Don't Rush The Kid

As evidenced yesterday against the Houston Texans, the Raiders are not going to make the playoffs this year. However that does not mean that the Silver and Black have to risk their future. No, Josh McCown did not look like an NFL quarterback ready to lead his team to the playoffs, and although Daunte Culpepper has performed better than McCown, the Oakland offensive line has not allowed for either to have success. So why all the calls for JaMarcus Russell? With all the posturing by the local media, and fans, Lane Kiffin may yet make his biggest mistake? But does he have to? With the consistent bad play of the offensive line, plus all the dropped balls, does anybody really think that Russell deserves that kind of anti-supporting cast? If the Raiders want to cash in the season, so be it. However, don't force Russell into a situation where he has a lot to lose. Russell, unwisely chose not to spend one minute of the all important summer camp where he could have learned the Raiders offense and playbook. Since signing his contract, the rookie QB most likely has been taking snaps with the second and third string teams. Russell needs to get his timing down with the first team receivers, in addtion to learning how to read NFL defenses. If the Raiders or their fans need any proof of the difficulties for young QBs, they need not look further than across the Bay to another young struggling QB. If the Raiders want to play Russell, they should wait at least another month or so, when they will be elliminated from playoff contention and there will be no pressure on the young Russell.