Sunday, May 25, 2008

Does JaMarcus have it in him?

When Al Davis and Co. drafted Darren McFadden to play behind JaMarcus Russell, they envisioned the duo to be equivalent in talent and success to John Elway and Terrell Davis or any other great and successful QB-RB duo. While McFadden has the speed, agility and strength to run his way to Canton, Russell most likely will follow the path of Ryan Leaf. Ok, I admit that statement may be unduly harsh. JaMarcus didn't exactly throw fifteen interceptions to go along with his two touchdown passes as Leaf did in his rookie season. Let me try to compare the quarterback to another major bust: Tim Couch. Couch, the former number one pick by the Cleavland Browns, had a 73.2 quarterback rating, just under twenty points better than that of Russell's during his rookie campaign. No, that comparison doesn't work either since Couch didn't have the strength, size and mobility which Russell exhibits, making Russell more likely to be a successful quarterback. I'll give this one more shot: Daunte Culpepper. Yup, I think that is a perfect comparison. Daunte and JaMarcus are equals when it comes to strength, size, mobility, accuracy and decision-making. While the first three qualities are positives, the latter two are negatives. If you are wondering how Daunte managed to be successful without accuracy and decision-making skills I have a two-word answer for you: Randy Moss. And unfortunately for JaMarcus, Moss slacked his way out of town. So unless you have one of the all-time greatest wide receivers catching your mistakes, those are qualities needed to succeed as a quarterback. If you don't believe me just look at how well Culpepper did in Miami and Oakland (and don't give me the injury excuse because he has had three years to heal).
Judging from Russell's performance last year, he lacks the accuracy and decision-making skills to measure up to the league's elite quarterbacks, two qualities Culpepper yearned for but never obtained. I understand that Russell began practicing late into the season due to the contract dispute so he lost precious time to learn the game. Decision-making skills will improve with experience. Though, how much can he really improve an aspect of his game which is so awful. Russell has a strong tendency to throw into double coverage and lock onto his primary target. As for Russell's accuracy, it has suffered due to Russell's preference to use solely his wrist when throwing the ball as opposed to also using his feet to step into his throws. Both of these problems were major issues during his collegiate days at LSU and during the NFL Combine. His decision-making ability and accuracy have not improved much since then, so I don't see a major jump in the professional level where his competition level is much greater. These deficiencies are fixable but it will take strong work ethic which, quite frankly, I don't believe he possesses.
Though, it is possible and if it does occur, expect a player superior to Culpepper during his Minnesota days (the last time we saw a healthy Culpepper). So, cross your fingers Raiders' fans and pray to your eye-patch wearing Gods that he works his butt off in order to turn his weaknesses into strengths. Until then, McFadden must put the offense on his back and find a way to carry them into the playoffs.

2 comments:

Calico Jack said...

Frash: I would encourage you to research your topic more since your post is filled with many inaccuracies. Here are a few worth pointing out:

"Judging from Russell's performance last year, he lacks the accuracy and decision-making skills to measure up to the league's elite quarterbacks."

First off, as you know, Russell only started 2 games last year after sitting out the entire training camp. In 1 of the 2 starts (vs. SD), Russell completed 74.2% of his passes and had a 91.3 QB Rating.

"Though, how much can he really improve an aspect of his game which is so awful."

Considering that 2008 is for all practical purposes Russell's 'rookie season', and the fact that he will have OTAs, mini camp, training camp to hone his craft ... the answer to you above question is HE CAN GREATLY IMPROVE his accuracy and decision making skills.

"As for Russell's accuracy, it has suffered due to Russell's preference to use solely his wrist when throwing the ball as opposed to also using his feet to step into his throws. Both of these problems were major issues during his collegiate days at LSU and during the NFL Combine."

Once again, you need to research your topic more carefully before making such ridiculously false statements. Fact #1: Russell had 28 TDS to 8 INTs his last season at LSU. He completed a whopping 67.8% of his passes. Is this accurate enough for you? The high TD to INT ratio and high completion % shows he made smart decisions and was very accurate with his passes.

Bottom Line: It is far to early to compare Russell to any QB. He is just starting his career. With Russell's skill set & mental makeup (calm, poised leader) the sky is the limit.

frash said...

C Jack, as much as I respect your reply, I do disagree with it and believe those statements to be extremely accurate.

"Judging from Russell's performance last year, he lacks the accuracy and decision-making skills to measure up to the league's elite quarterbacks."

Though I am aware of JaMarcus' game against SD where he recorded a 91% QB rating, I was not impressed by it. In that game, Kiffin forced Russell to rely on short passes in order to build his confidence. Nearly all of his completions were 4-5 yard passes which may have been extended 1-2 yards after the catch by the wide receivers. The large majority of his long passes were incomplete. Though I did see one very promising pass from JaMarcus on a 32 yard impressive TD pass to Porter, I believe that to be an anomaly.
As for JaMarcus' other game where he received significant playing time (vs. JAC), a game where JaMarcus was actually let loose, he has an awful game. Russell had a QB rating of 17%, 3 Int's and a completion rate of 30%. Therefore, for these reasons I believe my original statement above to be accurate.

"Though, how much can he really improve an aspect of his game which is so awful."

As for this statement, it is my subjective opinion which takes no research. I see you disagree with it and that's okay, but I doubt "research" can ultimately prove me or you correct.

"As for Russell's accuracy, it has suffered due to Russell's preference to use solely his wrist when throwing the ball as opposed to also using his feet to step into his throws. Both of these problems were major issues during his collegiate days at LSU and during the NFL Combine."

You believe that this statement was made with no research, however, it was made with very much research from my friends at Scouts, Inc. Scouts, Inc. is a scouting group which is led by Todd McShay (Who I believe to be a much better evaluator of talent than the incompetent Mel Kiper Jr.). After much research, Scouts Inc. came up to the conclusion that Russell's accuracy was an issue for the reasons I stated. Here is my proof: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=8255