JaMarcus Russell News: Pro Sports Daily

Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell shows up in improved condition

Comment

March 17

Contra Costa Times

"As expected, Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell showed up for offseason workouts Tuesday. The surprise came in Russell's physical appearance. Several players said Russell appears to be in much better shape than he was last season, when Russell's playing weight was listed at 260 pounds. Russell spent the past month or so working out at a training facility in Arizona, according to director of squad development Willie Brown. Two players confirmed that Russell has been working out in the Phoenix area. Brown said in an interview on Comcast Sports on Monday night that Russell was absent Monday so that he could complete the purchase of a home in Alabama. "You'll be surprised when you see him," ..."

Brown: JaMarcus getting in shape

Comment

March 17

Oakland Tribune

"In case you missed it, Raiders director of squad development Willie Brown said on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area Monday that quarterback JaMarcus Russell has undergone a transformation in the offseason and wasn't present at the first day of the offseason program tending to personal business. "He's trying to close a home in Alabama. It's something that he couldn't get out of," Brown said. "You don't want to lose your home. So he'll be back in town today and ready to go (Tuesday)." Brown, talking with Raiders play-by-play announcer Greg Papa on "Chronicle Live," alluded to personal problems Russell experienced last season and said the quarterback has been in Phoenix getting in shape, a ..."

Russell missing as workouts start

Comment

March 16

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Raiders' quarterback competition unofficially began Monday with the start of voluntary workouts. So far it's a two-horse race, with neither one named JaMarcus Russell. The 2007 No. 1 overall draft pick was not seen by teammates at team headquarters Monday, and no one interviewed has any idea where he has been this offseason. The Raiders do know the whereabouts of the two quarterbacks who leapfrogged Russell into the starting lineup last season. Bruce Gradkowski has been at the team facility all month, and Charlie Frye arrived Monday after signing his restricted-free-agent contract. "Signed it Sunday," Frye said of his one-year, $1.226 million pact. "Ready to go." So is Pro Bowl long ..."

Where's JaMarcus? Teammates don't know his whereabouts

Comment

March 16

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Raiders kicked off offseason voluntary workouts today at team headquarters. The linemen checked in for 8 a.m. workouts, the skill position guys followed at 10:30 a.m. Quarterback Charlie Frye showed up, saying he signed his original draft pick tender. Bruce Gradkowski has been here all along, rehabbing his knees and getting fired up about competing for the starting job. No visible sign of JaMarcus Russell, though. Several players who have been at the facility for weeks said they have not seen the former No. 1 overall draft pick. When asked if he'll show today, one starter laughed and said "That's a horror show." Another starter said "don't hold your breath." Russell was around a lot ..."

Jamarcus Russell absent

Comment

March 15

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Raiders kicked off offseason voluntary workouts today at team headquarters. The linemen checked in for 8 a.m. workouts, the skill position guys followed at 10:30 a.m. Quarterback Charlie Frye showed up, saying he signed his original draft pick tender. Bruce Gradkowski has been here all along, rehabbing his knees and getting fired up about competing for the starting job. No visible sign of JaMarcus Russell, though. Several players who have been at the facility for weeks said they have not seen the former No. 1 overall draft pick. When asked if he'll show today, one starter laughed and said "That's a horror show." Another starter said "don't hold your breath." Russell was around a lot ..."

Raiders won't name starting QB

Comment

March 1

San Francisco Chronicle

"Raiders coach Tom Cable is not naming JaMarcus Russell his starting quarterback for the 2010 season. At the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Cable said he's open to a competition. That means Russell will have to win back his job, with Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye, both restricted free agents, in the wings. "That would help our football team right now, getting into more of that competition," Cable said. "I'm for having guys go at it and battle for the job." On Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, Cable said, "JaMarcus is working and doing the things he should be doing right now. He'll get himself prepared to compete for the job. I think that's the only way to look at ..."

Can Jackson turn Russell around?

