of the franchise!
Now if we could only do the same thing with Cable and Al Davis!!!!!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Seymour moved around last year to create mismatches and only finished the season with 4 sacks. 3 fewer than old man Ellis and undersized DE Trevor Scott, who moved to WLB towards the end of the season … and the run defense was atrocious
who do u think got doubled when other teams seen the SD game when he had 2 sacks i was there to see that they new seymour was a problem and doubled him alot and like we all know the NT sucked cuz he got one on one most of the way and alot of runs went away from seymour and the great #21
May 7th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Rockstar,
To me, the Russell situation is like having to fire an employee…..sure, the company is better off, but the process, lost time etc…..still takes away from it all.
Make no mistake, they should have done this when he started skipping meetings and I support this 100%.
So I am pleased the move was made….not exactly exuberant about it….we are talking about Raider players, draft picks and money after all.
But a new day is here and we have a real QB to lead the team for the 1st time in almost a decade!
Looking forward to hearing real news reports and not warmed over propoganda about camp.
This is a new team for sure
May 7th, 2010 at 8:40 am
the ’skins finished 4-12 last year – can he be a winner?
***
the Redskins had a worse running game than we did last year and compare Campbell’s stats to all 3 Oakland QB’s combined last year. definate upgrade.
we thought Tom Cable’s seat at HC was hot? Jim Zorn was basically a lame duck HC since Week 5 last year!
Sherman Lewis went from bingo to NFL play caller. Thats almost as bad as running a bed & breakfast, no?
May 7th, 2010 at 8:40 am
to paraphrase – there are five possible outcomes from giving the ball to DMc and only one of them is okay.
1) he’ll fall down on his own
2) he’ll go down at an opponent’s first contact
3) he’ll cough up the ball
4) he’ll get injured
5) he’ll gain 3.4 yards
****
Right on. You nailed it.
McFadden just isn’t right.
We still need a RB.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:41 am
Well,good morning all.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:42 am
BigTed707 Says:
May 7th, 2010 at 8:33 am
I dont know if I like J Campbell that much. I kinda thought he sucked in WASH. I know the stats say he improves every year in the NFL, which is great. But, the ’skins finished 4-12 last year – can he be a winner?
======================================================
I’ll tell you what,m he completes 65% of his passes in Oakland…you won’t have to worry about is he a winner..at least not until sometime deep into January.
He throws 65% with a run 1st offense and moves the doggone chains…we win more than we lose….hell, won 5 games with nothing.
I want an accurate QB! Not rocket arm JaDavis or the spunky popgun who razzle dazzle here and there…but don’t complete passes.
I want boring….just give me a guy that moves the chains on 3rd down…a guy the cornerbacks have to at least PAY ATTENTION too…..
Campbell was by far the best QB avaailable and is probably an average QB now….hell, Punkett and Gannon came in with less of a reputation….Campbell could very well follow in their footsteps because he works hard, studies hard, is grounded and doesn’t complain.
The Raiders are lucky to have this kid!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:43 am
This is a sad day.
We have every college player to choose from and we take one who doesn’t last three years.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:43 am
dont know if I like J Campbell that much. I kinda thought he sucked in WASH. I know the stats say he improves every year in the NFL, which is great. But, the ’skins finished 4-12 last year – can he be a winner?
this guys offense had injury problems like the line and his only tru weapon was S. moss they lacked offenseive talent at skill positions just like us if chaz doesnt step up and b the vet we need him to be and all the running backs were hurt remember
May 7th, 2010 at 8:45 am
we are talking about Raider players, draft picks and money after all.
***
exactly. it’s not our money, not our draft picks and he’s no longer our player …
funny thing is, 2006 blame should have went to Shell, Walsh, Slater, Eatman and the O-Line.
Instead we drafted Russell to replace Brooks & Walter. big mistake. compare thier situation to Russells, WAY different. If Kiffin wanted Randy Moss gone, drafting Calvin Johnson should have been a no brainer
May 7th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Hey the_big_one_of_83,
Take some advice, put a line between the words you wrote and the words someone else wrote in your comment…it helps keep trak of what you are saying vs what others said.
Thanks!
++++++++++++++++++
the_big_one_of_83 Says:
May 7th, 2010 at 8:43 am
dont know if I like J Campbell that much. I kinda thought he sucked in WASH. I know the stats say he improves every year in the NFL, which is great. But, the ’skins finished 4-12 last year – can he be a winner?
this guys offense had injury problems like the line and his only tru weapon was S. moss they lacked offenseive talent at skill positions just like us if chaz doesnt step up and b the vet we need him to be and all the running backs were hurt remember
May 7th, 2010 at 8:47 am
New post up!
May 7th, 2010 at 8:48 am
NEW POST!
