Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell will not be released this offseason, according to ESPN. As expected, Raiders owner Al Davis is still reluctant to cut the already amazingly-long cord he has given to the former number one overall pick. With Tom Cable expected to return as head coach, however, Russell will almost certainly be riding the pine next season. Source: RotoTimes.com
As some point, they need to cut their loses. Its been proven that this kid just isn't the answer the Raiders need.
Well, if Tom Cable is indeed returning next season, it's going to be fun to see how long he will stick with Russell as starting QB in 2010.
The thing is, as bad as he was, the man showed promise at times this year: looked sharped at times vs SD, led a comeback drive at KC, had some big plays vs PHI, and then the game at Denver. So, I think Al sees this and still believes that he can succeed. A name I want to bring up is Jim Plunkett. The man, though not drafted by the Raiders, was supposed to be the 49ers saviour. He was not. He went to the Pats, also to be a savior. He was not. When he came to Oakland, he became the backup, learned the playbook, and led them to a couple of titles. Russell will ride the pine, work with Jackson, and hopefully improve.
I wish we had the cojones to actually go through with this and cut him. Russell is worthless, and Al's infatuation with him is going to set the team back YEARS. We need to move on and either draft (not this year because I hate this years qb class) or sign a qb to replace him. Even if we only signed a legit vet to carry the team over until a decent qb is available through the draft, that would be huge, but somethings gotta happen. With Russell as the starter we are doomed to the cellar or at the very best, mediocrity behind a decent running game and defense, and no passing game to speak of. I'm firm in my belief that the team is going nowhere until Al relinquishes control to someone who has a better grasp of what it takes to succeed in todays game and can see beyond a 40 time and combine measurables.