But there is some talk now that he may land on an NFL roster at some point in 2010. NFL networks Jason LaCanfora tweeted earlier today that there is indeed enough interest in Russell to make one believe he could get signed at some point this year.

Should a team sign him though? The biggest question with Russell is if he truly has a passion for the game. He hasn’t shown any signs of being committed to becoming an elite quarterback, so what makes anyone think he’s changed now that he’s been dropped by the lowly Raiders?

Why sign a guy that you don’t think has any desire to be there? Assuming he does sign with someone, he’ll be nothing more than a backup. One would assume that, in order to be a backup quarterback in the NFL, you would have to have a strong work ethic. Learning the playbook, running the second team offense in practice, only to wait and hope you get an opportunity. If JaMarcus isn’t committed as a starter, why would he be committed to backup duty? Sure a team could sign him, but why waste a roster spot on someone who doesn’t want to be there when there’s other guys that would kill for the opportunity.

What you don’t see a lot of today in football, or any pro sport, is players getting black balled. This is a business, and some teams just don’t pass up on an opportunity to get potential. Maybe they should though. Wouldn’t it be a good play by the other 31 teams in the league to step up and say “Hey, nobody sign this guy this year. If he truly wants to play, he’ll prepare all year until the 2011 season comes up. If he truly wants to play, he’ll use his time off to get in shape and to refocus his commitment.”.

Letting him sit on his ass for a year with nothing but free time will truly show whether or not he wants to play football. He’ll either focus or fail. Yea he could go and play in the AFL or CFL but let’s be realistic, it would be like college for him where he could clearly get by on just athletic ability. The true test for JaMarcus would be a complete dissociation with football. Desire is the fuel for success, without it a person won’t work hard. If JaMarcus wants it bad enough he’ll go out and get it. But you have to see how bad he wants it, because up until this point he hasn’t wanted it bad enough.

Technorati Tags: JaMarcus Russell, NFL, Oakland Raiders

They weren’t finished bulking up their front 7. With the loss of Gerard Warren they had a big hole to fill, literally. The picked Lamarr Houston to help fill that hole. The defensive tackle out of Texas is a big presence in the middle and should help plug it up, allowing McClain to roam around a little more and make plays. They used the next couple of picks on their offensive line, drafting tackle Jared Veldheeer, a standout at Hillside, and athletic Maryland tackle Bruce Campbell. Oakland was happy Campbell fell to them at 106, considering lots of people expected them to draft him in the first round. Both players should make their way into the starting lineup.

They were able to select receiver Jacoby Ford out of Clemson, the former track star fits the Raiders mold of being an outstanding athlete. The secondary saw a lot of retooling with the drafting of Walter McFadden out of Auburn, Jeremy Ware of Michigan State and Stevie Brown of Michigan. The Raiders were also able to add another linebacker, bringing in Travis Goethel from Arizona State. Although they still got their speed, the Raiders changed their philosophy a little and it should show up next season.

Technorati Tags: 2010 NFL Draft, NFL, Oakland Raiders

There are very few franchise quarterbacks in the NFL right now, maybe a little more than a handful. Donovan can still fall into that category. He’s got a few years left in the tank and can probably be a really good investment for a team.

As it stands right now the Raiders seem to be the team that is gaining the most attention in the race for McNabb. Anyone who doesn’t think he can help the Raiders needs to give their head a shake. How could he possibly make the Raiders any worse right now?

The biggest problem, pun intended, for the Raiders is JaMarcus Russell. They shelled out $72 million for this guy people claim is a quarterback. Talk about a financial burden. The only thing Russell seems to care about so far in his career is being first in line at the buffet table.

But you still have to give the guy a chance to make something of himself besides the embarrassment to the league he’s been so far. Bringing in McNabb makes sense. If you can get him to be a mentor for JaMarcus maybe things will change. It would be a last ditch effort to try and salvage anything you can from JaMarcus, and they might as well since they’re so financially wrapped with this guy.

Whatever the Raiders want to do with JaMarcus shouldn’t prevent them from bringing in McNabb. This team is so far gone right now they need all the help they can get.

Technorati Tags: Donovan McNabb, JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles

Since the beginning of the 2003 season the Raiders have gone 27-80, that’s the worst record in the league over that stretch. I don’t think anyone can blame the fans for being upset, I’d be tired of it too. In fact, I am tired of seeing the Raiders be so bad.

Bringing in a new GM and head coach would be a step in the right direction. But there are some serious problems with the foundation of the Raiders as a whole. Al Davis has to evaluate everyone working for him at this stage and figure out where the breakdowns are coming from.

If Davis wants his team to be successful he’s got to bring in people who he can trust will do their job. Every one has to have the same number one priority, and that’s to do things that are the best for the Oakland Raiders. Once everyone’s on the same page and communication isn’t breaking down the Raiders will have a chance to become winners again.

Technorati Tags: Al Davis, NFL, Oakland Raiders

In his locker room interview earlier today Ocho was asked if he had any special plans for the fans in Oakland. “You think I could jump in the Black Hole?”, “I think I might try that.”.

I would actually love to see him try and do this. I’m a big Chad fan and I think the Black Hole is rad so this would create some quality entertainment. Even now with the fans knowing what he’s going to do it will be interesting to see how they respond. It’s going to be tough, but I may actually turn on the Oakland game this weekend.

Technorati Tags: Black Hole, Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders

Maybe they’re doing this so that the other team isn’t going to know just how easy they have it on Sunday until Wednesday. Either way I think it’s a safe bet the Raiders will blow it.

This team is about 1 notch above the Browns on the crap meter and lots of people seem to think it’s going to stay that way until Al Davis parts ways with the team. I personally have a lot of respect for Al Davis in regards to what he’s done for football over the years. But now I think unfortunately he’s being taken advantage by a few individuals on his staff.

Just another example of a storied franchise with a great fan base that doesn’t care about the product they put out on the field. They’re just happy selling merchandise and tickets.

Technorati Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders