This Should be Gradkowski's Team...But, JaMarcus Russell MAY Be Putting In Work:

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Feb 6, 2010 10:00 AM PST Comment 46 comments

I know, it sickens me to say the BUT part because even IF JaMarcus is at the Sports Training Complex in Scottsdale or Betty Ford/Jenny Craig for that matter it is NEARLY too little too late. BUT, is it too late?

It is no secret that the Oakland Raiders were a MUCH better team under Bruce Gradkowski. Just look at the results:

Game 1 - He entered for an injured JaMarcus Russell and went 2-2 for 17 yards. Russell then came back from the injury and he was sent to the bench.

Game 7 - He entered into the game, when it was already decided and racked up some decent numbers. He went 10-19 for 97 yards and ran the ball twice for 25 yards. If it weren't for Darius Heyward-Bey, DHB, letting an easy touchdown bounce off of his face mask he would have had a shut-out stopping TD and would have at least saved us the humiliation of being shut out at home in the worst home loss in history.

Against that same defense, JaMarcus Russell went 6-11for 61 yards and two picks

Game 9 - This was his worst game statistically, but those numbers can be tricky at times. he came in to relieve JaMarcus and went 5-9 for 49 yards with 2 picks. But, as I said, numbers can be tricky, he led the team on a final drive that could have won the game had the afore mentioned DHB not dropped a pass in his bread basket on the 5 yard line that ended up being picked by the Chiefs for the game sealer.

Fortunately, the Raider had seen enough in that final drive to start him next week against Cincy.

Game 10 - In Bruce's first start for the Raiders his numbers were average, but, his performance in the clutch was anything but average. He went 17-34 for 183 yards, a pair of touchdowns ( The same number that JaMarcus Russell had accumulated all season) and led a game tying drive in the final minutes that allowed the team to be in position, after a special teams fumble recovery to win on a Seabastian Janikowski FG.

( I just had an odd though about Sea-Bass and DHB, I wonder if Sebastian got all pumped up when he thought they drafted GHB, then was deflated to learn that it was actually DHB)

Game 11 - Coming off of a big win and playing on a very short week, a Thursday game, the team admitted that they weren't ready for the Cowboys, and it showed. Then again, Bruce was alright, going 18-35 for 200 yards and a TD.

Game 12 - His performance against the Steelers has gone down as one of the best in Oakland Raider History. It was NOT retribution for the Franco Harris "Trap", but it did feel good to beat the Steelers and be a thorn in their playoff hopes after their coach promised to "Unleash Hell" on the Raiders.

Bruce finished with 305 yards, 3 TDs and a QB rating of 121.8. His game winning touch down pass still send shivers down my spine. On THAT day, he became, MY quarterback. Unfortunately it would only last one more week.

Game 12 - Bruce fought admirably against a Redskin defense that came out roaring from bell to bell. he managed 18 completions and 153 yards before having his season ended on a high low hit that left him barely able to stand. After suffering rips in both knees and the score, 17-10 , Bruce could not start the 2nd Half and JaMarcus Russell came in.

The entire stadium knew that the game was over and even when JaMarcus Russell drove the ball to the Washington 28, he was promptly sacked and the team never got closer than the Washington 28 for the rest of the game.

Inside of me, given Bruce's game winning and near game winning performances, I know that we would have won that game if he was didn't leave with the injury.

When JaMarcus entered the game to boos, you could feel the energy leave the fans and the team itself. Can this team really be going back to JaMarcus? Is a trip to Jenny/Ford/Sanders going to be enough for him to become the player that we all (most of us) envisioned when he was selected #1 over all out of LSU? I mean, how can you argue with Gradkowski's success?

I guess that leads me to a question for this community:

IF JaMarcus puts in the work, mentally and physically, is he your quarterback, over Gradkowski?

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Check out this JaMarcus video:

http://njfrogman.blogspot.com/2010/02/jamarcus-russell-shows-up-at-nba-game.html

It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Feb 6, 2010 10:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

LMAO, He's a dumbass, how can he even show his face in public, I would be ashamed and working on film at my house.

