Raiders are happy with their quarterback
INDIANAPOLIS -- Two years ago, the Raiders used the No. 1 pick on quarterback JaMarcus Russell. He wasn't the first choice of then-coach Lane Kiffin, who wanted to take Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson and then use a second-round pick on Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards.
But Raiders owner Al Davis really likes Russell, and Coach Tom Cable says he's happy with the progress the quarterback made in the last six weeks of the 2008 season.
"Where I want to see him really grow is with his maturity, his understanding of his responsibility," Cable said, speaking here at the NFL combine. "Not so much taking the snap and handing off, but his responsibility as a starting quarterback in the National Football League. That's being able to grow more and come out of those post-college years and be more settled.
"Understand that you really are the face of the organization," he said, "so you have to handle that the right way and act the right way. ... And he's been great at that."
-- Sam Farmer
Photo: Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Credit: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images
With no WR's last year Russell did a great job, it was also no coincidence that when Mario Henderson took over at LT , Russell looked very good in the final few weeks of the season.
Sure Russell had some poor games but also had a fair few games where he improved a ton and gives all Raider fans hope for the future. We badly need a 80 catch 1000 yard style WR though
Posted by: Paul J | February 20, 2009 at 05:19 AM
why wouldn't they be happy with him? The kid showed great character, and played very well despite a week offensive line and mediocre wide receivers. plus his star running back was hurt most of the season. and the top two fullbacks were out for the season. imagine how he'll play with a solid, healthy cast around him. I expect him to be in Hawaii within 2 years.
Posted by: rick | February 20, 2009 at 08:35 AM
When you consider that while going 3-3 the last 6 games Russell had a QB Rating of roughly 128 over those 6 games it shows great improvment. Tkis young guy can make all the throws and is calm playing a good game or a bad and he does not get rattled. Russell has a everything he needs to become a very good QB.
Posted by: Sonny | February 20, 2009 at 10:37 AM