First off season minicamp report. http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_12327774 I didn't know Russell had ankle surgery. Glad to see he still has his cannon intact. The Oakland fans did not like the Heyward-Bey pick at wide receiver in the first round. But Oakland has given offensive weapons to Russell to work with, McFadden, Heyward-Bey, and Chaz Schilens. New offensive coordinator and QB coach. I hope that doesn't screw with his head too much. It will be nice if the Raiders can provide some consistency so JaMarcus is not changing everything every year.
YouTube - JaMarcus Russell - The Franchise I like a throw about 1:30 in against the Titans, bout a 20 yard TD, but how did he get the ball in that spot?
Typical fan comment following Raiders first pre season game, regarding Russell: JaMarcus Russell looked poised - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board - Where the Raider Nation lives! Plenty discussion of Russell in that thread, most are happy. He was 6-9 and had a good 17 yard scramble for a first down, they said it was a good run, but anybody could have done it. He missed two long passes to the rookie receiver, Darrius Hayward-Bey (DHB), they said Russell was off, but DHB being a thin rookie also did not go up and fight for the ball. Fans think they see progress from last season. Fans say he needs to improve "looking off the safety". Fan comment on Russell's 3 misses: http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oak...153612-raider-truths-seen-jerry-mcdonald.html There was also good commentary on why the Raiders took DHB before Crabtree. They said Crabtree is the same mold as Schillens, who is tearing it up anyhow. DHB is a burner and gives them a different type of weapon, more speed. The Cowboys doubled DHB most of the time, and Schillens had an easier time getting open.
I don't see it. JaMarcus really came on late in the season, after getting over the head coaching change with Kiffen getting fired after 6 games, Cable making adjustments to the o-line blocking scheme, and JaMarcus settling in with the changes, the Raiders were 4-2 over the last 6 games. Raiders think they may have playoff talent now. If JaMarcus stumbles badly, you might change to Garcia to make a playoff run. I don't see JaMarcus stumbling badly. Folks say they see more poise and comfort on the field, and that bodes well for him. If he picks up where he left off last season, and with a little more poise, he is the future for the Raiders, Garcia is 38, he is not the future. I think the odds are slim for Garcia to replace Russell.
Unfortunately for JR you are probably right. This is a make or break season for him. Which is too bad because, he was set up to fail.
Garcia is hurt and has not even been practicing. All reports out of camp are JR is looking good, and he played well in their first preseason game. He has a long way to go, but the running game and upgraded oline will greatly help him this year.
A couple shows on NFL radio have been slamming JaMarcus pretty hard. He supposedly reported at 260lbs and they played a few quotes from the coach who obviously wasn't happy. They also made fun of the passing camp he tried organizing with his fellow Raiders. Apparently only a handful of players showed up (sounded like it was in BR?) and they were questioning his leadership. I agree this is a make or break year for JaMarcus. He has the physical tools but does he have the mental game? That's his biggest question mark.