The RaiderLaker

by Raider9 on Feb 6, 2010 10:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The only film he works on at his house:

Will probably find itself on youporn any day now!??!

It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Feb 6, 2010 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ha, lol.

The RaiderLaker

by Raider9 on Feb 6, 2010 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I want to believe in Jamarcus

but he is making it difficult. He needs to mature more, be benched just like Vince Young.

by RaiderFan_21 on Feb 6, 2010 10:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

NO!

I hate his swagger in general, Whenever I see that picture of him and Fat Joe, I remember how much of an idiot this guy really is. That picture alone sums up JaMarcus Russell- Money-Celebs-Flash.

   And, You dont really learn how to throw accuratley. I believe its just there. He’s blessed with a right arm that no human can compare to, But that arm cant hit the broad side of a barn.

    But, When you look at my boy Bruce! You can see that mad dog gamer in him. Ecspecially after that Pittsburgh game. Watching his dad tear up, I knew then and there that Bruce was my QB as well

BR3AKF4 St 0N CR4ACK

by Remix. on Feb 6, 2010 10:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

jamarcus or gradkowski

If Jamarcus is truly putting in the work needed to be an nfl qb then that is only a good thing. However to me that would only be enough not to cut him and would not by any means guarantee him the starting job. If in fact they go in with the qb tandem of grad,russell and frye then there should be a complete and real open competition in camp. Whoever plays the best and projects to be the best person to win games for this team should win the job. Even though Gradkowski played alot better than russell last year (which isnt saying much) he also has alot of things to work on to be a legit starting nfl qb. That being said thus far he is a much better option than jamarcus but who isn’t.

by Mike86 on Feb 6, 2010 10:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Well said my friend

BR3AKF4 St 0N CR4ACK

by Remix. on Feb 6, 2010 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

IF you keep J-Russ on the bench:

He will make 6 million more dollars. If we cut him, he only gets 3 of the 9 million…I believe.

It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Feb 6, 2010 10:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think.....

…. If Jamarcus puts in the work this offseason he should be given another chance(I know we gave him plenty of chances, but if he is trying to work at getting better this offseason, i’d like to see what he’ll look like.). Of course, training camp has a lot to say about that, but if he works, than I’d like to see him perform if anything to see if he actually dedicated at least some work and come out with at least SOME improvement.

by patriotguy2 on Feb 6, 2010 10:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

He should not be given another chance unless we get new badass linemen, If we do I would feel that he is in good hands and will have more time to throw.

Otherwise, it’ll be the same crap from last year, sacks, fumbles, gettting rushed, and the pics.

The RaiderLaker

by Raider9 on Feb 6, 2010 11:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not that I want him in good hands, but I just want to Win...

The RaiderLaker

by Raider9 on Feb 6, 2010 11:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I know what you mean.

But I’m all about him developing pocket awareness instead. If he has that, the line won’t be that much of a factor. But I absolutely want Bruce Cambel in the draft.

by patriotguy2 on Feb 6, 2010 5:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No WAY!!!!!!!!!

As I have posted before JaMassive will only be looking out for his own self worth if he does “step up” this coming season/off season. If actually comes in it would only to try and get a new contract in 2 years time or negotiate at the end of this coming season if he does have a break out one in order to get another bloated contract with a huge amount of guaranteed money.

Win at all costs! Winning ugly is still winning! Remember the past and what got us to the top before. Jim Plunkett and winning ugly......enough said!

by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Feb 6, 2010 11:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

CUT HIM !!

Look, this is like any of us paying a yearly amount of money for a professional service, having the person or Company do a sub-par job for 3 years then come back and vow to do better. Where was this commitment when he was drafted? There was talk that JA3andout’s wonderlick score (basically an S.A.T. test for pro football players) was among the lowest ever. I have tried to get Steve Corcoran and Monte Poole ,our glorious “beat writers” to look into this to no avail. If true, it would explain why Cable had to simplify the offense (making it much more predictable ) when he was starting. it would also make the point that perhaps he’s not smart enough to grasp or play the QB position at the pro level. So SAINT, it’s up to you to dig up the dirt for Raider Nation. I say cut the guy and take our losses , and keep Dubious Hayseed by the Bey in our sights as the next potential write off. Keep the good stuff coming! R.F.F.R.

by Wyoraider on Feb 6, 2010 11:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah maybe

But I also remember talk about another QB who had quite a terrible wonderlick score. His name is Vince Young. He isnt doing too bad as an NFL QB (although the whole suicide thing last year was a little weird).
His wonderlick score probably plays a role in his on field performance but I believe it to be more of non chalant “who gives a shit who gives a fuck” attitude he eminates so well.

Win at all costs! Winning ugly is still winning! Remember the past and what got us to the top before. Jim Plunkett and winning ugly......enough said!

by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Feb 6, 2010 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Young can run though:

The only time JaMama runs is when he is chasing the gravy train!

It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Feb 6, 2010 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wonderlic Test

It doesn’t mean anything. Vince Young and Dan Marino each scored a 15, but one is a pretty damn good quarterback and the other is a Hall of Fame quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick reportedly scored a 48.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Feb 6, 2010 12:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ditto about high school scores

To say that Wonderlic scores mean nothing is a generalization based on exceptions. Rather than making such sweeping statement, provide statistics.

by Spirals galore on Feb 6, 2010 7:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Your quarterback next year

is gonna be Michael Vick or Donovan McNabb.

You know Al is gonna get one of these guys from us next year.

by MyronBales on Feb 6, 2010 11:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

you can keep them both

with your coach who can’t manage a clock, the team, or his own family. Reid signed again til 2013. 3 more years you’ll never win a world championship.

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til I die!

by mikesd1981 on Feb 7, 2010 10:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wet dream

donovan mcnabb. dude is a stud

by rat, el rat, mr. rat, the rat on Feb 11, 2010 2:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Even if

Jacarcass puts in Rich Gannon like hours there is no sure thing as far as him becoming Gannon esqe. He may simply not have what it takes to be an NFL QB. You can’t force leadership qualities out of a non leader, its just not there.
Its obvious that Al is going to stick with JR. But he should at least have to compete with all the other QB’s equally with no advantage because of his contract size.

by rambis64 on Feb 6, 2010 11:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The sad thing is

I don’t think there will be a true competition for starting QB this year and Russell will start for at least 2 to 4 (probably 4) games and then we’ll have to dig ourselves out of a poor morale whole before we can beat the other teams we play the following 12 weeks.

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til I die!

by mikesd1981 on Feb 7, 2010 10:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i really,really,really hate to say it...

but if fat boy puts in the work and does a 360 (twice in his case) is would have to say yes,but i will say one,just one screw up,not comning into camp in shape,not watching film any of that stuff and fuck him,put in the big jaws

by bojackson34 on Feb 6, 2010 12:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

you mean a 180

right?

if you do a 360 you end up where you started. stand up and make spin a circle. Are you looking at the same spot you were before you did the circle?

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til I die!

by mikesd1981 on Feb 7, 2010 10:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's a fact they had to simplify the offense for this idiot.

Cable told Dan Dierdorf before the wonderful showing at Giants Stadium that “We have to keep it simple,and have cut the playbook back to make it easier for him to grasp the offense”. So you cut the amount of weapons you have by 1/2 or 2/3 so this guy can get it? We all saw how much more effective the team was when a QB capable of running the ENTIRE offense was at the helm. Rated R and Lyle Alzado did you watch the Russell video in this blog with him at the basketball game? SICKENING! The diamond “chosen” bling says it all. I’m going with the LyleAlzadopunch on this one after seeing that. He doesn’t and never will give a shit about anyone but himself. Dan Marino never acted like that. Cut our losses and run.

by Wyoraider on Feb 6, 2010 12:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

What's the point of having a guy who can throw a ball 85 yards down the field

if your deep threat wide receiver can’t catch a ball?

Let’s face it, Al picked two huge developmental cases for an organization that is the least capable of developing them.

Al wasted time with the Kiffen drama, then wasted time allowing Cable to pretend he could wear three hats, when it’s questionable if he can wear one -I can just see us taking Iupati in the 1st, only to find out he needs way more improvement on technique, and Cable takes it upon himself to teach him…fuuucckk that!

Russell is still at year one, as is DHB.

The Team as it stands now responds better to the swashbuckling type of quarterback, so let’s get Vick, back him up with Gradkowski, and package Russell and DHB up and try to get as much money as we can or trades or whatever from a team that’s interested, desperate or deluded.

OTOH, if our new OC has a genius plan to develop and bring out the Robocop in Jamarcus, and acquires multiple deep threats with hands, then by all means, let’s go full steam ahead, stick with it, and get another deep threat quarterback for development as well -Skelton comes to mind.
But let’s not pull this stop/start boogie over and over.

by xville on Feb 6, 2010 12:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Why can't people spell his name right?

Follow along, it’s K-I-F-F-I-N. No matter how much you hate a person, misspelling their name is like spitting on them.

No one would take DHB and Russell off our hands. Well definitely not Russell. Why is everyone hell bent on Vick? He’s a good runner, but a mediocre passer. Gradkowski already knows the offense, has the respect of and chemistry with the team and coaches. Why have to lose draft picks and pay Vick 5 million if we can keep Gradkowski for less? Charlie Frye behind Bruce can still be a viable solution, I can’t quite make up my mind yet about him because his first full game was still a lingering concussion and the Balt game there should have been roughing the passer flags all day, and even w/ the picks and sacks he put up better numbers than Russell.

It’s good to see you want to get rid of Russell though. You’re coming around.

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til I die!

by mikesd1981 on Feb 7, 2010 10:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Alright,

Kiffy, is that better?

No one is a whole lot of people. The Eagles have a professional organization that could attempt to develop Russell, they’re used to a stand in the pocket QB, and wouldn’t have to fret so much about Bey, because they already have Maclin, and Bey would be a perfect project for them if they could develop his hands.

The Browns, Rams, and a few others come to mind.

As far as Grad, that damage to his knees doesn’t give me confidence, and neither does his limited time as QB.

by xville on Feb 8, 2010 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce Almighty is way better then J.R.

Bruce is a better qb. J.R. is fat, no accuracy, fumbles, over throws, cant scramble, he is worthless. I wish we would of drafted Calvin Johnson. Al Davis always messes up r draft picks. The best pick we got last yr was Louis Murphy and we got him in the 4th rd. J.R. is a joke he needs to loose weight and practice his throwing. I pray Bruce will be r starter. If not it will be another losing season for us. I like the fact that even coach Cable benched his sorry ass. Straight out Jamarcus Russell just SUCKS.

by only1halo on Feb 6, 2010 3:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

How do you really feel?

It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Feb 6, 2010 3:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Russell will start at least 2 to 4 games.

Because he’s the chosen one and Al Davis is to proud to let him go and move on. If we sign Gradkwoski again I’ll feet a little better because

1) he’ll be on Russell’s back because he’s replaced him before
2) we have a viable backup who can produce in case Russell fails again (he will)

However, I remember reading that if we don’t have a CBA this March, Gradkowski is a Restricted Free Agent, which means that the Raiders have the option of meeting the offer of another team for 7 days before he leaves us. However we may get draft picks if we let him go. But I’d like to keep him and he wants to be here.

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til I die!

by mikesd1981 on Feb 7, 2010 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

BRUCE BRUCE BRUCE

THis should be an open competition, but there is no way that JaFumbles could beat out Bruce G in skill, motivation, or work ethic. F#$% the Mike Vick experiment too, if anything, bring in Pennington and let all three battle it out for the spot. NO FREAKING HANDOUTS! JaFalldown was given the job, and squandered the privilege that only a few ever get.
If it comes down to JaFlopus, Bruce G, or Frye, I think we all know who would win in a TRUE open comp. B-R-U-C-E!!!!