Comment

January 28

Sacramento Bee

columnist Paul Gutierrez

"Hue dat? Hue dat? Hue dat say dey gonna fix JaMarcus Russell? While the rest of the country got wrapped up in the feel-good story that is the New Orleans Saints' Who Dat Nation, the Raiders went about their business this week. Business as usual. Or at least, business as usual as it can be when it comes to that old Eastern Bloc cloak-and-dagger mentality that reigns over Raider Nation. Announce the rehiring of a defensive-line coach in Mike Waufle, who was part of the Jon Gruden Regime, but fail to mention what has become of the the former D-line coach, Dwaine Board? Check. Issue a statement denying an ESPN report that says Al Davis has chosen to retain Tom Cable by saying he has not ..."

There's only so much new Raiders assistant Jackson can do with JaMarcus

Comment

January 27

Contra Costa Times

columnist Cam Inman

"New Raiders offensive coordinator Hue Jackson won't save JaMarcus Russell's Raiders career. No coach, assistant or muse can do that. Only Russell can. It won't happen, anyhow. No disrespect to Jackson, but he can't be coming to the Raiders simply to hold Russell's hand. Jackson must coordinate one of the league's most feeble offenses, one that Russell wanted no part of this past season. Here is your word of the day: Fun. We all like to have fun. Jackson thinks coaching Russell will be just that. But Russell and fun can't coexist, not with his career in such serious demise. "This guy was the first player drafted. It's going to be fun to see if we can get him up and playing the way we all ..."

Raiders will choose Russell over Cable

Comment

January 8

Sacramento Bee

"No need to peer into a crystal ball, read some tea leaves or even decipher a Nostradamus quatrain to predict what the Raiders will do with JaMarcus Russell and Tom Cable. The organization's actions, or rather lack thereof this week, show Al Davis will choose the quarterback over the coach. Russell will return to collect $9.45 million next season; Cable will be sent to the gallows, perhaps as soon as Tuesday. Surprised? You shouldn't be. Not with Davis' record of siding with players over coaches. Because be sure of this - there is no way the Raiders can bring back both Russell and Cable next season. Neither trusts the other, and for good reason. Russell played like a coach-killer, and Cable ..."

Raiders OK with Russell, still mad at Gannon

Comment

January 7

Contra Costa Times

"For the record, the Raiders aren't overly concerned with the Las Vegas excursion by JaMarcus Russell, saying he was in Sin City accompanied by someone with the club, and have no intention of taking Rich Gannon up on his offer to help the team reverse the tide of seven consecutive losing seasons. Steve Corkran followed up on both issues today with senior executive John Hererra, who confirmed, "JaMarcus was in Las Vegas, and he was there with a (Raiders staff member). He was there for a legitimate reason." As for Gannon, Herrera's company line made it clear the former MVP is persona non grata in Alameda."

Raiders should rid themselves of Russell

Comment

January 5

Sacramento Bee

columnist Paul Gutierrez

"JaMarcus Russell giveth; JaMarcus Russell taketh away. The purported franchise quarterback gave the Raiders hope Sunday when he came off the bench in place of a beat-up Charlie Frye looking fresh, ready and on point. Then he reverted to form and trounced their dreams of a season-ending upset of Baltimore with two spirit-killing turnovers on consecutive series. And now, it's time for Al Davis to admit his mistake and show Russell, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2007 draft, the door. Russell's time with the Raiders has come to an inglorious end. At least, it should. His shocking lack of accountability and just as surprising ability to rub wrong everyone from teammates to the Black Hole itself ..."

Cables still has his job, but what to do with Russell?

Comment

January 5

Sacramento Bee

"The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, no doubt. Coaches come and go and are recycled more often than a Tiger Woods joke. Teams rise and fall on the shoulders and arms of their franchise signal callers. And Sunday, the Raiders' 21-13 season-ending defeat to Baltimore served as a microcosm for Oakland's latest star-crossed season under center and on the sideline. Journeyman Charlie Frye played out of his mind in the first half, completing 18 of 25 passes for 180 yards with a touchdown and a 105.4 passer rating in keeping the Raiders within striking distance of the playoff-bound Ravens. Purported franchise star JaMarcus Russell seemed mindless in committing two spirit-crushing turnovers ..."

