Oakland Raiders need JaMarcus Russell and Darrius Heyward-Bey to gel

April 29, 2:31 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Russell will need chemistry with DHB.
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

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The selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey was a present from the Oakland Raiders front office to quarterback JaMarcus Russell. However, this gift comes with strings attached. The Raiders addressed the offensive line already, got a teacher in Paul Hackett, got a veteran mentor in Jeff Garcia, and now got a playmaker in Heyward-Bey. There are no excuses left for Russell, It is his third year, and he has to make the requisite leap.

Heyward-Bey's future is completely intertwined with the third year quarterback. Heyward-Bey and Russell need to come together and create a chemistry on the field. Heyward-Bey is going to be Russell's shiny new toy, that is supposed to get him touchdowns. Heyward-Bey will need Russell to get him the ball, so that Heyward-Bey can prove his worth.

It comes down to this, the best thing that could happen for the Raiders would be for JaMarcus Russell and Darrius Heyward-Bey to become the best of friends on the field, even if not off the field. If they can reach the point where They know what each other are thinking at any given time. That is the chemistry that made the Peyton Manning to Marvin Harrison connection so leathal for so long. Manning could just make a quick gesture to Harrison, and that would be their audible.

Heyward-Bey acknowledged the need for chemistry in his interview on Chronicle Live with Greg Papa. They can easily develop this chemistry during the coming minicamps and organized team activities. Their best bet would be starting by staying together to work after every practice. Every pass that Heyward-Bey catches from Russell's cannon arm in practice, makes it much more likely they will complete passes during the regular season. 

Notes:

It has been reported that Darrius Heyward-Bey will wear the uniform number of 12. Considering the history of that number throwing passes in Oakland, it will be odd to see that number catching passes.

 For pictures from the Raider Booster Club's draft party, as well as a video of Raider Nation reactions click here.