Dear Al Davis
Only a true bust could do that...
via The Associated Press:
As JaMarcus Russell(notes) struggled through the worst statistical season for an NFL quarterback in more than a decade, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis preached patience.
It appears that even Davis may have finally given up on his young quarterback.
With last weekend’s trade for Jason Campbell(notes), the Raiders seem ready to close the door on the exorbitantly expensive and unproductive Russell era in Oakland.
The only remaining question looks to be if they cut ties with the former No. 1 overall pick before this weekend’s mandatory minicamp begins, wait until training camp, drag it out until final roster cuts or even keep Russell on the roster for another season as a backup. But his days as a starter are likely over.
Al, you've always been one of my favorite owners for two things: your legacy and your catchphrase. Just Win Baby. In the last decade though, it seems like you've traded that in for either a dunce cap or a bet gone bad. The way the Raiders have played for the past 7 years (worst winning % of all time in the NFL) has been atrocious. It's been laughable. It's been ridiculous. And you were always the lynchpin making all the decisions. It was always you. From Jon Gruden to Norv Turner to Bill Callahan to Art Shell to Lane Kiffin and now to Tom Cable (that's 6 coaches in 7 years), you've never let anyone take the reins. And that's even with your health getting worse (knock on wood) and your team getting even worse than that. You watched raggedy games, penalties, blowouts, insubordination, and worst, players who don't care.
Al, let's cut to the chase. JaMarcus Russell is a bust. A tremendous bust. No he's the 2nd worst NFL draft bust of all time. Ryan Leaf was a jack*ass, on top of being a bad QB. Then again, J-Rock wasn't any angel himself. The man is constantly teetering to the wrong side of 300 lbs, held out his rookie season for a bigger contract, comes to training camp and practice late and doesn't know half of the plays. Russell overthrows people constantly. He can't even control the huddle and makes stupid videos like this:
Who know JaMarcus was a rapper too??
Al, please don't deny the fact that Russell wasn't the right QB for the Raiders. He brought the team down and probably cost them a few wins last season. The most shine he got was on the bench showing off his earrings. Do yourself, your legacy, the Raiders, and their fans a favor. Release JaMarcus Russell and send him to the waiver wire, where some hopeless team will pick him up, hoping they can develop him. You signed Jason Campbell and Kyle Boller to go along with Gradkowski. The draft was a success, and you have more young, talented players on defense. Let the fat man sing and move forward with your organization. If your team doesn't improve next year, then maybe JaMarcus really did come out on top...