Raiders' first offseason move should be to get rid of JaMarcus Russell

Comment

January 5

Oakland Tribune

columnist Cam Inman

"JaMarcus Russell was nowhere in sight as the Raiders offseason began Monday. Please, keep it that way, into the 2010 season and beyond. Russell skipped the final team meeting Monday morning. Coach Tom Cable didn't miss it — yes, he's still employed, but check back next week — and he "excused" Russell's absence for "personal issues." No player should take this past season more personally than Russell. He validated everyone's fears about his career. He became an outcast, to the withering fan base and stunningly throughout his own locker room. Despite their 5-11 record, the Raiders definitely accomplished this season's true goal: Finding out about Russell. The Raiders should harbor no more ..."

Russell makes his case - to be cut in the offseason

Comment

January 4

San Francisco Chronicle

"As he prepared to send the Raiders' banished prince into Sunday's game after halftime, coach Tom Cable gathered the offense around him on the sideline and pointed emphatically at JaMarcus Russell. "I didn't want us to let up," Cable explained later. "(I said) JaMarcus was going to play quarterback, and let's rally around him." That little conference shouldn't have been necessary. But in addition to losing seven of nine starts earlier this season, Russell appeared to lose the trust of his teammates. In Sunday's 21-13 loss to Baltimore, he did nothing to regain it, carelessly fumbling the ball and throwing an interception directly to a Raven. Asked to assess the performance of the No. 1 ..."

Raiders should rid themselves of Russell

Comment

January 4

Sacramento Bee

columnist Paul Gutierrez

"JaMarcus Russell giveth; JaMarcus Russell taketh away. The purported franchise quarterback gave the Raiders hope Sunday when he came off the bench in place of a beat-up Charlie Frye looking fresh, ready and on point. Then he reverted to form and trounced their dreams of a season-ending upset of Baltimore with two spirit-killing turnovers on consecutive series. And now, it's time for Al Davis to admit his mistake and show Russell, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2007 draft, the door. Russell's time with the Raiders has come to an inglorious end. At least, it should. His shocking lack of accountability and just as surprising ability to rub wrong everyone from teammates to the Black Hole itself ..."

Russell doesn't reclaim Raiders starting QB job despite late-game heroics

Comment

December 22

Contra Costa Times

"Make no mistake, Raiders coach Tom Cable was pleased that JaMarcus Russell pulled out a 20-19 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. But he wasn't so overcome with euphoria that Russell was immediately reinstated as the starting quarterback. At his weekly news conference Monday, Cable was holding out hope that Bruce Gradkowski could return from ligament tears to each of his knees. Charlie Frye will have to be cleared medically after suffering a concussion against the Broncos. After the game, Cable said Frye would start this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns if healthy. That puts Russell at no better than No. 3, assuming J.P. Losman hasn't mastered the Raiders offense in less than a week. ..."

Russell surprisingly leads Raiders to victory

Comment

December 21

Sacramento Bee

columnist Paul Guiterrez

"All the usual accessories were in place. The humongous Dr. Dre headphones bumping some "Dirty South" rap were hung in his locker with care. The diamond-stud earrings the size of a newborn's clenched fist were in his earlobes. The diamond-encrusted watch that could serve as a down payment for a nice starter home adorned his wrist, as did the gaudy ring on his little finger. And when he slipped on his mink coat, it could not contain the radiance of the blinged-out praying-hands medallion around his neck. But there was a new accoutrement JaMarcus Russell wore as he left the Raiders' locker room Sunday evening. Something he had not rocked in these parts in quite some time. A sparkle in his eye ..."

Final drive a 'huge step' for Russell

Comment

December 21

San Francisco Chronicle

"Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell didn't win the MVP trophy Sunday. He didn't pass for even 50 yards. But, the fallen No. 1 draft pick just might have saved his career. With starter Charlie Frye woozy from a concussion, Russell came off the bench in the fourth quarter and threw the game-winning touchdown with seconds to spare. His 10-yard touchdown pass to Chaz Schilens beat the Broncos 20-19. More important, Russell might have won back teammates who fell in love with his in-season replacement, Bruce Gradkowski. "There are always going to be tough times," Russell said. "It's how you come up from behind and fight those tough times off." Be sure, the times have ganged up on Russell. He ..."

