Kiffin Still Mum on Raiders Starting QB

Hmm, this is kinda weird. After going bonkers on his former team to the tune of two touchdown passes and three touchdown runs, Daunte Culpepper still isn't guaranteed to keep the Raiders quarterback job. Oakland's on their bye this week, and head coach Lane Kiffin isn't saying who'll get the nod: Culpepper or Josh McCown.

But it sounds like the Mysterio routine has more to do with game planning than making an obvious decision about who should be under center. McCown won the gig out of training camp primarily because he was more familiar with the offense, but he struggled for parts of three games. McCown was replaced by Culpepper in the come-from-behind win against the Browns, and then watched as Pep put the beatdown on the Dolphins last Sunday.

Kiffin did say, "If we played tomorrow, [Culpepper would] start." Asked what more Culpepper has to do for him to get the nod over Josh McCown, who's still recovering from a sprained foot, Kiffin said, "I'm not going into the San Diego game yet; that's the only reason. If I was, then I'd made that decision. But I don't need to make it."

I can buy that. Plus, with the Chargers reeling like they're coached by Norv Turner, no need in giving them any kind of help. Of course, knowing Norvell, I suspect San Diego could hire Matthew Estrella, Kiffin could mail him the Raiders' game plan, and the Chargers would still find a way to lose by 30.

In the meantime, the Raiders are 2-2, tied for first place in the division, and the Norvell's are bringin' up the rear. Culpepper looks like he's finally healthy, and making good decisions with the ball, two things McCown can't claim right now. Daunte's not yet back to his pre-knee injury form, but he's better than anybody the Raiders have had under center in ... well, a very long time.