Pointing the finger

Is it all Jamarcus Russell’s fault for the Raiders on-field woes? Or does the sign say it all?

Photo by M.S. Mcdaniel

By Felicia

It was an ugly win last week and an even uglier loss this week as the Oakland Raiders dropped to 1-2 at the hands of AFC arch nemesis Denver Sunday, 23-3.

A sign with the words ‘Russell Get it Done’ hung from the end zone opposite of the Black Hole, a clear sign that fans have clearly lost their patience with the third year quarterback, who went 12-of-21 for 61 yards and two interceptions.

“We have to play better. These fans deserve a better football team than we showed today,” said head coach Tom Cable.

The impatience of fans has become clear and they didn’t hesitate showering Russell with boos after the first interception. One fan left the game early because of what he felt was just all-around bad football.

“Jamarcus has an arm, but being able to throw sixty yards doesn’t help if you can’t throw a screen pass,” said Stefano Rensi who left before the end of the 3rd quarter, “I was hoping they’d put in Brad (back-up QB) Gradkowski.

Some say the curse of holding out after he was drafted has put Russell behind developmentally; others question his worth ethic and subtle way of deflecting his responsibilities when it comes to losses.

However, when things aren’t going the way people want them to, that is when the finger pointing starts. Although Russell struggles continue, the Raiders defense did allow 23-points to be puts on the scoreboard.

While many have their take on why Russell is not performing like others at his position such as last year’s NFL Rookie of the Year, Matt Ryan (Atlanta) or second-year former Cal QB Joe Flacco one thing is certain the problem doesn’t lie solely with Russell.

“It’s tough but as the defense it’s our job and we can’t go out there and worry about it,” said linebacker Thomas Howard on the Raiders poor field position.

Perhaps the road will be a better place for the Raiders to get a win, as they travel to Houston to face the Texans this Sunday.