JaMarcus Russell's heroics don't close QB argument

Comment

December 21

Contra Costa Times

columnist Gary Peterson

"If you have even a passing interest in the Raiders and saw even part of their game Sunday, only one question can be on your mind today. We're here to tell you it's the wrong question. Forget who their presumptive starting quarterback might be. These days what matters is who finishes. Sunday, for the second time in two games, their closer was none other than JaMarcus Russell. If you were startled by that development, there was no preparing you for what came next: Russell, everybody's favorite 260-pound piñata, engineered a 10-play, 62-yard drive that culminated in the game-winning touchdown pass with 35 seconds to play in the game. The Raiders' 20-19 win over the Denver Broncos was too ..."

JaMarcus Russell, Raiders fly high in win over Denver

Comment

December 21

Contra Costa Times

"Beleaguered quarterback JaMarcus Russell on Sunday turned what was supposed to be Charlie Frye's coming-out party into a poignant reminder to those who have written off the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft. Russell guided the Raiders on a 10-play, 62-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter to beat the Denver Broncos 20-19 at Invesco Field at Mile High. The drive culminated with Russell's well-thrown 10-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Chaz Schilens that provided the difference and showed that Russell has some fight left. "Oh, huge," Raiders tight end Tony Stewart said of what the late-game success might mean to Russell. "You can only imagine. The man has been freaking ..."

Raiders run ragged over Broncos

Comment

December 21

Denver Post

columnist Jim Armstrong

"The Broncos had a hunch the Raiders would come out running Sunday, what with Charlie Frye making his first start of the season at quarterback. And sure enough, that's exactly what the Raiders did. They ran the ball. And then they did it again. And again and again and again. The surprising part was that the Broncos' defense had no idea how to step them. Oakland, which went into the game averaging 101 yards per game on the ground, had 117 by halftime. Then came the third quarter, when Frye threw one pass. Why? Because the Raiders were ripping off huge chunks of yardage on the ground en route to 241 for their afternoon's work. So which team won? Hint: You don't give up 200-plus rushing yards ..."

Russell gives Raiders lift

Comment

December 21

Denver Post

"JaMarcus Russell lost his job as Oakland's starting quarterback, but Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High he hadn't lost the Raiders' game plan. With the outcome in his hands as the game's final minute ticked away, Russell knew exactly what to do. "When in doubt, go to Chaz," Russell said after helping the Raiders rally for a 20-19 victory over the Broncos. "That's what we always do." Russell's second-down pass from the 10-yard line connected with receiver Chaz Schilens at the 3-yard line. Schilens turned straight to the goal line and bulled into the end zone against a stunned Denver team that couldn't match Oakland's intensity. "We knew we had to score a touchdown to win," Russell said. ..."

Surprising drive deflates defense's day

Comment

December 21

Denver Post

"The Broncos' defense couldn't have asked for a better setup for the final two minutes of Sunday's game against Oakland. The Raiders, trailing by six points, were lined up at their 38-yard line with 3:29 remaining. The Raiders' quarterback was JaMarcus Russell, the twice-demoted former starter, who had completed only 1-of-3 passes for 4 yards since replacing an injured Charlie Frye earlier in the quarter. After a sack on first down, Russell and the Raiders were pushed back to the 25. No problem, right? "We just felt like we were going to get off the field and win this one," Broncos defensive end Vonnie Holliday said. Instead, the Broncos allowed Russell to engineer the game-winning drive in ..."

Russell is an afterthought

Comment

December 19

Denver Post

columnist Jim Armstrong

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to note. . . . Nice career, JaMarcus Russell. Who'd have thought Charlie Frye's caddie would make more than Tiger's? . . . The Broncos are going to have to give 110, maybe 111 percent to beat the Eagles next weekend. The Raiders? I'm thinking Russell's completion percentage (48.0) ought to do it. . . . What does it mean for Russell, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft, when the quarterback who took his job, Bruce Gradkowski, gets hurt and Frye is named the starter? "It means he continues to develop," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. Alrighty then. Glad we got that cleared up. . . . The Barrel Man is gone, John Elway has an artificial ..."

Even if his career is over, QB will earn almost $40 million

Comment

December 18

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The Raiders have put themselves in the running for the team with the least cost-effective player in the history of football. The end seems near for JaMarcus Russell, the top pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, with the announcement that the Raiders have decided to keep him on the bench as a healthy backup quarterback and allow journeyman Charlie Frye to start on Sunday. If he hadn't already, Russell now moves to the head of the conversation -- along with Ryan Leaf and Tony Mandarich - as the biggest draft mistakes in NFL history. Although those players qualify based on when they were picked and their on-field performances - or lack of - Russell makes even a stronger case because of the immense ..."

