If accuracy is the No. 1 measure of a quarterback’s effectiveness as a passer – and some very bright NFL minds believe it is — then the worst quarterback in the NFL right now is Oakland’s JaMarcus Russell.
Through two games, he’s completing passes at a 35 percent clip (19 for 54). The next worst completion percentage in the NFL belongs to the Rams Marc Bulger and he’s not even close to Russell (32 for 64, 50 percent).
With the Raiders hosting hated Denver today — Oakland’s third divisional game in as many weeks — the heat’s on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft to make positive strides. Unfortunately for Russell, the Broncos have played surprisingly tough on defense through two weeks (one rushing touchdown allowed in eight quarters).
Writing in the Sacramento Bee, Paul Guttierez noted that on Friday afternoon, “the longest week of [Russell's] nascent professional career was coming to a merciful close.”
Gutierrez noted that Russell still appears heavier than his listed 260 pounds (“he resembles a much beefier man as he lumbers around”). Gutierrez also writes that, former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (not a fave in Raider nation), thinks Russell needs to drop weight so he can bend his knees better on his throws.
Meanwhile, Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe — a college teammate of Russell’s at LSU — said he suggested Russell spend an “extra hour or focus to improve his game.” Bowe said Russell told him he’d “start that up.”
Wouldn’t one think that he’d have started that up long ago?
Either way, between outside analysis and diagnosis and the much-needed criticism applied this week by passing game coordinator Ted Tollner, the spotlight is squarely on Russell today.
And if he fails to improve over his work in the past two games, next week will feel even longer.
“”extra houror focus”
Is that in Creole?
The best quarterbacks have good touch on the thrown ball, like Joe Montana or Warren Moon.
I have seen only a few passes by Russell this year, but about half of them were thrown without touch. I don’t think that could be just from him being overweight.
They should have done anything legal to keep Jeff Garcia. JaMaximum Russell doesn’t appear to have much interest in playing football, at least not at a high level. His comment to Bowe pretty much says it all.
JaBust is never going to make it. Ted Tollner seems to be the only one in the Raider organization who’ll admit it. Should have kept Garcia!
Russell will redeem himself today. He will have over 50% completion ratio, 1 TD and over 250 passing yards. The Raiders will win by atleast 10 today.
Write it down, it will be done. lol
BUT Russell for some reason has played well against Denver.
Wiki c/p
Russell made his first professional appearance on December 2, 2007 against the Denver Broncos. Coming into the game in the second quarter in relief of starter Josh McCown, Russell played two series, and completed 4 of 7 pass attempts for 56 yards.
Russell was named the starter for the opening game of the 2008 season, which was against division rival, Denver Broncos. It was only his second career start. The game ended in a disappointing 41-14 loss. Despite his team’s blowout loss, Russell completed over 65 percent of his passes, throwing for 180 yards, two touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
Russell led the Raiders to a 31-10 victory in a rematch with Denver. Russell completed 10-of-11 passes for 152 yards, one-touchdown, and no turnovers.
Russell finished the 2008 season on a high note, as the Raiders won back to back games against Houston and Tampa Bay. In the final three games of the regular season, he passed for six touchdowns and two interceptions.
broncos will make him look stupid
The Number 1 measure of a Quarterback is Wins, plain and simple. JaMarcus is 1-1 right now, that’s the only stat that counts. JaMarcus will be fine.
Actually Jamarcus is something like 6-13 right now if you’re counting wins.
yes he had accuracy issues, but when the game was on the line, he stepped up in both weeks one and two.
by the way, look at his td/interception ratio. he doesnt turn the ball over. He will be fine.
Unfortunately, it looks like JRuss is just another player in a long line of players who believe they’ve made it an no longer need to put in as much effort. I loved the JRuss selection at the time, but now I’m thinking he is more interested in spending his money and time away from football, and not so interested in being better. I hope he spends his fortune wisely, because I don’t see a second wind-fall pay check coming his way anytime soon.
JaMarcus should be the spokesperson for a rookie pay scale that is reasonable, so the players who do make it in the NFL can be paid appropriately. This paying a player $30M for how he performed in college is a bunch of BS.
“JaBust is never going to make it. Ted Tollner seems to be the only one in the Raider organization who’ll admit it. Should have kept Garcia!”
Who cares if Garcia can actually play QB?? He doesnt have the only thing Al Davis values in a QB. A strong arm. As long as JaLardLazyAss can throw it 60 yards from his kness to a dhBUST. Al will let him keep his scholarship.
I think every coach on the Raiders knows Off The Marcus wont ever make it. Only problem. the real HC drooling Al thinks he will.
Sucks to be us Raider Fan.
A sampling of Al Davis’ recent first round picks:
Fabian Washington,
Sebastian Janikowski,
Napolean Harris,
Michael Huff,
Robert Gallery,
Jamarcus Russell,
Tyler Brayton,
Nnamdi Asomugha
Derrick Gibson,
Matt Stinchcomb,
Darius Heyward-Bey,
Phillip Buchanon,
Darrell Russell.
My gawd, that is an atrocious body of work right there — most of those picks were very high in the first round too. Abysmal.
Pride and Poise
Just Win Baby
Commitment to Excellence
Uhhh, not so much.
I know this guy plays in oakland so nobody realy cares but why has this guy escaped the national media?he should be getting the same treatment rex grossman got in chicago.no excuses about how many years in the league or injuries.he was the #1 pick not the 21st or whatever grossman was and held out for a monster contract and got it.where are the results?where is the media outcry over what a bust this guy is?I don’t want excuses I want results and he hasn’t produced.if he comes within 10yds. of his recievers in the chargers game then oakland wins.sure the team sucks but wasn’t he drafted to make them better?it’s amazing to me a guy who lead his team to a superbowl is crucified for everything from why the bears lost to global warming and yet this guy gets a free pass.and yes I know grossman did not work out I am just saying why is the first pick in the draft not held to that standared or higher?