Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
The Raider Nation delivered, as usual.
Raiders fans came out in droves for this week’s sound-off question. It centered on Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who is struggling mightily.
I wanted to know what Raiders fans think about Russell. It was no surprise that many Raiders fans are ready to give up on Russell, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.
I’m torn on this one. I am not a Russell fan as a quarterback (never have been). But I don’t think Oakland should pull the plug on him yet. The Raiders have too much invested in Russell. They have to make sure he can’t be the long-term answer before deciding to move on. So, as painful as it may be to watch, I think Russell should remain the quarterback in Oakland for the rest of the season or until it’s just too embarrassing to keep him behind center.
But I do understand why many Oakland fans want Russell to be benched now. Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Khaled Azimi from Fremont, Ca: Die hard raider fan. Who has been patient. Who has supported Russell from day 1. Who wanted him to start over Garcia from day 1. Who has decided to label JaMarcus Russell a bust. It's done, he is one and I and most Raider faithfuls(if not a long time ago) have accepted it. The worst starting QB by far. Bringing the entire team down. Making the Run game worse since were one dimensional. Making the Defense tired, and making our players lose the enthusiasm that was so bright Week 1 against the Chargers. WE NEED a new QB. I don't care if we get Garcia back but next year its either Bradford or Mccoy we will need to get under any circumstances. I have had enough.
Chris from Lynwood, Ca: JaMarcus Russell should be benched and Bruce Gradkowski should start or get back Gracia!Russell will never be a Top NFL .
Gerardo from Los Angeles, Ca: Bill,While I am sick and tired of seeing the pathetic display by Jamarcus Russell, turning to Bruce Gradkowski is not the answer. Gradkowski has not shown anything as a starter so they might as well stick with Russell. Now, if they decide to sign Jeff Garcia, I say a switch will be necessary but I don't see Al Davis signing Garcia.
Dustin from Huntington Beach, Ca: I have been the biggest Russell apologist I know for some time, saying things like, He showed some promise toward the end of last season, there must be something the coaches see in practice to not have benched him yet, and all the analysts agreed that he was the consensus #1 pick for the raiders when he came out (which by the way it seems everybody forgot now that he is so bad, I wanted Brady Quinn, that hasn't worked out too well either) but it has officially gotten ridiculous and he needs to be benched now and cut at the end of the season, I would even be surprised if he got picked up by another team if that did happen, he doesn't read the field AT ALL, he overthrows screen passes and dump off passes, he's too slow in his drop back, holds the ball WAY too long, not nearly mobile enough, I can't think of one positive about the guy other than his arm strength, Al and Tom, please, you need to realize when a player is a lost cause, even if you gave him boatloads of money, and this has gone on long enough, the frustrating thing about it is that other parts of the team seem to be making progress, but his QB play is holding them down so much, I know I would be pissed if I was one of the defenders, they are playing their hearts out and the offense continually goes 3 and out.
Conner from, Northridge, Ca: There is no question that Russell has both a strong arm and god given superior athletic abilities. Ok, big deal. The quarterback is the leader of a team, he should always be the first guy in the facility and always the last one out. Selflessness and hard work are the two qualities i want to have in a quarterback. It's sad to say but i didn't think this guy would be a good QB from the moment i heard his interview after the Sugar Bowl against ND. He just didn't seem to have that "it" factor. He didn't make me a believer and i'll love the raiders till i die, and after that. lol The quarterback needs to worry about nothing else but those other 53 guys on the team, and those 10 that he's on the field with at every moment. I know that Mr. Davis has always liked the physically gifted, now it's time to look at the best player, not just his 40 time or the fact that he can throw a ball the whole length of field. The biggest part of the off season was the "fundamental" aspect of the team, i felt Cable's attempt at getting back to the basics was great and greatly needed. I'm sorry to say that Russel just isn't a fundamentally sound QB, and now we are paying the price.Thanks for all your non-biased reporting, myself and Raider Nation are happy to have you as a columnist.
Kevin from Lebanon, Or: Let the kid play. We have screwed him up enough, by not playing him in his first year and changing coaches and assistants and playcallers like socks since he was drafted. He needs to work it out on the field. I know it sucks to see him miss wide open targets, but even when the ball hits their hands they don't pull it in. JR is not the only reason the offense struggles. He needs to grow this year, let him play it out and if he can't then you decide to go another direction in the off season.