Replacing Russell with Frye a Hail Mary pass for Cable

Comment

December 17

Sacramento Bee

columnist Paul Guiterrez

"This is Tom Cable's 76-yard field-goal attempt. One, final, desperate act of defiance while playing with house money. You wanna bring Randy Hanson and his talkative broken jaw back to work under the same roof as me? Fine. Then I'll sit your baby, your No. 1 overall draft pick, and start Charlie Frye over JaMarcus Russell. Lane Kiffin's got nothing on Tom Cable when it comes to showing up Al Davis. And yet. This is also Tom Cable trying to win games, trying to save his job. Confused? Don't be. Welcome once again to the Bizarro World that is Raiderland. Grab a seat, kick your feet up and make yourself comfortable. Because while Cable starting Frye in Denver on Sunday instead of Russell ..."

Is there more to come after JaMarcus Russell's demotion by the Raiders?

Comment

December 17

Oakland Tribune

columnist Monte Poole

"MAYBE HE'LL eventually get the message. Maybe one day JaMarcus Russell will stand before a mirror, rubbing his eyes and finally see himself as he is, devoted to the trappings of fame and fortune but allergic to the requirements. If that day comes and JaMarcus takes action, he might — might — be able to transform his abundant physical gifts into production and salvage a decent NFL career in a city other than Oakland. What, though, about the Raiders? Do they hear the message they're giving Russell? Do they comprehend the wisdom in heeding their own memo? The announcement Wednesday that the Raiders are demoting JaMarcus for the second time in a month, this time for third-stringer Charlie ..."

Russell might never get off bench for Raiders or anyone else

Comment

December 16

Contra Costa Times

columnist Cam Inman

"Quarterback JaMarcus Russell's disastrous Raiders career officially hit rock bottom Wednesday, raising the question of whether he will ever again take a snap for the Raiders, or perhaps even anywhere else in the quarterback-starved NFL. Coach Tom Cable has picked third-stringer Charlie Frye instead of Russell to start in place an injured Bruce Gradkowski on Sunday at Denver. Cable announced the move on a morning conference call with Broncos media before addressing the Bay Area media. This isn't so much about giving Frye a chance (even if it is a worthwhile task) as it is declaring an utter disgust at Russell's development. The Raiders have seen enough to know he's become an unparalleled ..."

Raiders pick Charlie Frye to start over JaMarcus Russell at QB against Broncos

Comment

December 16

Oakland Tribune

"Raiders coach Tom Cable told the Denver media during a conference call on Wednesday Charlie Frye would start at quarterback Sunday against the Broncos. Cable was decidedly lukewarm Monday in his assessment of quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who was ineffective in relief of injured starter Bruce Gradkowski during the Raiders' 34-13 loss Sunday to Washington."

Cable isn't ready to choose between Frye and Russell

Comment

December 15

San Francisco Chronicle

"Maybe Raiders coach Tom Cable is in denial, or simply can't bear the thought of playing without quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Whatever the case, Cable could not bring himself to name a replacement starter for Sunday's game at Denver. He'd rather wait until Wednesday, when he can be absolutely certain Gradkowski cannot play on two bad knees, before choosing between unseated starter JaMarcus Russell and No. 3 quarterback Charlie Frye. And yes, Frye is just as much in the mix as Russell, the 2007 No. 1 overall draft pick who went from arm-of-the-franchise to this in a single season. "Certainly, I'm going to look at what the options are," Cable said Monday in the follow-up news conference to a ..."

Russell is the new Marc Wilson

Comment

December 14

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Ray Ratto

"Of course, it had to end this way - Bruce Gradkowski limping on a wrecked knee and a wrecked season, JaMarcus Russell whisked off on a cloud of boos to wherever he goes to find his self-esteem, Tom Cable in a beaten monotone, Louis Murphy snapping angrily in defense of silence. Of course, the Raiders had to lose to Washington by three scores Sunday. They'd won the previous Sunday, after all, and that remains the best indicator of bad things to come in the following game. This time, the boat racing ended 34-13, and the Raiders were lucky it wasn't two scores worse than that. They didn't run, pass, block, tackle or even pick a postgame fight with any success, and if there is another way to ..."

