Oakland Raiders Blog » Jamarcus Russell

Raiders Stun Football Nation; Beat Philadelphia Eagles 13-9

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:06:40 +0000

After an extremely disappointing 3-game stretch where the Raiders were outscored 96 to 16, where Jamarcus Russell had failed to show any inkling of being an NFL quarterback, the Raiders were the easy target and prey of sports writers and broadcasters everywhere. Coming into Week 6, Mike Ditka threw Jamarcus Russell in his dog house on ESPN’s NFL preview show. A Yahoo Fantasy sports writers ranked Jamarcus Russell as 129th when rating the top 32 fantasy starters. Hell, Raider Nation even booed Russell as he trotted on the field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

And despite everything, what happened? Jamarcus Russell came out and showed a glimpse of what much of the Raider faithful had hoped the former #1 pick would be. Russell found an open Zach Miller down the middle for an 86-yard touchdown (thanks to key blocks from rookie receiver Louis Murphy). And in the final minutes of the game, converted a big 3rd and long play to FB Gary Russell.

Numbers wise, Russell finished the game with his 6th sub-100 QB-rating. But in terms of showing a few flashes of some caliber plays? This was the biggest game of the season for Russell.

Although much due respect goes to the defense, after losing Asomugha early in the game, the Raiders held the then 3rd highest scoring offense in the NFL to three field goals while sacking McNabb six times.

For once, after all that seemed to be lost for the 2009 Raiders’ Season, the Raiders came out and surprised football nation.

…I’m sorry for ever doubting you. Silver and Black for life!

Watch the video highlights of the Raiders 13-9 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

JaMarcus Russell Named Raiders’ Week 1 Starting QB

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:21:50 +0000

Alas, journeyman and bay area native Jeff Garcia will start the season on the bench. While Garcia came to Oakland looking to challenge the Raiders 2007 1st overall pick JaMarcus Russell for the Raiders starting QB job, a calf strain has limited much of what Garcia could do on the field during this pre-season.

To quell any kind of QB controversy, head coach Tom Cable announced this Sunday that JaMarcus Russell will start week 1 against the San Diego Chargers. “At this point, he’s the quarterback of the Oakland Raiders,” Cable told reporters on Sunday.

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Jeff Garcia Signs With The Raiders

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:45:37 +0000

With six months to go before the season starts, the Raiders officially have a quarterback controversy. On Monday, April 6th veteran quarterback and Bay Area native Jeff Garcia signed with the Raiders for a one-year deal.

After playing journeyman for 10 seasons and traversing through the 49ers, Browns, Lions, Eagles, and Buccaneers, Garcia looks to spend his final years in Oakland.

While the Raiders organization continues to leave the training wheels on Jamarcus, Garcia’s readiness and historic efficiency where in the last three seasons, Garcia has thrown 35 TDs, 12 INTs, at a 64% completion rate, Garcia is ready to lead the Raiders now. Garcia gives the Raiders a legitimate shotor f an 8-win team. However, there’s no telling what ousting Jamarcus would do the young player’s psyche.

Raiders Upset Texans 27-16 In Oakland

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:43:52 +0000

How good is Raiders corner back Nnamdi Asomugha? Ask pro bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson. Coming off 3 consecutive games with a touchdown reception and over 200 receiving yards against the Tennessee Titans last week, Andre Johnson didn’t make his first reception until the 4th quarter.

As the Raiders pulled off a 27-16 home upset against the Texans, everything came together for the Raiders in Oakland today. With rain coming down throughout the game in an half empty stadium, the Oakland Raiders clicked on all aspects of the game. Asomugha and the defense shutdown a hot Houston Texans team. Fargas and McFadden controlled the ground game. While Jamarcus Russell gave Raider nation a glimpse of his potential completing 18 out of 25 passes for 236 yards while throwing two touchdowns. And shining all season, Johnnie Lee Higgins caught a touchdown and returned another spectacular punt return in the 3rd quarter to lock up the game for the Raiders.

After another disappointing season, the Raiders did their 40,000 fans at the coliseum right today by ending the last home game of the 2008 season with a win. The Raiders displayed their potential and for at least one game met the expectations of Raider Fans at the outset of the season. Rather than going out quietly, the Raiders have certainly built momentum going into the off-season today and Raider nation can hold their breaths for another season.

Highlights are available here at the NFL.com website

The Raiders meet old time coach Gruden next season for a Super Bowl XXXVII rematch in Tampa Bay next week. The Buccaneers having struggled recently themselves, I have but one small peace of advice, watch the Buccaneers-Panthers game from week 14 and run to the right.

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Tom Cable Takes Over Play Calling

admin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:56:45 +0000

Cable Takes Over

It’s official, Tom Cable has realized the Raiders offense is struggling. Despite forcing 4 turnovers off the Panthers in Week 10, the Raiders scored no touchdowns. Though, the Raiders offense managed a quantum leap greater than the week before where the Atlanta Falcons shutout the Raiders 24-0 in the Black Hole.

Gregg Knapp, the now former coordinator worries his removal will deeply strain young quarterback Jamarcus Russell:

“I’m frustrated because I’m trying to help this guy develop and become a very good quarterback in this league.”

Sure thing Knapp, as by taking the ball from the center and handing off to a running back for over 75% of the plays, there’s a simpler way of doing that. It’s called the Wildcat. Jamarcus Russell’s in his second seasonand if Knapp was watching the same games we are, Jamarcus has little opportunity to develop.

Let Cable take a shot, afterall, he is the “interim” head coach. Cables out as soon as Davis can bait anyone into coming to Oakland; We know it, Al knows it, and Cable knows it. As “interim” head coach, Cable’s a bit like FEMA. He’s not really a solution, but somebody has to be plugged into the problem.