"We can't stop here... This is bat country."

by Kwester421 on Feb 6, 2010 3:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Why pennington

he’s old and had surgery on his shoulders.

Let’s keep it w/ the 4 QB’s we have right now.

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til I die!

by mikesd1981 on Feb 7, 2010 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why not

bring him in for training camp. He’s a proven leader, and has won the comeback player of the year twice. If he doesn’t work out then cut him. At this point, bring in 10 qb’s, one of them eventually has to play well.
I just want a leader on the field already, seven years of this shit is too much.

"We can't stop here... This is bat country."

by Kwester421 on Feb 8, 2010 4:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

.....

JaWalrus Russell is a joke. Not to mention, he is half retarded. Listen to him talk. I can’t trust a quarterback that can barely put a fucking sentence together. Gradkowski is trustworthy, good on the scramble, good in the pocket. He has a pretty good arm too. Just because the first round flop has a cannon doesn’t mean he knows how to aim it. He couldn’t shoot a duck in Duckhunt with the gun next to the screen. He was/is a waste of time. Never felt good about that draft pick. DHB too. Wasted a lot of money on those walking disasters.

by Raider X on Feb 6, 2010 4:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I really hope Gradkowski continues on from his success last year

but if JaMarcus really has got it together and wins the job fair and square i would have reservations but wouldnt have a major issue with it.

"Mel Kiper has his opinion and I respect it. But what does it mean? My 9-year-old nephew can watch film and make an opinion. I think I value the opinion of scouts who get paid to make their opinions. It will carry me through my career. It will serve as motivation for me." - Mike Mitchell

"I'll be the guy on top of the Quarterback" - Richard Seymour

Here they come baby, Just win baby, Feel the storm of the cold autum wind baby
Its the Oakland Raiders, Get your mouthpiece
You in the black hole, With the black beast! - Ice Cube 'Raider Nation'

by Ozraider on Feb 6, 2010 4:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Gradkowski may not be in immediate plans

I just get this feeling, that theyre ready to move forward with Russell being the incumbent starter…so much so that they play Gradkowski with the 2nd team OL in preseason…in the real world, Gradkowski would outperform Russell in pre-season, get the start and win game one, rendering Russell moot

In the Raider World, Russell probably starts the first 4 games, makes modest progress , but still doing just enough to lose the game.

"Tell them i'm coming...and hell's coming with me....Hell's coming with me!!"

by Tatum032 on Feb 6, 2010 8:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

We need a qb bruce isn’t going to solve the qb problems I watch every game this season he missed open wr’s just as much a russell. the only thing is they move the ball more the redskins where going to beat us with bruce or russell. Russell just made it easy. when you look in the afc west we have by far the worst qb’s. bruce isn’t a brees or even a orton.

by Micheal Y on Feb 7, 2010 6:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The skins game was winnable

with Bruce in there. Bruce is far better than Russell and a winner. We had another journey man QB that came here and had winning seasons. Why not again? The team plays hard for him, he can get out of trouble from the pressure, he can still dump the ball off, he can scramble for a down. No he’s not a Brees or Orton. But just because he’s not like that doesn’t make him a bad QB. Comparing a guy playing for the Raiders to players on teams that have it together more than we do isn’t fair. Bruce is a leader and takes command when on the field. We need that. He finds way to get the ball down field and protects it when he can’t. Let Bruce start and beef up our o-line and see what happens then.

Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til I die!

by mikesd1981 on Feb 7, 2010 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My QB?

Hell no. If it’s possible that the shallow graves out in the Nevada desert can hide his fat worthless ass, that’s where I’d like to see him. The only thing more embarassing to me being a proud member of The Raider Nation than our record the past 7 season or so, is seeing his big fat lazy can in silver pants.

by golfswithglock on Feb 7, 2010 1:06 PM PST reply actions 1 recs