When JaMarcus Russell was drafted first overall and given a $60 million contract, he and Al Davis both said "I do" to a union where the success or failure of the Oakland Raiders resides in Russell's ability to lead the team.
Russell's rookie season was hindered by his protracted holdout to open the season. He missed his chance to see live action in the preseason, as he didn't sign until the regular season began. He had to make up for all the time he lost in training camp, and didn't get into a game until late in the season. He saw action in four games with one start. His performance was hit or miss in those games.
Coming into 2008, he was the anointed starter. He started 15 games, missing one due to injury. He started off slowly, but had a much better second half of the season. He appeared to be finally coming into his own in the closing games.
Russell is the key piece that the Raiders need to build their offense around. The tandem of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden look to give the Raiders a threat running the ball that will help take the pressure off of Russell. He also appeared to be building chemistry with receivers Chaz Schilens and Johnnie Lee Higgins, which is something else the Raiders can build upon next year.
Russell's most reliable target has been tight end Zach Miller. Miller was selected in the second round of the same draft as Russell. The Russell to Miller connection showed up in the final game of the 2007 season as they connected on six passes in a season ending loss to the San Diego Chargers. Considering that Miller has nearly double the receptions of the second place receiver, it is safe to say that the Russell-Miller connection is going to be a mainstay in Oakland for years to come.
The key to Russell's success is to make sure that he gets the protection he requires. The tackle play was abysmal for much of the season, although that seemed to improve greatly when Mario Henderson took over for Kwame Harris at left tackle. The Raiders need to continue to reinforce their line to ensure that Russell doesn't get hit. He seemed to be building confidence towards the end of the season, and increased protection play a role in that confidence. As long as the Raiders can continue to improve their protection, Russell will continue to improve.
The Raiders also need to make sure that he has a consistent receiving threat on the outside. Higgins and Schilens are on their way up, but having one receiver that Russell could always count on in addition to Miller would be what he needs to have the best chance to fulfill his immense potential.
Comments
Thanks for your article Patrick but this is the basic mantra being told by many Raider fans. So if he has 2 go to WR, a good running game and then a good OL, then he'll be good? Well ANYONE would be good then; what is left? What this proves is that he's not a #1 overall; he's not a franchise QB; and he's another lost draft pick. I give him 2 more years, but unless he's surrounded by a good team, Russell has shown he's very avg at best, even with the low standards of many fans. Thanks,
JR is capable of being a franchise QB but just like any other QB in the NFL, he will live and die by the quality of his "O" line first.
Jim is obviously a hater. You simply can't decide yet, from the first 15 games of a 23 year old QB. Jim, you are tripping over your hate agenda.
Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy..You hit it right on the head baby!!!! He was average at best in college,way below average so-far in the pro's.. Like you said,give anybody 3 good wr's a good o-line,never change a play,and anybody could play in the nfl!!!! JR will be 300 pounds soon,you thought he couldnt move now..watch!! Dude goes down easier than any qb I have ever seen,and fumbles if the wind is blowing!!! To be average would be a complete turn around for him,2 b good would be a miracle!!!!
jim and ghost are morons... the only two qb's i've ever seen in my entire life that could produce touchdowns despite playing with horrendous lines were The Great Randall Cunningham and the troubled Michael Vick, not even Peyton Manning could get more than 5 wins with the tackles JaMarcus had this year... Cornell Green's season could be told by the one play he was blown up on by Shaun Philips of the Chargers on Prime Time TV. and Kwame Harris holy hell is guarenteed a false start or hold every game along with allowing at least one blind sided hit on Russell. Those last three games showed Henderson could hold his own against the likes of Richard Seymour, Mario Williams and Gaines Adams... I was hoping that change woulda came much much earlier but of course Al paid him the money to play. JaMarcus is much more than all the haters say... Just because he didn't have the defense like Joe Flacco or the luxury of a decent line and very outstanding WR core like Matt Ryan everyone hates.. but if we are lucky enough to land Michael "stick em hands" Crabtree and pick up a RT in FA or the Draft the raiders could be one of the surprise teams of 2009... after the last 6 years of hell i'm relluctant to predict anything but i do know from "actually" watching the games unlike haters who see clips on sportscenter and try to babble about Russell being 300 lbs like that was even a story in the first place, that the Raiders have true potential across the board and could compete with any team in the league with the right coaching. by this i mean immediately get rid of rob ryan... he's had his time and proven his method's choke the game away in the 4th almost everytime... we need a new d coordinator mostly for that reason. the head coach must get this team to play like one instead of individually making a check... it seems like sometimes i want them to win more than they do... sign a true MLB and kick morrison to SLB and re-sign chris johnson. other than that just cut the bottom players