JaMarcus Russell bandwagon startn' to roll... (1 Viewer)

[Bracie Smathers]

I didn't like Russell last year becuase he had few starts at LSU and was an underclassman. I figured he would need time but then he also was set back by the holdout. His conditioning habits have been called into question but I think that has been a positive influence since it seems to have motivated him. Now he's entering his second season and has had the benefit of using last year as an extended training camp. He has the offense down and comes in as the undisputed starter. His physical gifts are epic, he may have the strogest arm in NFL history. He's light on his feet, sidesteps pressure and busts out of defenders grasp to buy more time. Now he's starting to get weapons to surround him, Zach Miller, Darren McFadden, and I think Javon Walker is a big improvement in the WR corps.

I've been waiting word on Russell, ANYTHING that would provide an update on where he stands today. Fortunately I clinched a trade for him a few days ago because I anticipate a dramatic improvement this year and that he'll continue to improve. You can't coach his measureables but the Raiders have shown great restraint in not rushing him last year, they have been patient and I think that strategy will pay off over time but I expect a dramatic improvement this year.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=412264

... Kiffin said the difference in Russell's knowledge and comfort level is "night and day" from last season.

Russell wasn't asked to throw deep much in Thursday's practice and was off-target with some of his shorter throws, but Kiffin has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

"His confidence level is so much different," Kiffin said. "He knows his team, he knows his teammates, he has a different presence about him. Instead of being in the huddle and just trying to get the play call out and getting to the line of scrimmage, he's giving them reminders in there. He's way more comfortable than he was before."

Russell has some new play-makers to work with this season, including first-round pick Darren McFadden. Oakland also signed a pair of veteran receivers in former Pro Bowl player Javon Walker and Drew Carter.

Walker began his career in Green Bay with Brett Favre and said that was good preparation for trying to catch Russell's hard passes.

"I've been fortunate enough in my career to play with a quarterback who had a strong arm, and that's something I developed into, catching a fast ball," Walker said. "He's one of those guys that has that ball. The more and more we work together, the better that we're going to be."

One of the strengths that was noted on Russell and that lead to his leap up draft boards was his leadership abilities. Last year, as a backup rookie, he had no chance to display his leadership. This year, coming in as the undisputed starter, I think he will start to grow into his natural leadership role and his confidence and game will grow as well. I'm not sure what numbers that he'll show this season but I think this year is a better time to snag Russell since he is a bargain right now with soo many people down on him. It is only a matter of time before the bangwagon has steam but its starting to roll today IMHO.

 

[LawFitz]

http://www.raiders.com/home/

Take a look at the video featuring Gibril Wilson. In it, there's also an extended media session with JRuss. Kid exudes a quiet confidence. Count me in on the bandwagon even though as a Raider fan I was highly skeptical about this selection during last year's draft.

I've got a feeling that Russell could be the surprise of the 2008 season. The key will be pass protection. The OLine made HUGE strides in run blocking last year under the new coaches but still struggled with pass blocking. And now "lame" Kwame Harris is protecting Russell's blindside. Not good.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

http://www.raiders.com/home/

Take a look at the video featuring Gibril Wilson. In it, there's also an extended media session with JRuss. Kid exudes a quiet confidence. Count me in on the bandwagon even though as a Raider fan I was highly skeptical about this selection during last year's draft.

I think that confidence inspires leadership. Once he begins to produce he'll win over more with quiet confidence.

I've got a feeling that Russell could be the surprise of the 2008 season. The key will be pass protection. The OLine made HUGE strides in run blocking last year under the new coaches but still struggled with pass blocking. And now "lame" Kwame Harris is protecting Russell's blindside. Not good.