Adam Skatula from St.Paul, Mn: I've been a Raider fan all my life and I am easily more frustrated than I have ever been right now. The biggest problem is obviously the inaccuracy of Russell. As the team starts to show some improvement, Russell’s lack of ability to throw on target makes our passing game literally nonexistent. This makes us one of the easiest teams in the league to plan for and therefore covers up what could be an excellent running game. My thoughts are that Russell needs to play 2-3 more games (mostly to prove to Al that he's a bust) and then we move to Gradkowski. My question is, after McNabb comes back to Philadelphia and they release Garcia, do we have a chance to get him back? He knows the offense from the preseason. Next year some great quarterbacks are in the draft. I feel like we have to move on and not waste another 2-3 years beating a horse that died 2 years ago.
Dave from Wichita, Ks: As a die hard RAIDER fan we need to pull the plug cut him loose figure out a way to come up with another type of Gannon I mean grab a good QB off another team. Heck right now i would trade for tavaris jackson he is better than russell or make a trade with players and picks to philly for Kolb anything right now is better than russell or just bring Garcia back!! Bill maybe you can convince Gannon to come out of retirement.
Travis from Corvallis, Or: Regarding what to do with Russell...I think you need to give him a game or two more. If he doesn't show signs of doing what needs to be done, uhhhh like throwing catchable passes to recievers not named Miller, then you have to bench him. Or you could bring in Rich Gannon to be his mentor
Tremayne from Phx, Az: Man, its so hard to have any faith in Jamarcus. I know it's only his second year starting but good grief. I cant remember the last time I've seen a QB play as badly as him and this is including Leaf, Dilfer, and all of the McCown brothers.
Nick from San Diego: I am a life long Oakland Raiders fan. I have seen the highs and the lows of these boys and right now I feel worse then ever. Here's why: The Raiders have made some strides towards being better. Super Bowl contenders? No. .500 Team? Very possibly, even with the tough schedule coming up. There are some serious improvements to the team for the first time in 8 years. Russel is totally killing it!! Three years of absolute failure is way too long in the NFL. I had his back for the first couple of years but I am done now. Raider fans are a patient lot, but this is too much. Myself and everyone in my Raiders booster club down in SD agrees... Russel must go. Period. P.S. Al Davis' resignation would be nice too. If only there was a god.
Andrew from Merced, Ca: Russell has to take a backseat. At this point he just isn't getting better and he doesn't seem to care. I'm tired about the excuses of having rookie receivers out there and all that non-sense. The team is supposed to surround him with guys that will make him better, but rather than making him better he is making the whole offense worse. Give Gradkowski a chance to show what he can do. If we can just complete SOME passes it should open up the run game and give McFadden and Bush more room to run and make the offense more balanced.
The Raider Nation delivered, as usual.
Raiders fans came out in droves for this week’s sound-off question. It centered on Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who is struggling mightily.
I wanted to know what Raiders fans think about Russell. It was no surprise that many Raiders fans are ready to give up on Russell, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.
I’m torn on this one. I am not a Russell fan as a quarterback (never have been). But I don’t think Oakland should pull the plug on him yet. The Raiders have too much invested in Russell. They have to make sure he can’t be the long-term answer before deciding to move on. So, as painful as it may be to watch, I think Russell should remain the quarterback in Oakland for the rest of the season or until it’s just too embarrassing to keep him behind center.
But I do understand why many Oakland fans want Russell to be benched now. Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Khaled Azimi from Fremont, Ca: Die hard raider fan. Who has been patient. Who has supported Russell from day 1. Who wanted him to start over Garcia from day 1. Who has decided to label JaMarcus Russell a bust. It's done, he is one and I and most Raider faithfuls(if not a long time ago) have accepted it. The worst starting QB by far. Bringing the entire team down. Making the Run game worse since were one dimensional. Making the Defense tired, and making our players lose the enthusiasm that was so bright Week 1 against the Chargers. WE NEED a new QB. I don't care if we get Garcia back but next year its either Bradford or Mccoy we will need to get under any circumstances. I have had enough.
Chris from Lynwood, Ca: JaMarcus Russell should be benched and Bruce Gradkowski should start or get back Gracia!Russell will never be a Top NFL .
Gerardo from Los Angeles, Ca: Bill,While I am sick and tired of seeing the pathetic display by Jamarcus Russell, turning to Bruce Gradkowski is not the answer. Gradkowski has not shown anything as a starter so they might as well stick with Russell. Now, if they decide to sign Jeff Garcia, I say a switch will be necessary but I don't see Al Davis signing Garcia.
Dustin from Huntington Beach, Ca: I have been the biggest Russell apologist I know for some time, saying things like, He showed some promise toward the end of last season, there must be something the coaches see in practice to not have benched him yet, and all the analysts agreed that he was the consensus #1 pick for the raiders when he came out (which by the way it seems everybody forgot now that he is so bad, I wanted Brady Quinn, that hasn't worked out too well either) but it has officially gotten ridiculous and he needs to be benched now and cut at the end of the season, I would even be surprised if he got picked up by another team if that did happen, he doesn't read the field AT ALL, he overthrows screen passes and dump off passes, he's too slow in his drop back, holds the ball WAY too long, not nearly mobile enough, I can't think of one positive about the guy other than his arm strength, Al and Tom, please, you need to realize when a player is a lost cause, even if you gave him boatloads of money, and this has gone on long enough, the frustrating thing about it is that other parts of the team seem to be making progress, but his QB play is holding them down so much, I know I would be pissed if I was one of the defenders, they are playing their hearts out and the offense continually goes 3 and out.
