Monday Morning Musings
With Woes at QB, it may be JaMarcus turn; Run Defense on life support
Monday, November 5, 2007
By Victor Cotto Raiderfans.net Staff Columnist
Is the time now for JaMarcus Russell?
Exit stage left Daunte Culpepper…
Enter Josh McCown – again!
Raider fans watching this show on Sunday were seen tossing tomatoes at the current Oakland signal caller and chanting for the insertion of no. 1 overall selection
JaMarcus Russell.
And after McCown’s three interceptions and the Silver & Black’s sixth defeat, you can make a case that the rookie may be the best option for the floundering Raiders.
Lane Kiffin’s offense managed to score two fourth quarter touchdowns, but once again let their opponent build what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. Another 17-0 deficit at the half; similar to what occurred during the home opener and a trend that has been hair pulling for those that follow the team.
Oakland was mired in penalties, an out of sync passing game and turnovers that halted drives and helped the Houston Texans break their three-game losing streak.
Justin Fargas performed admirably. Jerry Porter and
Ronald Curry when given a chance attempted to make plays. But the offensive line, still trying to find its groove since the bye week, continues to be an achilles’ heel. Many things are missing on this unit. And the one glaring black hole that fans will point at will be the quarterback. Especially until they finally see what their $68 million investment is all about.
McCown scrambled, improvised and his grit was welcomed this past week. But those attributes aren’t enough at this point to wake up a sleeping offense. And his play isn’t going to put fans in those empty seats. Which will be a sticking point as the season winds down for the legendary owner of the team.
Kiffin has stated all season that Russell will play when he feels the rookie is ready to handle the game and gives Oakland a chance to win on Sunday's. Last weekend, after their loss to Tennessee he addressed a question about the former LSU star stating, "When the time comes, when we think JaMarcus can be the guy to help us win, more than anyone on the roster, then we’ll play him."
It is time that the coaching staff gets him ready. It’s Kiffin’s mandate to win games, but it is also his job to get the players on the field that need seasoning and on the job training. The Raiders' hopes the next few seasons lay on the shoulders of Russell. So part of Kiffin’s job will be to facilitate the growth of his young quarterback, increasing his snaps in practice, spending more time getting him matriculated to the offense, jamming as much learning as possible over the next few weeks in order to get their future onto the field as quickly as possible. It’s time to get him ready. What else can Raider fans look forward to if they don’t?
RUN DEFENSE STRUGGLING
Oakland entered the game ranked 30th in the NFL versus the run. Their form held up, as they allowed 178-yards on the ground – 122 of them to Ron Dayne.
The former Wisconsin star had his best outing this season, bulldozing his way through a defense that has been one of the worst against the run in recent years. Terdell Sands, who the Raiders showered with 4 year $17 million dollar deal last off-season, started at defensive tackle on Sunday. His presence and role in helping the Raiders to fix their woes along the line was expected to be a major aspect on this youthful unit. But his play has been disappointing and his insertion into the line-up just highlights how badly they need to make changes when the season is over at that position.
JANIKOWSKI JUST MISSES RECORD
Oakland attempted to put points on the board as the 1st half wound down, depending on the strength of Sebastian Janikowski’s left leg.
The former first round selection attempted what would’ve been a record breaking 64-yard field goal, but the ball bounced off the right upright. Janikowski, whose career long is 55-yards, had plenty of leg on the kick and was animated when the football didn’t split the uprights. Raider fans cheered the effort, but the decision proved to be a costly one as the Texans drove on 6-plays for 24-yards with just over a minute remaining in the half to set up a Kris Brown field goal which gave them a 17-0 intermission lead.
NEW GUY GETS IN THE END ZONE
Tim Dwight, who was signed earlier in the week, hauled in his touchdown reception as a Raider during the 4th quarter. The 28-yard grab cut the lead to 24-17 with just over a minute remaining in regulation. Dwight donned the number 17 jersey – worn by Mike Williams prior to his release on Tuesday.
THIRD DOWN IS A DOWNER
Kiffin last week stated the importance of his team’s ability to stop opponents on 3rd down and covert themselves during key situations on that particular down. But on Sunday, the Texans exploded for big plays on 3rd downs and helped seal a road victory on the key down. Ahman Green’s first score of the day was set-up by a 53-yard reception on 3rd and 18. On another 3rd down, tight end Owen Daniels hauled in a 29-yard pass after needing 10-yards to convert. Andre Davis’ backbreaking 42-yard touchdown came on a 3rd and 2.
CLARK ENJOYS RETURN TO BLACK HOLE
Danny Clark, who played for the Raiders during the 2004-2005 seasons, becoming a full-time starter at linebacker while leading the team in tackles during that span, picked off his first interception of the season and was the top tackler on the Texan defense with 6-solo stuffs.
Monday Morning Musings; QB Situation, Dwight Scores, Rush Defense Ailing etc.
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