JaMarcus Russell Needs to Work on Accuracy, Learning Offense

It's May, NFL practices are voluntary, and they mainly consist of 80 or so players running around in shorts and t-shirts trying not to get hurt. Despite barely resembling football, organized team activities (OTAs) are an opportunity for coaches to install new schemes, and new faces to get acclimated to their surroundings.

It's also a chance for veterans to become more comfortable. This assumes the scheme doesn't change every offseason. Which brings us to JaMarcus Russell, the first overall pick in 2007, and currently penciled in as the Raiders starting quarterback.

Last week I mentioned that, based on his 2008 performance and the revolving-door coaching situation, Russell could struggle this season. It's hard to draw any conclusions from one practice in late spring but, well, this doesn't help either. Via the Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald:

Let's get it out of the way first. JaMarcus Russell's passing was, well, it was awful. There's no other way to put it.

Coach Tom Cable conceded there were accuracy issues and attributed them to the newness of the passing game, which will feature deeper routes. He also said Russell was better today than he was Tuesday and he expects him to be better still on Thursday. Would have hated to see Tuesday if he was worse.

Cable later added that Russell needs to work on, "Just being accurate and understanding where to throw the football and when." Which is fine if this is 2007, but entering Year 3, not so much.

Not helping matters: the Raiders drafted Russell for his ability to throw the ball 80 yards in the air because owner Al Davis loves the nine route (mind-blowing, I know). It's why some draftniks had him taking Darrius Heyward-Bey with the No. 7 pick in last month's draft -- he scorched a 4.2-something 40 at the NFL Combine -- with Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin still available.

Of course, rocket arms and deep speed don't matter if nobody can get on the same page. But again, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Training camp is still nine weeks off. Plus, worst-case scenario? Jeff Garcia. It could be worse.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

5-22-2009 @ 8:03AM

Norman said...

Another writer that can't play nothing bad mouthing the team I love. Keep the same coaching staff for more than three weeks and he might be able to learn something, plus letting him sit on the bench his entire rookie season doesn't help him none either.Anyone can talk shit! you geeks go write about a ping-pong match.

5-24-2009 @ 8:25AM

buddzkmk420 said...

Well this writer is pretty accurate. Sitting Russel in his rookie season was doing Russel a favor, remember he's the one that held, and refused because he wanted big bucks therefore he got no training camp in. Check your facts before you start blasting writers brother. The bottom line is you guys have the same problem the Redskins, and Cowboys do. Your owners try to do to much and won't let the coaches coach. Get your facts straight before you start blasting people brother.

5-26-2009 @ 4:13PM

admin said...

i am a raider fan that is sick of the big pay out to these rookies and getting nothing in return. we were better when we were getting all those so called "old and washed up" vetereans. i would've liked to have seen the raiders trade russell to anyone who would've wanted him and go after sanchez. for all the holding out for the big bucks her sure hasn't shown us s@#$t. i feel we could get better for less $$$.

5-26-2009 @ 7:25PM

Albert S. said...

Talk about checking your facts , brother . While I argee about Russell , davis is not like any other owner in any league. Do you know of any GM that would hire a offensive coordinator (or coach)thats been on the streets for 5 years ? The guy was operating a bed an breakfast for 5 years or so from his last sports job . I can go on and on about Al hseimers davis . We will start winning when Al dies. DIE AL DIE.

6-08-2009 @ 4:49PM

frohog said...

It is going to be fun to watch. A quarterback who can throw like hell, but can't hit a target and a receiver who can run like hell but can't catch. Sort of like watching a tennis match between two blind players.