Season lost, but team is no lost cause

Comment

December 14

Washington Times

columnist Dan Daly

"It wasn't so long ago you could make the argument - and a convincing one at that - that the Redskins were one of the worst teams in the league, card-carrying members of the NFL Underclass. This was back when they were just skating by the Rams, losing to the Lions and Chiefs and blowing a 15-point second-half lead against the Panthers. But you can't say that about them anymore - as their 34-13 win over the wretched Raiders on Sunday amply illustrated. The Redskins aren't nearly as bad as Oakland, even though both clubs are now 4-9. And they haven't totally packed it in the way St. Louis (47-7 losers to Tennessee earlier in the day) and Detroit (48-3 losers to Baltimore) have. No, the ..."

Gradkowski injured, Russell awful in Raiders loss to Redskins

Comment

December 14

Oakland Tribune

columnist Gary Peterson

"The Raiders' 34-13 loss to the Washington Redskins had barely been entered into the official record Sunday when someone asked coach Tom Cable whom he imagined his starting quarterback would be next weekend in Denver. If pro football wasn't such serious business, the moment would have been worthy of a laugh track. "Let's get to tomorrow," Cable said wearily, "and we'll talk about all that." All the talk in the world won't change what has been apparent for months and what congealed against Washington into an irrefutable truth: The Raiders never will arrive at tomorrow with JaMarcus Russell as their quarterback. As long as he's under center — throwing high, wide and behind his receivers; ..."

Resolute Russell ready for a rebirth

Comment

December 11

San Francisco Chronicle

"Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell doesn't know what game he'll play in next, and he isn't even sure what season it will be. All the former No. 1 overall draft pick knows is, when he gets back in the huddle, fans are going to see a new quarterback. "A totally different JaMarcus," Russell said Thursday, his first interview since losing his job after a Nov. 15 loss to the Chiefs, a game the Raiders dropped 16-10. How so, only a second chance will tell - and there's no telling when that will come. It won't be a skinnier Russell, because he said weight is not an issue. It won't be an overworked Russell, because he said work ethic is not a problem. It sure won't be a poorer Russell, because ..."

Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell reveals he was surprised by benching

Comment

December 11

Contra Costa Times

"JaMarcus Russell said he was surprised coach Tom Cable benched him four games ago and called it embarrassing and unwarranted. He promised a "totally different JaMarcus" upon his return. Russell spoke with the media Thursday for the first time since Nov. 15, the day he was replaced by Bruce Gradkowski late in the third quarter in a 16-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. "It's not the end of the world," Russell said of his situation. "There's better days to come. Just move on from it." The Raiders are 2-1 with Gradkowski as the starter and Russell waiting for another opportunity to validate Oakland's selection of him with the first pick in the 2007 NFL draft. Cable has made it clear ..."

If Raiders lose, it's time for Russell's Last Chance

Comment

December 3

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Scott Ostler

"Sometimes there is no graceful or dignified way out of a pickle, as I was saying just this morning to my valet-parking attendant, Eldrick. I'm sure the Oakland Raiders would concur, because they're in the middle of their own lose-lose situation, starring second-string quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Coach Tom Cable has given Russell a JaMarcus-sized timeout, but what happens next? For this crisis, does Al Davis or Cable have an exit strategy? Russell isn't the Raiders' only problem, but his situation is a microcosm of the team's woes. It speaks to the current state of Davis' talent-evaluation skills, and his ability to react effectively to an emergency. In Raiderland right now, it's like the ..."

With Russell benched, critics focus on receiver

Comment

November 22

San Francisco Chronicle

"Raiders rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey goes by DHB. Bitter fans, many with Web access to public forums, have come up with their own nicknames based on his initials - try on Dropius Heyward-Bey or Drops Hecka Balls or Davis' Horrible Bust. There's only one way to stop the name-calling. Catch the ball. More than once or twice a game. Preferably in the end zone, just because it's there. "He's going to get one here real quick," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "Hopefully this weekend." Until now, quarterback JaMarcus Russell has been the angry mob's primary target. But, the one they call JaBustus and JaRyan Leaf has been benched. That puts all jaundiced eyes on Heyward-Bey when the Raiders host the ..."

