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Memo to Raider Nation: Don’t Be Surprised if Jeff Garcia Steals the Show
Published: May 21, 2009
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Oakland Raiders presumed starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell threw a four-yard screen pass toward running back Justin Fargas and the ball landed near his shoelaces. Meanwhile, Jeff Garcia expertly threaded the needle on a quick pass down the middle of the field to fullback Marcel Reece.
The 6’6″ Russell had a pass knocked down at the line of scrimmage. Garcia, who’s just 6’1″, scrambled when the pocket collapsed and found a streaking Louis Murphy downfield at the Raiders’ compound.
Russell, entering his critical third season with the Raiders, is having trouble “just being accurate and understanding where to throw the football and when,” coach Tom Cable said Wednesday, probably not realizing the indictment he had just thrown at his $60 million franchise signal caller.
Garcia, a 39-year-old with 10 years of NFL experience to go with his five Canadian Football League campaigns, has been popping off a bit lately, telling a Los Angeles radio station last weekend that the best players with the best chance of winning should be on the field for the Raiders in the fall.
Sounds like a deadly mix, right? One in which a volatile quarterback controversy could evolve and choke the Raiders’ season out before it even begins? Yes…and no.
In spite of Garcia’s sarcastic words—and his better performance at a recent mandatory minicamp and this week’s voluntary organized team activities—there is no such storm brewing in Raider Nation. True, the words and actions may be telling, implicating in some conspiracy theorist corners, but it’s only May. Check back in late September if the Raiders get off to a 1-3 start under Russell.
Plus, let’s get one thing clear—Garcia was signed to be Russell’s backup and mentor. Even if, as he admitted during minicamp, he might have trouble with the adjustment. Remember, this is a guy who has had to work twice as hard to get half as much in a star-crossed career that began with the NFL snubbing him out of San Jose State.
“The guys who are going to help this team win football games need to be out on the field,” Garcia repeated Wednesday. “And that doesn’t necessarily look at where you were drafted, or what you’re being paid. It means what brings this team together the best.
Garcia also indicated that “everybody needs to understand that with the direction this team has been heading in the last few years and what has happened as far as a record standpoint is concerned, that nobody has stability at their position. That every position needs to be up for grabs. That every position needs to realize that there’s competition there because nobody has been good enough to prove that they belong, to be that starting guy.”
Tough talk from a backup, right?
Wrong. That is exactly what the Raiders had in mind when wanted when they brought the four-time Pro Bowler in. Basically, to light a fire under Russell’s butt, what with questions about his commitment and preparation growing in an increasing number of curves.
To his credit, Russell said Wednesday he’d learn from Garcia’s “eyes and experience” on the field. Even as they shared few moments chatting on the practice field, and even fewer fist bumps of support.
For now, Russell is the unquestioned starter.
Minicamp anyway is only about learning and placing the basic schemes, and dealing with situational plays.
“I have a certain approach as to what I bring to the table,” Garcia stated. “Hopefully those things can mix well and co-exist (with JaMarcus) and make the position stronger and better.”
If anything exists as far as quarterback competition, this will make the Raiders stronger once the season begins.
Raiders Sign Four Rookie Free Agents After the Draft
Published: April 27, 2009
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After the draft, the Raiders signed four rookie free agents and others to come.
Florida Atlantic ILB Frantz Joseph,
Joseph is a strong middle linebacker and should be at the very least depth for backing up Morrison.
He has sufficient height and bulk with long arms. He is very physical and plays with a nasty demeanor. He is a dependable tackler that delivers the big hit also he does a nice job in the box. Joeseph has a great motor. Joeseph comes from a difficult upbringing though he is the nation’s second-leading tackler last season with 154 tackles. Named first All team in the Sun Belt Conference the last two years and leading tackle in school history. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNstliEo4Hs
Brigham Young OLB David Nixon
Nixon is 6’3″, 223 pounds with a team-high 11.5 tackles for a loss last season. Probably may have a chance of making the team on the special teams.
Harvard DT Desmond Bryant
Bryant, appeared in all 10 games and started one last season for Harvard. He was named to the All-Ivy League second-team at defensive line after leading the team with eight quarterback hurries and finishing with four and a half tackles for a loss.
Kent State WR Shawn Bayes
Bayes is really known, as a speedster he ran a 4.35 at is pro-day. Though he is not a big receiver he has come on strong his senior season has played all four years for Kent State. He had 39 catches for 642 yards and five touchdowns last season. Bayes will compete for spot on special teams.
