Behind the Patch by Alan Seals
The Truth About JaMarcus Russell
It seems like anytime some talking head on television or radio (or internet) makes a statement, it takes on a life of its own. Never mind if there is any truth or even logic behind it. Rumors and bizarre opinions based on these rumors (and downright lies sometimes) get repeated over and over. For many people is becomes hard to determine the difference between fact and fiction. JaMarcus Russell has been a target for the media and Raider haters since he was drafted number 1 overall in 2007.
To hear the pundits talk you would think Russell had a dismal year in 2008. I guess I watched a different player than they did. I guess I also see different stats. The only somewhat negative stat for Russell for the season is his completion percentage of about 54%. The goal should be to get that up over 60%, as it was for his last 6 games (well over that for his last 3).
As for other numbers, 13 touchdowns in 15 starts isn’t a lot, but when you compare it to his mere 8 interceptions, you get a very good TD-INT ratio of 13-8. Not bad. In fact it is above the median, even for veterans. His 2,300 yards for the season is less than average, but the Raiders ran more last year. As Russell matures and acquires more reliable weapons, more passing plays will be called and Russell will have a chance to pass for more yards and more touchdowns.
But back to 2008. His overall 77.1 quarterback rating is barely below the league mean. It is certainly good considering it was his FIRST year as a starter and considering he had few targets. Not to mention a suspect line. So as some of the preview and draft magazines say, Russell had an ENCOURAGING first year! So why do some television and radio pundits not seem to realize that? They probably never even bothered to look at the film or the statistics. If they did, they decided to put a bad spin on it anyway. If Russell played for the Browns, Broncos, or just about any other team, his career so far might seem to hold promise. It is an example of Raider hating in the media (no conspiracy, just hate).
Another example of a dumb article can be found last summer before Darren McFadden was signed. In passing it said something like “One thing we know for sure, Darren McFadden will not be signed until well into the regular season”. I don’t remember who wrote the article, but it was written in ignorance. Anyone who follows football will know that Al Davis and the Raiders are usually very good at signing rookies and getting them into camp on time. JaMarcus Russell was an exception. True it was some exception, but it was just that. Of course McFadden was signed well before training camp began, as I am sure Darrius Heyward-Bey will be this year.
As for what to expect from Russell this year, most of those same pundits predict trouble this year. Many as now saying Garcia will end up starting. While the situations in Tennessee and Arizona should serve as warnings for Russell to work hard, he has little to worry about. He has at least a somewhat better line and more targets with DHB, Louis Murphy, and just maybe a healthy Javon Walker. But Russell will have to prove it on the field to shut them up. Even then, they will put the most negative spin possible on it, but wins can’t be denied.
Keep Those Emails Coming
Alan
Contact Alan
More Stories From Alan
Crabtree is the Best Choice
Russell Had a Successful Season
Raiders Find a Way to Lose
