Russell to be gone?
[picappgallerysingle id="7415845"]If Donovan comes, Russell might go. Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News is reporting that JaMarcus Russell might be done in Oakland if the Raiders sign another quarterback. Russell has been an enigma.
Why he played his way to becoming the top pick overall in the 2007 draft, he has failed to deliver on all the guaranteed money he was given. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports Russell recently tipped the scales at 290. His career passing numbers are terrible. 4,083 yards, 18 td’s and 23 interceptions.
In limited action in 2009, JaMarcus threw for just under 1300 yards 11 interceptions and only 3 scores. He lacks focus on the game and if the reports regarding his weight are accurate, it might just be time for Oakland to say goodbye. It was a failed gamble.
Russell already has gotten into Al Davis’ wallet for nearly 40 million and has said that if another quarterback is signed, that he refuses to take a pay cut. Well, maybe the Raiders will take a pay cut and simply release Russell, saving themselves 6.45 million along the way.
McNabb in silver and black?
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Last week I penned a column for eaglescentral.com and I speculated which teams might need Donovan McNabbs services and mentioned the Raiders before that was thrown out there. Later that day, the Raiders were shooting towards the top of the list.
The Donovan McNabb sweepstakes have taken on a Favrian flavor, will he or won’t he. PFT.com is running a story this morning that Donovan McNabb doesn’t want to play for Oakland, but he really doesn’t have much say in the matter. See Richard Seymour.
A Raiders signing of McNabb immediately makes them a much better team and it probably makes the most sense. Owner Al Davis wants to return to the playoffs as soon as possible and a move to acquire McNabb does that.
The Raiders currently have underachiever and potential Ryan Leaf draft bust look alike JaMarcus Russell and journeyman Brace Gradkowski on the roster at the quarterback position. Not an inspiring duo.
Despite a 5-11 record last year and a 31st overall ranked offense, I don’t believe the Raiders are as bad as their record may indicate. McNabb would have a trio of fleet footed young receivers in Louis Murphy, Chaz Schillens and Johnnie Lee Higgins to work with. Schillens returned in week 10 and all three recievers started coming on late in the season. Last years former 1st round pick, Darrius Heyward-Bey brought nothing to the table as he only amassed 9 receptions for 134 yards. The Raiders do have emerging talent at the tight end position in Zack Miller as well.
Add in the backfield duo of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden, who always seems to be on the cusp of having that breakout year. Having a quarterback under center who can push the ball down the field would greatly help the running game of the Raiders.
So put McNabb under center on offense and focus on drafting defensive help which can stop the run and the Raiders just might be able to push for that elusive playoff return. But make sure to stay tuned because just like Favre, the McNabb rumors change with each passing day.
