This is rich: former Raiders quarterback-turned-CBS-analyst Rich Gannon (HE'S NOT A HATER!) offered some interesting thoughts on the state of the Al Davis All-Stars a few days ahead of the New England-Oakland game, and most of them were about second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
Specifically, he's a little worried about the big guy:
"The other thing that concerns me is when the coach comes out and says that the [Russell] needs to . . . come to work every day and do the work it takes to be successful. To me, that's mind-boggling, how, in this day and age, whether it be a coordinator or a position coach or a head coach, wouldn't demand that the guy come in on Tuesdays and do the work. ...Wait, how is that not Russell's fault? Granted, it's inexcusable to think that the Raiders coaches wouldn't mandate that he show up on Tuesdays, but just because he chooses not to doesn't magically absolve him of being lazy.
"If your quarterback is not the hardest working guy in the building, you have a problem. I don't know that he's quite there yet, and that's not a shot at him. I think you learn to do that, you learn to be that type of guy. If you're not the first one in and the last to leave, as an owner, or as a head coach or as a play-caller, I'd be very concerned."
Now, if Russell said, "you know what, this place is a mad house and I can't stand coming to work," nobody would blame him. But he didn't (at least publicly). Meanwhile, he's the team's 23-year-old franchise quarterback with a whopping 13 starts in two years. And given how he "played" against the Chargers last week, I'm guessing he hasn't yet mastered the position.
Of course, in the scheme of things, Russell's slow progress is the least of Oakland's worries. So in that respect, it hardly merits a mention.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-12-2008 @ 11:55AM
Ghst2thepost said...
Russell is what he is"a decent college qb with alot of upside..strong arm,tall,but NO BRAINS" Im tired of people beating around the bush and coming up with every excuse why this dude can't throw a screen pass on target..Watching him play makes me laugh,If it were any other young QB or QB in the NFL,he would be benched!!! Yes,the raiders suck,but he's a HUGE REASON why they do!!!
Reply
12-12-2008 @ 11:54AM
Paul Kotch said...
AAAAHHHHHHHH, Mr Wilson - former Pro Football Digest and all-around analytical standout. I'll trade you Russell, a case of good beer, and a very fat field goal kicker for the services of Ben Roethlisberger. What do you say.... for old time's sake?
Sincerely,
Paul Kotch
Reply
12-12-2008 @ 12:05PM
Paul Kotch said...
Mr thepost speaks the truth. Russell succeeded in college because of his athletic ability. In the NFL, the gap that seperates the superior athlete from the average athlete is closed, and Russell has become average at best. He has a cannon for an arm, and nothing else to offer an offense - which is why he is perfect for Al Davis. He is basically a younger, bigger Jeff George without the ability to win a "Tom Arnold" look-alike contest, but fancier clothes. True he has no weapons to throw to, and a horrid offensive line, but I've seen Russell sit in the pocket with all of the time in the world and make God-awful decisions with the football. With Davis' ego - Russell will pollute the franchise for AT LEAST three years before Davis admits that Russell is not the guy, and will have already shackled an already horrendous salary cap situation. I've been a fan for 30-plus years, and to see what happened to the team that everyone loved to hate is just plain sad
Reply
12-12-2008 @ 1:11PM
Dan said...
How true it is. If you want to become a champion start acting like one. Nothing in this world is fast or free(unless Al Davis being OLD and RETARTED likes you and is willing to waste millions on you). Jamarcus Russell is HUGE. He should take more pride in the game. Just think if he took the steps the Manning brothers have taken to TAKE CHARGE of there teams. Imaging what records he could break imagine the great games he could be part of. Until he (J-ROCK) is ready to lead he will be just another name that didn't quiet life up to his size. For some of us we would love to have the opportunity to play in the NFL. JAMARCUS COME ON SON BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
12-13-2008 @ 9:13AM
Joe said...
Jamarcus SUCKS !!!!!! he is STUPID and does not understand the Game or the playbook. I have been a Raider fan Since I was 12 years old and took pride in watching my team each year and can't say that anymore. We have drated BAD over the past 5-6 years. we need to trade JR to anyone that will take him and pick up a good youg intelligent QB with Heart and the will to win and succeed in the NFL and takes pride in his position and not just for the Money & Diamonds. SAD days for raider Fans and we will not have a winning Season for many years to come.
Reply
12-14-2008 @ 2:39AM
RayRay said...
Jamarcus Russell is the man. Just give him the chance to shine and show everyone that he can be the QB Oakland needs. I have faith in him and Oakland. Al Davis just needs to let Jamarcus unleash his talents and bring us a RING.
Reply
1-02-2009 @ 2:10PM
will said...
J.R. can be just as good as any one in the nfl he is young and has no coaches to properly teach him. not to mention no WRs to throw the ball to. To early to call him a bust. But i would have have drafted Cutler in 2006 or Quinn in 2007. But i still love watching J.R. throw the ball half a mile.
Reply
1-20-2009 @ 6:50AM
serzane said...
jamarcus sucks but the people that took him to oakland suck more...we could of had larry fitzgerald,calvin johnson, and jay cutler and darren mcfadden tooo....al davis is a cancer that wont go away
Reply