He's been awful. I know that. He doesn't inspire confidence with anything he says. I realize that, too. He's regressing. I get that, too. 

But what I want to ask is this: Haven't fans seen anything (last year or at times in pre-season) that gives you any confidence? Versus Miami, Denver, Houston, and Tampa Bay, Russell was very good last year. That's four of the final seven games. And against New England he also had a strong statistical game, but that was a blowout, so let's ignore it. I'm asking why those games seem to mean nothing. Why do the previous three games (which included two potentially late game-winning drives and one TD stolen by the refs/rules) weigh so heavily against him?

This overwhelming disgust with the guy has to go beyond just his in-game performance because, as I pointed out, he had some real success last year. So what is it that makes fans so certain that this guy is such a complete bust?

I'm asking this honestly of the hardcore fans--of which I'm one--who read and respond here.