I don't dismiss the benefit that comes with a great offensive line or the detriment that comes with a poor offensive line but some QBs are built to handle a bad offensive line better than others. Big Ben is light on his feet and can brush off or break out of the grasp of defenders. His line sucks. I think JaMarcus has those skills to side-step and break out of pressure. His arm is even better than Big Ben so he can hit the backside of plays that typically have soft coverage. Also I anticipate that Zach Miller and Darren McFadden will contribute in the short passing game to spread the defense horizontally and if McFadden gets untracked he will bring a safety into the box which will give Russell soft coverage deep. Add McFadden will take some short receptions to the house because no-one will catch him if he gets a half step. And Javon Walker can seems tailor made for playing catch with a QB like Russell. He made incredible acrobatic catches with Farve and last year in his only two starts when he was healthy with Cutler he had two-one hundred yard games. I think Miller and McFadden will grow with Russell and will get better and right now Walker should help stretch the defense vertically if defenses cheat up in the box to stop McFadden and I expect a few short receptions by McFadden to turn into long scoring plays. For fantasy purposes I prefer a QB who can scramble to gain cheap additional points and who can punch it in at the goal so that is another extra boost I antcipate from Russell.

 

[Chaos Commish]

 

[Alluro]

I'm on. I think Russell will turn a lot of heads this year. He has easily the strongest arm in the league

 

[AnonymousBob]

According to the article you posted, he isn't throwing long bombs and he's innaccurate on short throws.

I'm supposed to be on this bandwagon because why?

 

[tombonneau]

I hope this bandwagon comes with re-enforced shocks ...

 

[LawFitz]

http://www.raiders.com/home/

Take a look at the video featuring Gibril Wilson. In it, there's also an extended media session with JRuss. Kid exudes a quiet confidence. Count me in on the bandwagon even though as a Raider fan I was highly skeptical about this selection during last year's draft.

I think that confidence inspires leadership. Once he begins to produce he'll win over more with quiet confidence.

I've got a feeling that Russell could be the surprise of the 2008 season. The key will be pass protection. The OLine made HUGE strides in run blocking last year under the new coaches but still struggled with pass blocking. And now "lame" Kwame Harris is protecting Russell's blindside. Not good.

I don't dismiss the benefit that comes with a great offensive line or the detriment that comes with a poor offensive line but some QBs are built to handle a bad offensive line better than others. Big Ben is light on his feet and can brush off or break out of the grasp of defenders. His line sucks. I think JaMarcus has those skills to side-step and break out of pressure. His arm is even better than Big Ben so he can hit the backside of plays that typically have soft coverage. Also I anticipate that Zach Miller and Darren McFadden will contribute in the short passing game to spread the defense horizontally and if McFadden gets untracked he will bring a safety into the box which will give Russell soft coverage deep. Add McFadden will take some short receptions to the house because no-one will catch him if he gets a half step. And Javon Walker can seems tailor made for playing catch with a QB like Russell. He made incredible acrobatic catches with Farve and last year in his only two starts when he was healthy with Cutler he had two-one hundred yard games. I think Miller and McFadden will grow with Russell and will get better and right now Walker should help stretch the defense vertically if defenses cheat up in the box to stop McFadden and I expect a few short receptions by McFadden to turn into long scoring plays. For fantasy purposes I prefer a QB who can scramble to gain cheap additional points and who can punch it in at the goal so that is another extra boost I antcipate from Russell.

Excellent points. I hope you are correct.

 

[Buckeyedawgs]

I just wonder how long before he will be a useful statrter? With Kitna my other choice on the one team I drafted him last year it better be sooner rather then later.

Kitna or Russell is already a tuff choice for week 1.

Det@Atlanta or

Den @ Oak primetime

I might just ride him from the start. I tend to lean on prime time

matchups even though Kitna should have a nice week 1 match up.

 

[One]

According to the article you posted, he isn't throwing long bombs and he's innaccurate on short throws. I'm supposed to be on this bandwagon because why?

Yeah. After that report we should all drop him in our rankings. The 1st optional practice of the year is usually the most telling.

 

[Gopher State]

I hope this bandwagon comes with re-enforced shocks ...

I bet it comes with donuts and B.K. double whoppers, Russell by all accounts is a big boy going into training camp

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I hope this bandwagon comes with re-enforced shocks ...

I bet it comes with donuts and B.K. double whoppers, Russell by all accounts is a big boy going into training camp

Wieghed in at 269 yesterday which was 6 lbs lower than what he reported to camp last year.