May 7th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Chris in NY – I respect your opinion but to say there was no evidence that JaMarcus was a bad pick because the majority of analyst and fans wanted him is not true. I got blasted on this blog going against the pick because when you looked at Jamarcus numbers coming out of college he had one great game against an outclassed ND team in the Sugar bowl. All his games against good SEC teams were sub-par at best. This is what I wrote on this blog before the 2007 draft:
The two best quarterbacks in the NFL (Peyton and Brady) spend endless hours honing their craft. That is what makes the great athletes like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice, etc. The unlimited talent or the POTENTIAL is always labeled with guys like Jeff George, Ryan Leaf, Michael Vick for their physical attributes.
Being a great athlete takes more than just the measurables but also the desire and determination, hard-work, and unlimited passion to be the best. Russell has the unlimited talent but people are questioning his work-ethic and passion. It is said at one point he was 300 lbs. If that is the case than what happens when he is a multi-millionaire? This guy has BUST written all over him. I watched Russell play in the Tennenesse game and he threw 3 picks and one was in the red zone. Against Florida he threw 1 TD with 3 picks. That is not good numbers against quality opponents. Calvin Johnson on the other hand seems to have the key ingredients which make great athletes: talent, character, work-ethic. No top athletes ever run at the combine but this guy put it all on the line which shows confidence. Raiders should take the best player when drafting that high – Johnson. Get a Beck,Stanton or Edwards in the later rounds. Get vet QB after draft. Start Walter. Have faith that the new scheme and coaching will make a HUGH difference for the O-line but draft some in 3-6 rounds.
May 7th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Also wrote this back before the Russel draft in ‘07:
For all the Russell backers: these are some of the questions I have with Russell. If anyone has some good answers to these questions then maybe it would change my mind about him.
1.) How come with LSU having the 3rd ranked defense in college, why were they not playing in the National Championship game with Russell quarterbacking the team?
2.) Against the best teams Russell played against last year, Florida and Auburn, why did he only throw 1 TD along with 3 Ints combined?
3.) Russell was not able to beat, Florida or Auburn, in big SEC games. Is that considered not being able to win the big game?
4.) Is it important to evaluate how Russell did against top defenses like, Florida and Auburn, compared with softer defenses like Notre Dame, Louisiana-Lafayette, Kentucky, Tulane, Arizona, Fresno State, Mississippi?
5.) If there is a trend were he does very well against the bad teams and not so good against the better teams is there reason for concern?
6.) Is arm strength the most important characteristic for a QB to have in the NFL compared to decision-making, reading defenses, and strong work-ethic?
7.) Why is Russell only associated with how he throws the ball 80 yards down the field and not the other attributes you need to be a successful QB like reading defenses, decision-making, strong work ethic, football IQ? Is this reason for concern?
8.) Why are all the other teams that want to move up covet CJ and not Russell?
9.) If everyone thinks Russell is going to be a great QB, why aren’t Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Washington, Detroit (with their far from great QB situations) not offering the world to get Russell?
10.) Reports Russell once weighed over 300 lbs, are you worried once he is a multi-millionaire that he will not have the self control and discipline to control his weight?
11.) All the major busts usually are associated with unworldly potential and not on-field production (Manning versus Leaf) – is this comparison reason for concern?
12.) If you believe that none of the highly regard QBs are in the Peyton Manning, Tom Brady class but you believe that there is a receiver that may be in the Jerry Rice class – would you take the receiver?
13.) If you don’t take a QB with your first pick is it possible to take a QB in the later rounds where guys like Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Matt Hasselback, Jake Delhome, etc. have been found?
There are more questions but that should suffice. If anyone has an opinion on any of these questions I would like to hear your reply. Thanks.
May 7th, 2010 at 9:52 am
RaiderRockStar,
Then you were a better man at 16 than JaMarcus and many other people were at 24. I have a feeling though, that you and JR have different backgrounds, people around you, and levels of intelligence, and that you didn’t have $39 million thrown at you when you were 21 years old. (I’ll avoid the obvious joke about your work ethic given the incredible frequency of your blogging activity on here (I kid! I kid!))
My only point was that people should put JR’s Oakland flameout in context, that’s all. 85% of it is his own fault. Everyone knows that. No one is absolving him or making excuses for him. All I’m saying is that the dysfunction, coaching turnover, and bad drafting in this organization over the past 7 years didn’t help him and things might have been different if Gruden or someone stable had been leading this team over the past 5 years. If people want to take issue with that and say that the Raiders organization has been a great place for a young quarterback to grow and mature, I think they’re deluded, but go right ahead. Until the Raiders turn things around on the coaching and staffing side, they’d better not be reaching for young, raw, and unproven guys like JR, DHB, and even McF, because they don’t have the luxury, patience, or competence to bring guys like that along and make something of them. It will be a complete waste of time, and we’ll keep watching this team disappoint. It seems that Big Al is finally getting some capable people to run the team now. Hopefully things will change for the better. It’s nice to have some optimism when there was practically rioting on the streets on this blog only eight months ago.
