Silver and Black Report

JaMarcus Russell on the Raiders practice field Thursday 

In this edition of Five Questions & Answers, the Silver & Black Report assesses some of the highlights from the Oakland Raiders’ practice on Thursday. JaMarcus Russell’s development was one topic of conversation during Lane Kiffin’s media meet-up along with his rapport with one of his newest targets. It’s time to give you the skinny on what’s going and what we can expect in the coming weeks.

 How is JaMarcus Russell progressing entering his second season with the Oakland Raiders?

On Thursday, Lane Kiffin appeared enthused about the development of his quarterback and raved how much difference a year can make. “This is not the same JaMarcus we saw a year ago. The way he is moving around. The way he is zipping the ball in and the confidence he is throwing with”, said Kiffin.

These are fantastic signs for the Raiders who are depending on their no. 1 overall choice last season to lead this offense at such a young age. Russell is practically a rookie, going through his first camps and eventually participating in his first pre-season as a professional after a hold out put a nix to his schooling early on in 2007. Of importance will be how he is able to grab the bull by the horns and become a leader for an offense that will try to find an identity. Russell likes to lead by example and has stated that often in the past. But Kiffin noted that his ability to pilot his club effortlessly at such a young age has been seamless. “His leadership role; I like that he hasn’t tried to fake it. He has let come naturally.”

For Oakland, good signs early on that their franchise passer has embraced and is ready to take on the challenge of being one of the focal points of the organization. It helps also that he is physically fit, looking stronger than he did at any point last season and as imposing as any quarterback in the league with his conditioning.

Why was Stuart Schweigert cut?

The Raiders made it evident that at his salary; Schweigert was a prime candidate to be moved off the roster. After revamping the defensive backfield and investing a lot of money on other components in that secondary that would make Schweigert a back up, coach Lane Kiffin stated on Thursday that it was the right decision for both parties to severe ties. “It was in Stu’s best interest as well to not drag it out any longer than it was. You know how this league works, you never know. He can be back here. Wish Stu the best….”

Oakland has enough depth in the secondary that bringing back the former Purdue star will not be an option. When Kiffin wrapped up the situation by stating, “I think we did the right thing”, he may have hit the nail right on the head and turned the page on a player that fan’s targeted and that needed a change in scenery to get a career back on track that looked promising coming out of college.

 What’s going on with Drew Carter?

The Raiders are happy with their free-agent wide receiver and look to get solid production out of the 26-year old in 2008. So far, he has been healthy, present at the team’s facility in Alameda working on his transition onto a new team and system and more importantly, building a rapport with his young quarterback.

“Drew has been here the whole off-season and working with [Russell], so I think you are starting to see them gel a little bit. They had a really good day yesterday”, commented Kiffin.

 It is imperative that Carter provides Oakland with a deep threat. With questions surrounding Javon Walker’s health and ability to bounce back and Ronald Curry being the other lone wide receiver with any type of success in the league on Oakland’s roster, the Raiders cannot go into the season with erratic play from their receiving unit.

Where will Gibril Wilson play?

The off-season acquisition will play at strong safety. Wilson’s style of play and abilities lend themselves perfect to the position and will compliment Michael Huff, who will be moved ot free-safety. On Thursday, Wilson stated that, “the strong safety position is just a very physical position”, noting the toughness it takes to play closer to the line of scrimmage, something the Raiders will have him doing in order to alleviate some of the issues they have had in the past at stopping the run.

 He continued, “Yeah, I think what I bring is my physical presence, being in the box. I’m used to being in the box….”

 And after a season where he reached the pinnacle of pro football success, Wilson commented on how that felt and what it would take for Oakland to get there.

 “Being in the Super Bowl and winning a Super Bowl is probably the greatest feeling outside of having kids.”

 Wilson elaborated, “It’s what we play for. Once everyone realizes the goal and works hard to get there, we’ll be all right.”

 Can Marques Tuiasosopo win the back-up job?

 Why not? Andrew Walter appears to be his only competitor in a weak crop of quarterbacks. Tuiasosopo knows how to prepare as a back-up, has done it in the past and embraces that role knowing that throughout his whole career, he has needed to engage in that capacity playing behind passers that have been the team’s main option going into the season.