Russell was supposed to help the Raiders earn their first winning season since 2002. Instead, his first three seasons with the Raiders have been nothing but a disappointment. In the 31 games he's played in, he's completed just 52.1 percent of his passes, throwing for just 4,083 yards. He has also thrown for just 18 touchdowns to go along with his 23 interceptions.
The Raiders may regret signing Russell to a six-year deal worth up to $68 million—with $31.5 million guaranteed. Whether or not Oakland regrets the decision of signing him to such a hefty contract, Al Davis and company have to make a decision on what to do about his future with the organization—and it starts with making the decision on if he should start in 2010.
JaMarcus Russell's Disappointing 2009 Season
In 2009, the Raiders finished 5-11 for the second straight season. Russell was entering his second full season as the team's starter after starting 15 games the previous year, throwing for 2,423 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2008. He also managed to throw just eight interceptions.
Many wondered if the Raiders would be one of the "surprise" teams of 2009, but clearly that was not the case. Russell struggled throughout the season—especially on offense. He threw just two touchdowns in the nine games he started and was even benched by head coach Tom Cable at one point during the season.
If Russell wants to earn the starting job back in 2010, there are numerous areas he needs to improve on during the offseason. With Cable returning as head coach, his No. 1 task during the offseason should be figuring out a way to make Russell an elite quarterback for the Raiders. Otherwise, he could be in for another long, frustrating season.
Will JaMarcus Russell Lose His Starting Job In 2010?
When Cable made the decision to bench Russell, it opened up the door for Bruce Gradkowski to shed light on a Raiders' team in need of answers. Apparently, Gradkowski seemed to be the answer after he led the team to key upsets over the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals and defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
Russell earned his starting job back after injuries to Gradkowski and Charlie Frye. However, the way he performed in 2009 is enough to question whether or not he will be the starter for the Raiders in 2010. Last season, he finished last among four different categories for quarterbacks--including rating, completion percentage, passing touchdowns, and yards.
Dan Parzych - I just finished my college career at the University of Dayton. For the last three years, I have worked at WUDR 99.5, which is Dayton's ...