and get some young blood to push every position and last and possibly most important can we get a backup that can teach JaMarcus the things he needs to learn that only a vet QB could teach him... cuz Andrew Walter can only show JaMarcus how to get sacked many many many times and Russell got to learn that this year... so his teaching is done... but like i said i won't predict anymore cuz Davis is stubborn and after 40 years of it paying off he finally has become senile and is costing the team wins with poor decision making.. please no 70 million dollar deals this offseason unless it goes to nnamdi... but like a true fan, not one of the bandwagon patriot fans when there were none before tom brady except the die hards in new england who suffered like us raider fans are now for much longer, i will love the raiders until the day i die just like i have since the day of my birth... wins will be the only thing to shut the haters up either that or a large penis in their mouths
jim and ghost are morons... the only two qb's i've ever seen in my entire life that could produce touchdowns despite playing with horrendous lines were The Great Randall Cunningham and the troubled Michael Vick, not even Peyton Manning could get more than 5 wins with the tackles JaMarcus had this year... Cornell Green's season could be told by the one play he was blown up on by Shaun Philips of the Chargers on Prime Time TV. and Kwame Harris holy hell is guarenteed a false start or hold every game along with allowing at least one blind sided hit on Russell. Those last three games showed Henderson could hold his own against the likes of Richard Seymour, Mario Williams and Gaines Adams... I was hoping that change woulda came much much earlier but of course Al paid him the money to play. JaMarcus is much more than all the haters say... Just because he didn't have the defense like Joe Flacco or the luxury of a decent line and very outstanding WR core like Matt Ryan everyone hates.. but if we are lucky enough to land Michael "stick em hands" Crabtree and pick up a RT in FA or the Draft the raiders could be one of the surprise teams of 2009... after the last 6 years of hell i'm relluctant to predict anything but i do know from "actually" watching the games unlike haters who see clips on sportscenter and try to babble about Russell being 300 lbs like that was even a story in the first place, that the Raiders have true potential across the board and could compete with any team in the league with the right coaching. by this i mean immediately get rid of rob ryan... he's had his time and proven his method's choke the game away in the 4th almost everytime... we need a new d coordinator mostly for that reason. the head coach must get this team to play like one instead of individually making a check... it seems like sometimes i want them to win more than they do... sign a true MLB and kick morrison to SLB and re-sign chris johnson. other than that just cut the bottom players and get some young blood to push every position and last and possibly most important can we get a backup that can teach JaMarcus the things he needs to learn that only a vet QB could teach him... cuz Andrew Walter can only show JaMarcus how to get sacked many many many times and Russell got to learn that this year... so his teaching is done... but like i said i won't predict anymore cuz Davis is stubborn and after 40 years of it paying off he finally has become senile and is costing the team wins with poor decision making.. please no 70 million dollar deals this offseason unless it goes to nnamdi... but like a true fan, not one of the bandwagon patriot fans when there were none before tom brady except the die hards in new england who suffered like us raider fans are now for much longer, i will love the raiders until the day i die just like i have since the day of my birth... wins will be the only thing to shut the haters up either that or a large penis in their mouths
Patrick: It will be fun to see who was right about Russell: Al or Lane.
Hey P,
Good article, but, we all know what we need. Offensive Lineman and Defensive Lineman. Is Henry Lawrence,Mickey Marvin, Bill Pickel and Greg Townsend available?
I have been a raider fan for 30 years... I have watched all the ups and downs.. i do think after watch Russel in 2008 he should have been canned.. He can`t think quick enough to deliver the ball in the right places... Raiders in help in the Quarterback position badly.. with what they have they will never be a winning team.. Mark my words
s&b4life is right.. Crab VICK right now and Russel can go ride the couch
It's been a rough 6 years. More so the last 3 being a Raider fan. But, this year feels different. I like what I've seen this offseason. I'm really starting to like this cable guy. As far as J-Rus, I think he will be fine. I liked the way he finished the last couple of games. Everyone keeps saying about this being his 3rd season? Really, it's his 2nd! The kid wasn't even signed untill the season started. So, before ya write him off! That being said, I do expect him to step it up this year. If he has a rough year, I will be on the can J-rus band wagon. Oh, and I hate this match up against SD on monday nite opening day! Though the chargers have started slow in recent seasons? I would hate to see us get crushed to open the season... Again.... As far as the draft, I like Crabtree or Raji... And Fargas is the man! But he should be 3rd on the depth chart! PERIOD!!
Jamarcus should be given one more chance to get it wright. If he dosent get it wright in the 2010 season then the raiders should get rid of him. He needs to step up and be a leader and grow up and have a stronger work ethic. He looked good coming of the bench in 2009. Hopefully him be benched in 2009 has taught him a lesson and modivates him to do better for 2010.
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