Silver and Black Report

If I were Bruce Gradkowski, why wouldn’t I want to stick around in Oakland?

Yes, all signs point to the Silver & Black giving JaMarcus Russell another shot to fulfill their destiny for him – to become the organization’s franchise passer. Yes, as long as Al Davis feels that his prized strong-armed passer can develop until a competent player, he’ll give him as many opportunities to do so.

And even if Tom Cable has other plans for Russell, the facts are that Davis will have ultimate say on whether or not the former LSU star will be in the huddle or on the sideline, not the coach.

With all that said, Gradkowski coming back to Oakland for another year could give him the best shot for getting back on the field than any other option that may be out there.

Russell has not shown the maturity level or the work ethic to grab that starting position and make his own. He lacks many fundamentals and is lacking throughout his football repertoire enough to make you wonder if he can ever bounce back from this horrid start to his career.

And that is why Gradkowski should sit tight and realize that he may be the next in line.

Most of the players got an energy and vibe from Gradkowski that was not present with Russell. They were far more productive on offense with Gradkowski and at this point, its safe to say that the coaches that remain on staff realize that the journeyman is more of a sparkplug and provides more intangibles than the multi-millionaire.

When Gradkowski limped off the field against the Washington Redskins and Russell took over, the team was deflated. “You could kind of see it emotionally a little bit, the wind left our sails, so to speak, just a little bit, when that happened,” defensive end Jay Richardson said.

Langston Walker praised the passer after the victory in Pittsburgh, stating, “Bruce is fiery. He’s yelling at us, screaming at us, running around like a banshee, but it’s all controlled. That’s how he gets it done. You saw the result.”

And Oakland’s most productive player on offense – Zach Miller – and Russell’s security blanket on the field commented this season, “A love for the game that he shows in the way he plays, the way he calls plays. The way he works on details of plays with players, in between. He’s just uh, I think that’s the main thing I’m seeing with him. It’s just, he’s a get-after-it type of guy.

“He’s obviously a pretty smart guy, reads things well, throws a real good ball. He’s a pro quarterback, so they’re all good. We feel like we’ll be able to throw it around better now.”

All signs of a team that feels more confident with one signal caller, than the other.

An unhappy fan showing his displeasure with JaMarcus Russell

And this is why Gradkowski should stick around and Oakland should try to do everything within reason to keep him in Silver & Black.

If Gradkowski overvalues himself and tries to break the bank – which is highly unlikely – then he isn’t worth keeping around.

But Oakland needs to realize that his presence is a safety net they need just in case Russell continues his horrid play.

“I plan to be back with the Raiders,” Gradkowski stated to The Toledo Blade “I think everything will work out, and I’m looking forward to it. We did a lot of good things this year and I’m looking forward to next season.”

Gradkowski also mentioned his roaming NFL lifestyle, “I’m all over the place, and hopefully I can settle down soon.”

And as for his outlook for the Raiders, it seems like he has a good grasp of the situation he may be presented.

“I think at this point, hopefully, they’ll just pick the best guy to be out there on the field,” he replied. “Money’s not an issue, but I know in this business it kind of is when you invest a lot of money in someone. All I ask for is an opportunity to compete.”

It may not be a fair one to begin if the Raiders force Russell onto the field. But unless he changes drastically, Gradkowski will get his shot to compete, and rightfully so.