Veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia arrived at training camp early, unwilling to concede anything to projected starter JaMarcus Russell. "My job is to make certain decisions hard," Garcia said Tuesday. "JaMarcus' job is to make the decision easy and to go out there and be the guy that this team has invested in to be, and that's to be a leader, a player that is accountable and that everybody looks toward to basically carry the team on his shoulders and lead this team to victory." Players are required to report to camp today for a mandatory 9 a.m. meeting. Russell was not spotted during a three-hour period in which at least half the 80 players on the roster checked in. "I don't believe I'm a backup quarterback by any means," Garcia said. "I feel like this team is getting a quality player at the position, and however it ends up being utilized is how it ends up working out. I realize what the situation is here, so I'm not coming in here trying to stir the pot." Source: The Oakland Tribune
I think that Garcia is handling this well. Russell's work ethic is questionable, as well as his leadership, and Garcia's job is not only to be ready to play, but to push Russell. If Jamarcus doesn't show up to every workout, and show that he's working his butt off knowing that Garcia is breathing down his neck then it just proves he doesn't have the make up to be an NFL QB, and Garcia deserves the job.
Garcia is a competitor and he'll do what he needs to do to start. He went to the Raiders wanting to be the starter and he's going to do whatever needs to be done, it'll be fun to see the 2 of them vying for the top job.
I think Garcia is eventually the starter...maybe not week 1, but he is too hard a worker and Russell just isn't IMO.
I dont know why they really brought garcia in its not like even with him there a contender for the playoffs. Stick with russell and groom him since hes your future.