Not much for Bay Area sports fans to be thankful for

Comment

November 21

San Francisco Examiner

columnist Tim Liotta

"What happened? Two months ago, the Bay Area sports scene was sizzling. The Giants were still breathing hard in a wild-card race. The 49ers were the upstart disciples of Mike Singletary, whose desire for winners appeared to be satisfied. JaMarcus Russell still had a shot at becoming a bona fide NFL quarterback, and the Raiders were ... well, the Raiders. The Warriors were still out of sight and out of mind - which is preferable to watching them play their way into obscurity. And the Sharks were in training camp, which is always preferable to one of their postseason meltdowns. Now? Ouch! It's the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and what does the Bay Area sports fan have to be thankful for? Sure, ..."

The future is no longer now - Russell's out

Comment

November 19

San Francisco Chronicle

"JaMarcus Russell is back to being the quarterback of the future. Bruce Gradkowski has replaced him as the quarterback of the now. Raiders coach Tom Cable made it official Wednesday, benching the No. 1 overall pick of 2007 and naming Gradkowski the starter for Sunday's game against the visiting Bengals. Don't think this is some one-game fix, Cable said. The job is Gradkowski's going forward, all with owner Al Davis' approval. "It was an easy decision because I feel the responsibility for this football team to give them the best chance to succeed," Cable said after practice. "I just felt like he would give us the best chance to win." "This is in no way giving up on" Russell, Cable said. ..."

Raiders bench ineffective JaMarcus Russell

Comment

November 19

Oakland Tribune

"The JaMarcus Russell era officially is on hold. Coach Tom Cable said Wednesday that Bruce Gradkowski has replaced Russell as the Raiders' full-time starting quarterback. Russell now is the No. 2, ahead of Charlie Frye. "It was an easy decision, because I feel the responsibility for this football team to give them the best chance to succeed," Cable said. Russell was unavailable for comment before and after practice. He said Sunday that he supports Cable whether or not he is the starter. Cable said he has been patient with Russell, cognizant that the Raiders start two rookie wide receivers and were without running back Darren McFadden and left guard Robert Gallery for a large chunk of the ..."

Oakland Raiders bench JaMarcus Russell, will start Bruce Gradkowski at quarterback

Comment

November 18

Oakland Tribune

"Bruce Gradkowski will replace JaMarcus Russell as the Oakland Raiders starting quarterback, coach Tom Cable said following practice. Gradkowski will start Sunday when the Raiders host the Cincinnati Bengals. Cable said the plan is for Gradkowski to start the rest of the season. Russell has been benched in favor of Gradkowski in two of the past three games. This will be just the second start for Gradkowski since 2006. He started one game last year in Cleveland and 11 games as a rookie for Tampa Bay in 2006. Gradkowski is 17 for 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions."

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell remains Oakland Raiders' starter -- for now

Comment

November 17

Contra Costa Times

"JaMarcus Russell remains the starting quarterback for the Raiders, at least for the time being. Coach Tom Cable said a hamstring injury suffered by Bruce Gradkowski complicates the decision of who will start against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Cable wants to meet with his quarterbacks, go over the plan for Sunday and the rest of the season, and put that plan in motion. That's going to take more time than expected. "We haven't gotten anywhere with that decision," Cable said Monday at his weekly news conference. "We hoped to be able to talk about it now, but we're not ready to do that." The discussions will be among Cable and his quarterbacks, with managing general partner Al Davis not ..."

Time now has arrived for Russell to take seat

Comment

November 16

Sacramento Bee

columnist Paul Guiterrez

"Rarely, if ever, is it easy to defend JaMarcus Russell as an NFL quarterback. He entered camp out of shape. His work ethic is questionable. His refusal to show accountability is deplorable. But, as I close my eyes, take a deep breath and plug my nose, here goes: Russell should not have been pulled from the Raiders' 16-10 loss to the appalling Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. There, I typed it. Go ahead, pile on. But keep in mind that coach Tom Cable counted eight dropped balls by his hands-of-stone receivers. And two crucial plays that changed everything: First, a beautiful 55-yard bomb to Darrius Heyward-Bey in the second quarter that would have put the Raiders inside the 5-yard line went ..."