 

[AnonymousBob]

According to the article you posted, he isn't throwing long bombs and he's innaccurate on short throws. I'm supposed to be on this bandwagon because why?

Yeah. After that report we should all drop him in our rankings. The 1st optional practice of the year is usually the most telling.

I'm not saying he won't be good this year but to jump on the bandwagon based upon these comments? Hey, he showed up to practice! Yaaay!!! After holding out last year I suppose actually showing up is rather a big deal...

 

[acefootball]

I just wonder how long before he will be a useful statrter? With Kitna my other choice on the one team I drafted him last year it better be sooner rather then later. Kitna or Russell is already a tuff choice for week 1. Det@Atlanta orDen @ Oak primetime I might just ride him from the start. I tend to lean on prime timematchups even though Kitna should have a nice week 1 match up.

 

[Todem]

All world talent. If they protect him and he builds some good rapport with Walker and Curry....look out. Plus having McFadden will be a huge help. I like the Raiders future with him, McFadden and now a healthy Walker.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

#### it, i'll jump on. i hated the pick last year.

 

[broncofan13000]

Throw me on as well. Never thought i'd be on a Raider bandwagon

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Throw me on as well. Never thought i'd be on a Raider bandwagon

 

[Garts]

Brady Quinn will be WAY better.

 

[krsone21]

I've been aboard the bandwagon since last year. Glad to have some company now.

 

[renesauz]

This Cutler owner is still waiting for that train to hit full speed. Certainly not about to jump off it for a train that's still struggling to leave the station....

 

[Summer Wheat]

I think I will wait a year..at least.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

I think I will wait a year..at least.

I agree. I ended up with him in 2 dynasties and I don't expect much till 2009. He may have some value in leagues that don't penalize for INTs and/or give bonuses for long TDs. With that cannon arm and McFadden now in the fold, I expect a few long-range TDs.

 

[massraider]

I hope this bandwagon comes with re-enforced shocks ...

I bet it comes with donuts and B.K. double whoppers, Russell by all accounts is a big boy going into training camp

"by all accounts"?There's video of him shot yesterday on the Raiders site. There's no more "accounts". People have seen him. It was a rumor, unfounded. No one saw Russell because he was at the Raiders training facility 4 days a week, from 8 to 3 for the last two months.

 

[massraider]

Regarding JaMarcus, as a Raider fan I am excited for his career prospects, and even quietly excited to see him this year.

Football-wise, there has been no bad news since he finally got some PT. The coaches have mentioned how much work he has put in since the season ended, and Knapp (the OC), mentioned how well he was doing in the classroom. The OTA's mean nothing to me, DMC wasn't there, very little of the offense was installed. The real information that was important to me was that the offensive pass plays (in OTA's at least), were either sprints, roll-outs, or 3-step drops. This is very good news as far as I can see. It means:

1. Russell will have a lot of plays with few reads. 3 step drops, it's one read, boom. Sprints and so forth, it's only half the field. Less reads, less time with the ball in his hands, less indecision, less mistakes--hopefully.

2. They are not going to let him get clobbered. The line is good in the run game, and poor in pass pro. These plays keep the pass rushers from teeing off. Keeping him healthy and upright is kinda important.

McFadden should be mentioned here. If he is the real deal, well.....geez. His impact could be massive. A few long plays off short passes, and Russell's numbers could look a lot better than they normally would.

Zach Miller will be a factor as well. He's a pass catcher first, and I think he will be a drive-extender at worst, and a viable fantasy starter at best. I think he will be a security blanket for JaMarcus.

Beyond that, there are more interesting passing components, all the way down to Justin Griffith, a very nice receiving fullback, Javon Walker, and Curry on 3rd downs.

Having said all that, there are reasons for caution. I am more excited about him from a football standpoint than a fantasy standpoint. The Raiders will be a run-first team, they don't want to get into shootouts. They want to limit mistakes and turnovers, run the ball, and shorten the game.

