Some NFL teams have confidence. Some have big dreams. Some have hope that they'll be this year's surprise. And some teams are just looking for any sign at all that they might not be a complete embarrassment to their sport. The Oakland Raiders fall into the last category, and JaMarcus Russell is offering such a sign.According to Steve Corkran of the Oakland Tribune, Russell is organizing a special minicamp for the Raiders' quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends at an undisclosed location sometime before training camp begins on July 30. The fact that Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, is taking this upon himself is seen as a sign that he is trying to show the kind of leadership expected of an NFL quarterback. This in turn is seen as good for the Raiders and good for Russell, who will enter training camp with veteran backup Jeff Garcia breathing down his substantial neck.
From Corkran's story:
"It's a big step," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "It's kind of what we've been talking about all along, and to hear about that is, obviously, a positive from a coach's standpoint. It will be good to hear how that goes and what his plan is."
There's never been any doubt about Russell's physical ability, but since before that 2007 draft there were questions about how, whether and when that ability would translate into NFL success. It's conceivable that Russell is just following a traditional quarterback development path, in which his third or fourth year is the one in which he gets it and takes a big step forward. It's possible that the addition of Garcia has shaken him up and made him realize he's not guaranteed the starter's job. It's possible Cable suggested this idea to him and he's just running with it so everything looks good.
Whatever it is, if you're a Raiders fan looking for that aforementioned sign that there's at least a slim chance that your team might not be a total embarrassment this season, you can go ahead and cling to this. The Raiders play in a division that will include a poor Kansas City team and a Denver team that might go into the tank once it gets done trading away all of its good offensive players. If something bizarre happened, like Russell suddenly emerging as a good NFL quarterback...jeez, the Raiders might be able to win a couple of games.
Who's he going to throw to? How good can their defense be? Hey, those are August questions. Right now, it's June. It's time for dreaming.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-20-2009 @ 8:12AM
gary321916 said...
THE CHIEFS YOU SAY IS GOING TO BE A POOR TEAM.NO MATTER HOW POOR THE CHIEFS ARE THEY STILL WILL KICK THE RAIDERS BUTTS
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6-20-2009 @ 7:01PM
willdoc1 said...
Yeah like they did last yeah HuH, Go Raiders
6-28-2009 @ 2:31AM
spwn474 said...
gary321916 why would you make a comment like that when the Chiefs are not going to be much of a team either
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6-28-2009 @ 11:04AM
raiderblain said...
To return the raider franchise to a respectable and feared organization the mentality of every player on the roster must be transformed into a "Jack Tatum" mentality fear+ agression = just win!
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6-29-2009 @ 2:40PM
RaiderPride&Glory said...
Damn I get sick of all the biased Raider haters who have very little knowledge of football.
"If something bizarre happened, like Russell suddenly emerging as a good NFL quarterback...jeez, the Raiders might be able to win a couple of games.
Who's he going to throw to? How good can their defense be? Hey, those are August questions. Right now, it's June. It's time for dreaming."
Let me answer some questions for you. First of all, JR is a good QB. But even if he struggles, the team can fall back on the running game. I was surprised that you didn't even mention the running game. Dan, you do know about DMac, Fargus and Bush, right? You do know that we signed LoNeal, right? JR will be just fine.
You asked who will he throw to. Well, we still have Chaz and Johnnie Lee who looked great at the end of last season. We still have Zach Attack Miller who led the team in catches. We have added HeyBey and Walker is expected to come back in full health. We have very capable recievers in the running game with DMac and Fargus. Yeah, I think JR has a few targets to choose from.
You wondered how good could our defense be. Well, with the offseason additions, especially Ellis and Mitchell, I think the defense will be just fine.
You said Oakland "might be able to win a couple of games." Yeah, they will win a couple and then several more. Raiders will finish with 8-12 wins and win the AFC West. And this isn't just dreaming in June, this is fact.
Hey Raider Fans! Go to: http://raidersfanconvention.com
Check out last years convention and get the news about this years!
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7-03-2009 @ 9:40AM
miloe77 said...
Come on, the Raiders are out of touch with todays NFL. Davis wants Stabler type QB's throwing the ball down field to guys like Warren Wells.. Gawd, that was so long ago... Look around, see what is working in New England, Miami, San Diego, Texas, Tennessee and other playoff teams. They don't cling to the past, they WIN and CHANGE... Davis and Ford, Raider and Lions.. cling to the past and die by it too
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7-21-2009 @ 3:52PM
Jamaul said...
JaMarcus Russell was a wasted pick! In my opinion he doesnt get a break! He was the #1 overall pick and had the nerve to sit out his first season cause he wanted more pay! If your bad enough to sit out for more pay you should bring your A+++ game on the field when you do decide to show up! How dare he hold out never having taken a single NFL snap, no college championship, and no significant stats to prove his worth! He can't hit the open man let alone anyone halfway covered, what a waste and if anyone on the team says they have confidence or is the team leader, they are just being politically correct, If i was Al he wouldnt have been signed him and he'd be sitting on mom's couch working at Wal-Mart or Home Depot! I'm a die hard raider fan but this cat just irkes my nerves, I don't think he's gonna have his starting job long, I really really hope i'm wrong about this guy but he has shown me NOTHING!
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8-01-2009 @ 10:34AM
Albert S. said...
Ok, everybody is talking about the Qb, Wr , Rb, which none will be any good if the G Damn O-line cant stop a high school teams D-line . I will never ever , ever ever ever forget that time we gave up 3 consecutive sacks on the same drive . Al(zheimers) Davis if you REALLY care about the Raider Nation step down and we will win again.
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