NFL PREVIEW: Raiders Have a Newfound 'Swagger' in Preparation for the Titans

A lot is riding on the shoulders of Raiders QB Campbell to guide his new team to the post-season.

By Felicia
Sports in the Bay, Inc.

One good thing right now is the Raiders are undefeated, no wins or losses. But the best thing about the Raiders this year that fans would say is the quarterback season. Oakland got rid of some dead weight (literally) by releasing JaMarcus Russell, immediatelly thrusting QB Jason Campbell into the starting position.

However, back-up QB Bruce Gradkowski isn't shabby either, garnering a following of his own when he took over for a benched Russell last season.

Although the pocket presence of both the current Raiders QB's are much different than Russell's, Sunday will give all a better prespective of what lies ahead for the Silver and Black. Marred by injuries, head coach Tom Cable is concerned and anxious to be able to have all of his players healthy and on the field at once.

Much rides on the shoulders of off-season acquisition, quarterback Jason Campbell, running back Darren McFadden and wide receiver Louis Murphy; however, the Oakland Raiders are ready for the task after a solid pre-season (3-1) and a dismal 5-11 season last year.

Unlike recent years, the Raiders locker room was laid back and loose on the Thursday leading up to the kick-off of their 51st NFL season Sunday as they travel to face the Tennessee Titans.

The expectations to break their 7th year playoff slump is high and the Raiders have had a favorable schedule compared to previous years.

One less concern for Oakland is former Raider killer LaDanian Tomlinson who racked up career games against the Raiders as a San Diego Charger. Kansas City is in a rebuilding stage and the Denver Broncos are banged up so the AFC West are for the Raiders to claim.

Notable Injuries: RB Michael Bush (thumb surgery -out), WR Chaz Schillens (knee-out)

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.