Russell shows no improvement

Comment

November 16

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Scott Ostler

"JaMarcus Russell got the hook Sunday for the second time in three games, and for the second straight home game. Really, what's the big deal? Tim Lincecum doesn't finish every game he starts. At least coach Tom Cable is giving Raiders fans a reason to cheer. Bruce Gradkowski is getting loose! Hooray! ... Hooray! (echo off empty seats). Sunday's benching of Russell in the third quarter of a 16-10 loss to Kansas City was a major statement, a strong indicator of Cable's frustration with the quarterback. When Cable yanked Russell in the second quarter against the Jets two games ago, New York was crushing the Raiders. On Sunday when Cable pulled Russell, the Chiefs were leading 13-10 and Russell ..."

Tom Cable is losing faith in Raiders' JaMarcus Russell, but what about Al Davis?

Comment

November 16

Contra Costa Times

columnist Jerry McDonald

"The Raiders' downward spiral of a season entered a different phase Sunday when Tom Cable, a company man to the core, admitted through his actions he no longer has faith in quarterback JaMarcus Russell.He gave Russell the hook for the second consecutive time in front of the dwindling home fan base, only this time it wasn't while the Raiders were hopelessly behind in what would wind up a 38-0 loss to the New York Jets.Instead, with the Raiders locked in an unsightly 10-10 tie with the Kansas City Chiefs, Russell misfired on third-and-9, throwing high to tight end Brandon Myers with 2:29 left in the third quarter, and was immediately informed he'd be getting the rest of the day off.The ..."

JaMarcus Russell benched as Raiders lose again to Chiefs in Oakland

Comment

November 16

Contra Costa Times

"The Raiders marched 70 yards on the game-opening drive and walked off the field with a 7-0 lead. They spent the rest of the game searching for ways to move the ball as the lowly Kansas City Chiefs did just enough to pull off a 16-10 victory at the Coliseum on Sunday. Struggling Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was benched for the second time this season and Oakland wound up losing its seventh straight game at home to the Chiefs. Things looked good for the Raiders in the early going. They took the opening kick, marched 70 yards in four plays and scored a touchdown on a 1-yard leap by running back Justin Fargas. Running back Michael Bush spearheaded the drive by taking a hand-off, ..."

Russell regressing from 2008

Comment

November 15

San Francisco Chronicle

"As quarterback JaMarcus Russell goes, so goes the Oakland Raiders' season. That explains their 2-6 record with one half to go. His two touchdown throws are dwarfed by 14 turnovers. His completion rate and passer rating are second to one - Cleveland's Derek Anderson. In a league with 33 qualifying quarterbacks, Russell ranks 32nd. Raiders owner Al Davis asks for patience with his former No. 1 overall pick. Let's see how much patience Davis shows coach Tom Cable if he keeps losing games while Russell's development takes its sweet time. "I did OK, but it could be a lot better than what it was," Russell said. "Got some bad breaks, but other than that, I think I can do a whole lot better." If ..."

Russell sees reason for benching

Comment

October 30

Contra Costa Times

"The passage of time, a meeting with coach Tom Cable and watching the video of Sunday's game apparently were enough to change quarterback JaMarcus Russell's stance about his level of responsibility in a 38-0 loss to the Jets. On Thursday, Russell said: "There were mistakes out there. Everybody saw that. Good or bad, take that in stride and learn from it." Russell said after Sunday's game that he was pleased with his reads and decision-making in a game in which he had two passes intercepted, lost a fumble and was replaced midway through the second quarter. He has been quick in the past to point out reasons why things didn't go well and slow to accept responsibility. Cable said he is ..."

If Raiders' Russell has the fire, he needs to show it

Comment

October 30

Oakland Tribune

columnist Gary Peterson

"Picture this: A would-be franchise quarterback being yanked from a game gone horribly awry in front of the home fans. Now picture that guy directing a volcanic fury at his head coach. Actually, you don't have to picture that last part. You can visit YouTube at your convenience and watch then-49ers quarterback Steve Younga tirade on then-49ers coach George Seifert in 1994. "I basically broke," Young recalled in an NFL Films documentary about the '94 season. "(I) started saying things. If I were him, I would have turned around and fought me." It happened during a 40-8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 49ers played 14 more games that season, winning 13 - the 13th being the Super Bowl. ..."