The 800-pound gorilla in the room is Kiffin's status as head coach. If I thought he and Al Davis were golf buddies, I'd be targeting Russell in every dynasty league. But they aren't, so I have this feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. If Kiffin gets this team to 8 wins, he'll be a hot coaching commodity in the last year of his deal.

And if Kiffin leaves, who knows what Al will do? I don't think switching offenses, coaches, etc. without a negative affect on Russell.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Is the bandwagon rolling, or is Jamarcus Russell rolling?

 

[mdog1967]

Is the bandwagon rolling, or is Jamarcus Russell rolling?

I own him in one league, but I would suggest tempering expectations until we see what he can do full time. If he manages 3000yds, 18 Passing TD's, 16 INT's, 3 Rushing TD's, 58% passing I would feel that would be pretty good for a first year starter.

 

[mdog1967]

Brady Quinn will be WAY better.

I doubt it. I still feel Brady was way over hyped coming out of college. Though with the Coaching staff in Cleveland vs Oakland you could be right by default. I see Brady as being a serviceable but not a spectacular starter. I think he will do fine but probably Closer to Drew Bledsoe stats rather than Drew Bree's. Not bad just not Great.Russel I think has John Elway Potential on the High side or a complete bust.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Brady Quinn will be WAY better.

I doubt it. I still feel Brady was way over hyped coming out of college. Though with the Coaching staff in Cleveland vs Oakland you could be right by default. I see Brady as being a serviceable but not a spectacular starter. I think he will do fine but probably Closer to Drew Bledsoe stats rather than Drew Bree's. Not bad just not Great.Russel I think has John Elway Potential on the High side or a complete bust.

Totally different QBs. Quinn is ready to start now but even he will go through growing pains once he eventually gets his shot. I think Quinn will do very well and the comparison to Brees with Quinn and Russell to Elway is very good. It took Elroy years before he grew into being a solid QB. He had mad skilz but he wasn't able to put it all together so my heads up on Russell was on the first movement forward and getting him cheap while the getting is good. Some may have soured on him and are condcuting fire sales.

Quinn's stock is going to skyrocket when he gets his shot. I see him as a perfect fit in a WC offense. He would be exceptional in a dome where he had three good receiving options and a running game. Brees was lost his first few years in the league but then the light turned on, he suddenly was able to do pre-snap reads. He is able to spot the weakness in the defense and get the ball off. That is Quinn's game. He takes what the defense gives him.

Russell should start his real development this year. I don't expect a bust out season but I expect the start of a long and productive career if he stays healthy. Quinn is in a different situation where I don't see him getting a shot this year but I see him being traded after the season. Next year will be too late to get Quinn. I would look to make a trade for Quinn after a big game by DA early in the season. That is when his value will be lowest, i.e., you can get him cheap. I think I got Russell at the right time, now before the hype begins. I don't think he's going to be great this year but now is the time to get him. The time to get Quinn should be early in the year when DA has a big game and Quinn owners might be discouraged. Late in the year scribes will begin speculation about trading Quinn and then his cost will rise. Right now people think Quinn might win the starting job from DA, he won't.

http://www.theclevelandfan.com/article_det...110&ref=STO

... Browns quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer, "He already had all the tools -- both physically and the intangible tools -- to be a good quarterback, a really good quarterback. I think the ceiling is very high on him. I think we see only the tip of the iceberg. ... his growth and development will continue, especially based on what he learned this year and to be able to use the offseason to grow from that and improve on his game in the areas he needs to improve. He has a great future..."

... Savage, "Derek is the starter. He has the championship belt. It's not going to be taken from him. It has to be a 15-round fight that he loses for him to give it up."

Grab Russell now, lay in the weeds and wait for the right time to pounce on Quinn. I think both will have successful careers. Quinn might even put up better fantasy numbers but not till next year. I don't think Russell will blow up this year but I do anticipate him blowing up over time.

 

[Englishteacher]

Thoughts on Russell becoming an upper tier, Pro Bowl type QB? Russell dynasty owner. Hoping hard for this kid. Team really needs for him to pan out.