One of my pet peeves with baseball analysis is when commentators discuss a team that just missed the playoffs and attribute their missing out on losing games in September.
Games count just as much now as they do in September, though. Win more now, and you can afford to lose more down the stretch.
The A's face a three-game set with a tough Tampa Bay team before going on the road for three-game sets at Texas and LA before a two-game home series with Seattle that wraps up May 18.
It's a key stretch, and the A's would do well to win now ...
I said it wouldn't happen, but I stand corrected —and elated!
ESPN and the NFL Network are now reporting that the Oakland Raiders have released former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell. This move doesn't surprise too many people, but I certainly was a little shocked. Not because I think Russell deserves to remain on the roster, but because I thought Al Davis wasn't willing to give up on him just yet.
I was wrong, and thrilled to be so!
Russell has never come close to living up to the expectations that are placed on all No. 1 picks. He held out of ...
I am not a JaMarcus Russell apologist.
His performance on the field and demeanor off it all expressed a lethargy that has cost the Raiders $39 million over three seasons, and many profanities in my home.
Time and time again, myself and other fans felt the tangible disgust that came with every Russell interception, sack, and poor play.
So, when I heard the news that Russell was officially released by the Raiders, my reaction should have been a jump for joy, loud cheering, and a celebration beer. Instead, it was a blank stare, an indifferent look that would even make Russell wonder what ...
Ah, I remember it like it was yesterday! The year was 2007. Mel was ranting and raving about JaMarcus Russel. One of the strongest arms ever seen. He can throw the football 50 yards from his knees.
Mel loves Al Davis. He consistently refers to Al one of the top personnel geniuses in league history. I believe the schmoozing worked. He sure seemed to talk Al Davis into picking JaMarcus No. 1.
Who can forget that moment? Immediately after the commish announced JaMarcus as the first pick in the 2007 draft, as JaMarcus approached the stage donning Raider gear, Mel was ...
After three years of repeated disappointments, JaMarcus Russell has been released from his contract with the Oakland Raiders. On paper, it was the obvious move. The Raiders save $6.45 million with Russell’s release. The addition of Jason Campbell via a draft day trade with the Redskins give the Raiders an immediate upgrade at QB. So why was Raider Nation holding its collective breath?
In a now famous letter from Al Davis to Lane Kiffin, written September 12, 2008, Al Davis wrote:
“I do realize that you did not want to draft JaMarcus Russell. He is a great player. Get over it ...
"Hi neighbor!" is what a Raider Nation fan might say to a 49ers fan. After all, Oakland Raiders territory and San Francisco 49ers territory are contiguous. They share a boundary.
Neighbors though they may be, they have a feud developing, so to speak.
The Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers have a few things in common. San Francisco had a 2-14 record in 2004, followed by a 4-12 record in 2005.
Although the years are different, Oakland had the same pattern of wins and losses from 2006 to 2007. The Raiders had a 2-14 record in 2006 and a 4-12 record in 2007.
These neighbors ...
The Oakland Raiders have decided to part ways with JaMarcus Russell. This is a move that makes a lot of sense for both sides.
The Raiders traded for Jason Campbell on draft weekend, and that made Russell's future with the Raiders a bit cloudy. Campbell is the favorite to start, and the Raiders were not excited about paying $9 million to a back up.
Russell joined the Raiders in 2007 as the No. 1 draft pick. Al Davis fell in love with his arm strength. Many argue that Russell was not a true No. 1 pick, but it was a position of ...
The Oakland Raiders have decided to part ways with JaMarcus Russell. This is a move that makes a lot of sense for both sides.
The Raiders traded for Jason Campbell on draft weekend, and that made Russell's future with the Raiders a bit cloudy. Campbell is the favorite to start, and the Raiders were not excited about paying nine million dollars to a backup QB.
Russell joined the Raiders in 2007 as the No. 1 draft pick. Al Davis fell in love with his arm strength. Many argue that Russell was not a true No. 1 pick, but it was a position of ...
It's being reported by multiple news outlets including ESPN and NBC Bay Area that JaMarcus Russell has been released by the Oakland Raiders.
This comes as a surprise to some but not to others. Over the past few months, there's been a lot of discussion as to who is to blame for the big quarterback's inability to succeed.
The Raiders traded for Jason Campbell the weekend of the draft, all but sealing Russell's fate.
Early reports out of mini-camp had Russell showing up in shape and looking sharper than he has recently. Apparently it wasn't enough.
The Raider Nation and the rest of the ...
Former 2007 No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell was released by the Oakland Raiders today.
He was signed to the richest contract ever by a draft pick: a six-year, $61 million contract.
Russell played for the Raiders for three years, where he never was able to prove himself. As a starter, he only won seven games.
Last year in 2009, JaMarcus Russell was given the starting job once again, but lost his job in the middle of the season.
To me, he is the biggest bust in football drafts.
Donovan McNabb was chased by the Raiders for a reason. Jason Campbell was acquired for a reason this ...