R4Life
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Role reversal
Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Tuesday at 9:29 pm
Other than the inevitable signing of draft picks, not a lot goes on between now and the start of training camp.
Draft signings are really a non-story where the Raiders are concerned, given their impeccable record at getting players signed and into camp on time. I'd expect nothing different this year, even with the No. 1 overall pick in JaMarcus Russell.
You probably disagree with the dearth of Raiders topics, given the reaction every time three days go by without anything posted.
So here's my proposal:
You write the lead item. I'll chip in with a lead item or two if something warrants it, but let's make it mostly your show for the next month or so.
E-mail them to me at jmcdonald@angnewspapers.com, and I'll post the ones I feel are the strongest. No promises as to which ones I'll post. It will be at my discretion. The post will be under my name, but I'll note the true identity with a byline using your comment name.
I'll edit slightly for good taste and eliminate anything with profanity, but they'll be your words, not mine.
I may even post a comment or two of my own.
Bloggers, start your laptops . . .
Alright gentlemen, the gantlet has been thrown down. Any one feel up to the task?
Here's the first one selected:
If it's a draw, Russell wins
Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Wednesday at 8:22 am
(Note: Readers who wish to submit lead blog items can send e-mails to jmcdonald@angnewspapers.com. Some may be posted as comments if on the same subject)
By Stephen McBride
Even though boxing is a dying sport, everyone is familiar with old adage that "you gotta knock out the champ to win." In one of the more intriguing quarterback competitions this off season one has to wonder whom Lane Kiffin and/or Al Davis sees as being the champ.
An argument can be made that Russell is the champ because the Raiders and especially Kiffin have so much of their future invested into what will soon be known as the $30 million dollar arm.
You can also argue the other side by weighing the importance of not rushing the rookie before he is ready and to try and follow the blueprint laid out for one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks _ CarsonPalmer in Cincinnati.
Do you try to hold Jamarcus off and hope that you can sit him as long as possible or do you try get him ready and on the field as quickly as possible? One thing that is apparent since Andrew Walter's injury is that Russell will speed up his progression the more reps that he is given.
So what happens in the likely scenario that neither quarterback really separates from the other within the competition?
Does the tie go to Russell or McCown?
Sorry, Walter but I really don't see you as having a legitimate chance to start week 1. We all know that Russell has the arm to make throws that McCown and Walter could only dream of. But that raw physical talent usually translates into a lot of forced passes and interceptions for young quarterbacks in their first season. McCown is more of a mobile quarterback which could be a huge factor, considering the biggest question mark surrounding the 2007 Raiders will be their offensive line play.
That's not to say that Russell is a slouch because he moves very well for his size. Looking at the big picture, would you trade 1-2 wins this year for 2-3 additional wins in 2008? If the competition is close and neither competitor is knocked out, I'd have to say that Russell should be seen as the champ and win the decision.
For all the bonehead rookie mistakes that Russell will make if he starts from week 1, you will also have a number of great plays that occur because of what has been dubbed by many as the best physical tool set of any QB in the last decade.
The game experience is great, and you also can't overlook the increased practice reps that the No. 1 QB has as well throughout the season. For the Raiders to be successful this season they will have to continue to play good defense and establish a running game, regardless of whom is under center. That's what is best for the champ in Oakland, and let's be honest whatever is best for Jamarcus Russell is identical to what is best for the Raiders in 2007 and definitely beyond.
Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Tuesday at 9:29 pm
Other than the inevitable signing of draft picks, not a lot goes on between now and the start of training camp.
Draft signings are really a non-story where the Raiders are concerned, given their impeccable record at getting players signed and into camp on time. I'd expect nothing different this year, even with the No. 1 overall pick in JaMarcus Russell.
You probably disagree with the dearth of Raiders topics, given the reaction every time three days go by without anything posted.
So here's my proposal:
You write the lead item. I'll chip in with a lead item or two if something warrants it, but let's make it mostly your show for the next month or so.
E-mail them to me at jmcdonald@angnewspapers.com, and I'll post the ones I feel are the strongest. No promises as to which ones I'll post. It will be at my discretion. The post will be under my name, but I'll note the true identity with a byline using your comment name.
I'll edit slightly for good taste and eliminate anything with profanity, but they'll be your words, not mine.
I may even post a comment or two of my own.
Bloggers, start your laptops . . .
Alright gentlemen, the gantlet has been thrown down. Any one feel up to the task?
Here's the first one selected:
If it's a draw, Russell wins
Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Wednesday at 8:22 am
(Note: Readers who wish to submit lead blog items can send e-mails to jmcdonald@angnewspapers.com. Some may be posted as comments if on the same subject)
By Stephen McBride
Even though boxing is a dying sport, everyone is familiar with old adage that "you gotta knock out the champ to win." In one of the more intriguing quarterback competitions this off season one has to wonder whom Lane Kiffin and/or Al Davis sees as being the champ.
An argument can be made that Russell is the champ because the Raiders and especially Kiffin have so much of their future invested into what will soon be known as the $30 million dollar arm.
You can also argue the other side by weighing the importance of not rushing the rookie before he is ready and to try and follow the blueprint laid out for one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks _ CarsonPalmer in Cincinnati.
Do you try to hold Jamarcus off and hope that you can sit him as long as possible or do you try get him ready and on the field as quickly as possible? One thing that is apparent since Andrew Walter's injury is that Russell will speed up his progression the more reps that he is given.
So what happens in the likely scenario that neither quarterback really separates from the other within the competition?
Does the tie go to Russell or McCown?
Sorry, Walter but I really don't see you as having a legitimate chance to start week 1. We all know that Russell has the arm to make throws that McCown and Walter could only dream of. But that raw physical talent usually translates into a lot of forced passes and interceptions for young quarterbacks in their first season. McCown is more of a mobile quarterback which could be a huge factor, considering the biggest question mark surrounding the 2007 Raiders will be their offensive line play.
That's not to say that Russell is a slouch because he moves very well for his size. Looking at the big picture, would you trade 1-2 wins this year for 2-3 additional wins in 2008? If the competition is close and neither competitor is knocked out, I'd have to say that Russell should be seen as the champ and win the decision.
For all the bonehead rookie mistakes that Russell will make if he starts from week 1, you will also have a number of great plays that occur because of what has been dubbed by many as the best physical tool set of any QB in the last decade.
The game experience is great, and you also can't overlook the increased practice reps that the No. 1 QB has as well throughout the season. For the Raiders to be successful this season they will have to continue to play good defense and establish a running game, regardless of whom is under center. That's what is best for the champ in Oakland, and let's be honest whatever is best for Jamarcus Russell is identical to what is best for the Raiders in 2007 and definitely beyond.