As for JR, my guess is that he ends up as a third-string QB with the Redskins or Saints and either (a) wakes the F up and saves his career; or (b) keeps on trucking to Ryan Leaf and Art Schlicterland. I’m still willing to bet that it’s “a.” We shall see, won’t we? I’m just glad he’s not on this team anymore and is someone else’s problem.
May 7th, 2010 at 10:14 am
well i hope we keep addressing needs before may 18
May 7th, 2010 at 10:43 am
I know that for some reason you’re playing Devil’s Advocate here, Jerry, but players have gone through similar circumstances and showed that they were mentally tough and committed enough to come through them. Campbell is an example right on the team. Washington was chaotic and had no offensive line; he had several offensive coordinators; he held up. Russell does not have the mentality to be an effective pro quarterback. Unfocused, uncaring, lazy, totally uncommitted. He would wash out under any circumstances.
May 7th, 2010 at 11:39 am
[...] the positives given to the Raiders about Russell… …that its Jerry Mac that questions them. Russell never had a chance – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly clas… Never had a chance? Well, Jason Campbell had as many voices in his ear and he never quit like [...]
May 7th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Russell never had a chance??
i always felt when Russell was playing the Raiders never had a chance
i cant wait until he joins another team, then that teams 1st string QB gets hurt and JaMarcus throts onto the field to throw a few interceptions
May 7th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
[...] Posted by blackbishop Russell never had a chance – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly clas… Ill add a couple of more. Please disagree if you want. No oline No running game hurt or crappy [...]
May 7th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I don’t wish any ill-will toward JaBustus, but I don’t think he will ever start in the NFL ever again. He’s got his money, but he just wants to lay back … he doesn’t WANT to play. A lot of other scouts had #2 rated high in the 2007 draft (honestly, I can say I was hoping to draft Calvin Johnson, instead), but that’s all behind us now. JaBustus and Ryan “Loaf” are now side-by-side in the dubious anals of pro football history. With the distraction now gone, the Raiders can focus on getting everyone into game shape — and everyone can now jump behind the true #1 signal caller (who DOES NOT wear #2!)
May 7th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Give me a break, the kid was lazy, fat, stupid and did not care about becoming a good NFL QB. Nothing in him said leader of men, he slept in meetings had an attention span of a snail and moved like one.
I will never forget watching the Raiders under one of the back up QB’s making a game out of playing a good team. They were fighting and looked like they could win the game. The QB goes down and they send Russell into the game. On the first play you could see the whole team take a dive and just fold. This came through the TV and I can only imagine what it felt like in person.
There are very few like Seabiscuit. Very lazy early on and liked to sleep for long periods. He use to eat 3 times as much as other Horses. For years he was ran in and beaten by cheap claiming Horses only to one day wake up and become the great he became. That will not happen with Russell, he is not smart enough to play the QB position at a high level in the NFL. You add in the lazy no work ethic and his wanta be gangsta cool guy ways and you have a jerk.
I found out that he was released by the Raiders by my young son coming running out of his room looking like it was Christmas morning yelling they kicked the bum to the curb, they kicked the fat $#@ to the curb. You would have thought that the Raiders just signed John Elway. How sad is that when a young kid that backed Jerry Porter to the very end and is young enough to never know Raider greatness but is die hard to the end wants this [pig run out of town on a rail.
Last lets stop the Russell could go down as one of the biggest busts of all time. He is the biggest bust of all time and no one else even comes close. Besides destroying the Raiders he almost destroyed the Raider Nation as well. My son took the PUNKS Jersey and burned it in the back yard with a glow of hope on his face like I have never seen.
If seeing Russell go has done this to my son imagine what the Raiders players must feel like, they have hope again.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Einstein, well you ain’t moron. You’re a kool aid drinking Al acolyte with your head up his ass. F u.
May 7th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Nothing the Raiders could do would have changed this outcome significantly. Russell, was not that talented nor did he have the desire and self motivation to become a NFL quality Quarterback.
May 8th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
What going to be the reason for another failed season in 2010?? What was the problem before Russell, and now that he is gone what excuses will the players have for not executing thier assignments??
I been a season ticket holder since they’ve moved back from L.A. and it’s been the same mental errors.
May 8th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Russel never had chance-yeh that’s why so many teams are claiming him off waivers! Problem is this kid had way too many chances leading him to believe he’s the chosen one?
May 9th, 2010 at 4:20 am
[...] Jerry McDonald, Contra Costa Times, on how the Raiders never really gave JaMarcus Russell a chance. It was as if a thought bubble formed over Al Davis’s head: Let’s see if we can devise a diabolical plan to ruin the future of a No. 1 draft pick. [...]
May 14th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Hey Jerry, if this were so true, then how do you explain the success of Gradkowski? He was successful with the same exact players, and he is only an average QB.
October 12th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
blank gun ,…
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