Is Al Davis the Sole Believer in Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell?

JaMarcus Russell is the Oakland Raiders $61million dollar quarterback. The first overall pick of the Raiders in 2007, analyst raved about the QB's potential prior to the draft. "A physical presence behind center, Russell possesses all the skills to lead a franchise at the next level. Showed consistent improvement over the past two seasons and offers a tremendous amount of upside. " Well, the Raiders are still waiting for that JaMarcus Russell to show up.

After three seasons in Oakland, two as a starter, Russell's career stats are, 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 52.1 completion percentage, and a QB rating of, 65.2. What's most troubling is last year, Russell's quarterback rating was 50, a career low. Russell played so poorly in 2009, he was benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. When Gradkowski was injured, it was Charlie Frye, not Russell, who got the start at QB for the Raiders.

It's no secret Raiders Coach, Tom Cable is not happy with Russell, but owner, Al Davis isn't ready to give up on the former first overall pick. Davis must believe the Raiders can find a way to motivate the young QB to play up to his potential, but what if Russell can't be motivated? Last season after being benched, Russell didn't stand on the sideline paying attention to the offense when it was out on the field, in fact, he seemed disinterested in the game. If he can't get motivated to regain his starting job, the future doesn't look promising for JaMarcus Russell. The QB seems unwilling, at least up to this point, to put in the necessary work to be a good quarterback in the league. Perhaps now that he's in the NFL he realizes, this is something he doesn't want. Maybe JaMarcus Russell has had a change of heart, and doesn't want to be an NFL quarterback. If that's the case, Russell should walk away, and not embarrass the game, himself, or the Raiders organization any further.

After holding out for a better rookie contract, JaMarcus Russell signed a deal with Oakland, that paid him a guaranteed $32 million. Despite having never thrown a pass in the NFL, Russell was given that money, because the Raiders believed and hoped he'd become their franchise quarterback. Now, the former #1 pick, is coming off a year in which he was benched, and is playing for a coach that doesn't believe in him, and you wonder if JaMarcus Russell even cares.

Sources:

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/114872
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/players/8255/index.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2007/draft/players/5736.html