Quartebacks coach Paul Hackett (Left) will be at the forefront of the JaMarcus Russell (Middle) and Jeff Garcia (Right) quarterback battle. Photo via Newscom Photo via Newscom
The training camp battle between incumbent JaMarcus Russell and new free-agent acquisition Jeff Garcia will certainly be on of the most watched position battles. The last time both were on the field coincidentally was against one another.
Closing out the 2008 season on a positive note was vital to the growth of JaMarcus Russell. In the season finale against Tampa Bay, the former #1 overall draft pick did just that. Russell managed an efficient game passing for 148 yards and two touchdowns and gaining confidence in the 31-24 Raider victory. With injuries to both Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas, the day was highlighted by third string running back Michael Bush’s career 177 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
In comparison, Jeff Garcia walked off the field in disbelief and shock. Starting the season 9-3 and riding high, the former Tampa Bay QB needed only a single win to secure the team a spot in the playoffs. However, the team soon was bought back to earth losing 4 consecutive games, failing to make the playoffs, and completing the biggest collapse in Buccaneers history.
Now the two quarterbacks find themselves battling face-to-face yet again. A hungry second year starting QB looking for the breakout year the team has invested so highly in, while a talented journeyman looks to resurrect his career. Both have individual aspirations but both seeking a common purpose and goal: to return a proud franchise from being considered by many as one of the laughing-stocks of the league to respectability.
Al Davis is content that his aspiring third year quarterback is primed and ready to lead the team into the 2009 season. However, last season coach Tom Cable at times expressed concern over Russell’s pocket-presence and impatience to allow plays to progress. Former coaches and teammates agree that JaMarcus needs to improve his conditioning and overall work ethic (on- and off the field) to gain the trust of teammates and lead the organization.
With Garcia on board, the heated competition for the starting nod may just be the spark Russell needs to take his game to the next level. Whispers within the organization see Garcia’s presence and leadership as a possible second coming of Rich Gannon, who as a career journeyman flourished as a Raider. Garcia’s mobility and precision arm will certainly make it much harder on the coaching staff to etch Russell’s starting status in stone.
Several reports out of minicamp reveal the quarterback battle has been much closer than expected. Russell’s arm strength was on display yet again, routinely hitting deep balls and noticeable improvement in the short-to-intermediate routes. Garcia on the other hand consistently hit his short-to-mid-range targets in stride. The only drawback was Garcia’s lack of arm strength. Many deep balls seemed to float, thus allowing defenders to make plays or route adjustments were needed. Although it is still early, neither quarterback has done enough to distance each other.
Looking to reprieve his reputation, JaMarcus Russell surprised many within the organization when he recently announced that “everybody that plays receiver and wears the (Raiders) uniform” will attend a voluntary workout session at an undisclosed location following the conclusion of minicamp. With the month long lull until training camp, this opportunity will benefit both Russell and rookie receivers looking to gain a spot on the team.
It's doubtful Garcia will attend (newborn) and uncertainty of backups Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye, look for this chemistry building session as a stepping-stone to gaining the trust of the organization. With the ever hard working Garcia on Russell’s heels, it is imperative for Russell to get as much work in as possible to prove the organization that he is worth every penny ($60M to be exact) to be the leader of this young Raider team.
The third string position will also be a hard fought battle between Andrew Walter, Fry, and Gradkowski. With limited reps, it looks as though each will have to showcase their skills with little or no error against the first string defense. Unless both Russell or Garcia go down with injuries, neither are expected to contribute in the regular season. This may have be the end of Walter's career in a Raider uniform if he is unable to attain the third QB spot. Look for an early release for either of the three in the first round of cuts of training camp.
Overall, the starting position is JaMarcus Russell’s to lose. He should (and will) be given every opportunity to come away as the starting QB at the conclusion of training camp. However; should the team falter early in the season look for Garcia to come off the bench and lead the team the rest of the season (barring injury or complete meltdown). This looks to be one of the most watched QB battles in the league and a tell-tale sign of Russell’s future with the Silver and Black. With a weak AFC West division, the Raiders QB-duo look to be a force to recon with regardless of whom is behind center.
Be sure to tune in to more of Black Sunday's exclusive training camp position-by-position battles by visiting our website at www.BlackSundayBrand.com