Conner from, Northridge, Ca: There is no question that Russell has both a strong arm and god given superior athletic abilities. Ok, big deal. The quarterback is the leader of a team, he should always be the first guy in the facility and always the last one out. Selflessness and hard work are the two qualities i want to have in a quarterback. It's sad to say but i didn't think this guy would be a good QB from the moment i heard his interview after the Sugar Bowl against ND. He just didn't seem to have that "it" factor. He didn't make me a believer and i'll love the raiders till i die, and after that. lol The quarterback needs to worry about nothing else but those other 53 guys on the team, and those 10 that he's on the field with at every moment. I know that Mr. Davis has always liked the physically gifted, now it's time to look at the best player, not just his 40 time or the fact that he can throw a ball the whole length of field. The biggest part of the off season was the "fundamental" aspect of the team, i felt Cable's attempt at getting back to the basics was great and greatly needed. I'm sorry to say that Russel just isn't a fundamentally sound QB, and now we are paying the price.Thanks for all your non-biased reporting, myself and Raider Nation are happy to have you as a columnist.
Kevin from Lebanon, Or: Let the kid play. We have screwed him up enough, by not playing him in his first year and changing coaches and assistants and playcallers like socks since he was drafted. He needs to work it out on the field. I know it sucks to see him miss wide open targets, but even when the ball hits their hands they don't pull it in. JR is not the only reason the offense struggles. He needs to grow this year, let him play it out and if he can't then you decide to go another direction in the off season.
Adam Skatula from St.Paul, Mn: I've been a Raider fan all my life and I am easily more frustrated than I have ever been right now. The biggest problem is obviously the inaccuracy of Russell. As the team starts to show some improvement, Russell’s lack of ability to throw on target makes our passing game literally nonexistent. This makes us one of the easiest teams in the league to plan for and therefore covers up what could be an excellent running game. My thoughts are that Russell needs to play 2-3 more games (mostly to prove to Al that he's a bust) and then we move to Gradkowski. My question is, after McNabb comes back to Philadelphia and they release Garcia, do we have a chance to get him back? He knows the offense from the preseason. Next year some great quarterbacks are in the draft. I feel like we have to move on and not waste another 2-3 years beating a horse that died 2 years ago.
Dave from Wichita, Ks: As a die hard RAIDER fan we need to pull the plug cut him loose figure out a way to come up with another type of Gannon I mean grab a good QB off another team. Heck right now i would trade for tavaris jackson he is better than russell or make a trade with players and picks to philly for Kolb anything right now is better than russell or just bring Garcia back!! Bill maybe you can convince Gannon to come out of retirement.
Travis from Corvallis, Or: Regarding what to do with Russell...I think you need to give him a game or two more. If he doesn't show signs of doing what needs to be done, uhhhh like throwing catchable passes to recievers not named Miller, then you have to bench him. Or you could bring in Rich Gannon to be his mentor
Tremayne from Phx, Az: Man, its so hard to have any faith in Jamarcus. I know it's only his second year starting but good grief. I cant remember the last time I've seen a QB play as badly as him and this is including Leaf, Dilfer, and all of the McCown brothers.
Nick from San Diego: I am a life long Oakland Raiders fan. I have seen the highs and the lows of these boys and right now I feel worse then ever. Here's why: The Raiders have made some strides towards being better. Super Bowl contenders? No. .500 Team? Very possibly, even with the tough schedule coming up. There are some serious improvements to the team for the first time in 8 years. Russel is totally killing it!! Three years of absolute failure is way too long in the NFL. I had his back for the first couple of years but I am done now. Raider fans are a patient lot, but this is too much. Myself and everyone in my Raiders booster club down in SD agrees... Russel must go. Period. P.S. Al Davis' resignation would be nice too. If only there was a god.
Andrew from Merced, Ca: Russell has to take a backseat. At this point he just isn't getting better and he doesn't seem to care. I'm tired about the excuses of having rookie receivers out there and all that non-sense. The team is supposed to surround him with guys that will make him better, but rather than making him better he is making the whole offense worse. Give Gradkowski a chance to show what he can do. If we can just complete SOME passes it should open up the run game and give McFadden and Bush more room to run and make the offense more balanced.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.