Former first overall pick JaMarcus Russell officially was benched for the remainder of the season on Wednesday in favor of Bruce Gradkowksi. However, looking at recent Raider history quarterback benchings seem to get lifted early.
(AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Russell earned his benching through the regression in his play since last season. His numbers speak for themselves, as they put him at the bottom of all major categories. However, there is also the fact that Russell was the first overall pick in the 2007 draft and the proud owner of a sixty million dollar contract, and is guaranteed 30 million. That contract is a strong incentive to keep him on the field.
In 2005, then head coach Nov Turner benched Karry Collins for what was supposed to be the remainder of the season. However, backup Marques Tuisosopo had a bad game, and then Collins started the remainder of the season.
There are some striking similarities to that situation. Collins was a prototypical Al Davis type strong armed deep ball throwing quarterback. JaMarcus Russell is cut from that same mold. Another similarity is that both Bruce Gradkowksi and Marques Tuiasosospo don't have the big arm, but they can make plays with their feet to buy time and keep plays alive to make things happen. Or at least that was the theory with Tui.
About a month ago Davis compared Russell's struggles to the struggles of several quarterbacks who went on to be successful in the NFL. Unless Davis has had a change of heart Russell is still the one he expects will succeed at leading the Raiders back towards the promised land. He is granting Cable the leeway to make the change, with Cable selling it as giving the best chance to win. However, if Gradkowski can't get things done against a stout Bengals defense, does his stint starting go the way of Tui?
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Comments
I think Cable plays Gman the rest of the season or until he gets hurt whichever comes first. Gman is better than Tui and will prove an average to slightly above average Quarterback, which is all we need to win the 2 Charger games and the 2nd K.C. game. That would've put us at 5-4 and in the AFC West race. May be wishful thinking but that's how I see it. Frye should be #2 now though.
Yea, should have made the change a couple weeks ago. I think Cincy is probably the best team we've played this year, so it probably won't matter either way. I think we win our last 3 if we have Grad starting with preperation. I know the jets beat us down but Russell ended that game for us early in the 1st quarter.
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