Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was drafted to save the franchise from its misery. But then, so was Ryan Leaf.
Russell's arm was so strong and oh so powerful, but so was Jeff George's. Russell was a can't-miss prospect with serious upside, as was David Carr.
Until two weeks ago, concerned members of the team payroll had every reason to wonder if the next John Elway was just another Tim Couch, a No. 1 overall draft pick who couldn't quarterback his team out of a paper bag.
Put the bust chatter on hold. After two solid performances, Everyone Loves JaMarcus
is back in syndication - just in time for Sunday's season finale at Tampa Bay, where the mood of an entire offseason is at stake.
He's starting to put it together,
Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden said. All he needs is a little confidence and success, and that's what springboards a guy.
I got a pretty good feeling, based on his last two performances, that he's starting to get it.
That's wonderful news for a struggling franchise in desperate need of a rescuer, particularly at quarterback, where leadership has been both null and void since Rich Gannon retired.
Russell was supposed to be that head of the household. It has taken 15 starts and nearly two seasons, but he has finally started to show such inclinations.
I just let him know we need him to be our leader,
running back Justin Fargas said. I just tell him to lead us and to be confident in us, that we can make plays for him. He's just continuing to grow as a leader.
Raiders interim head coach Tom Cable points to Sunday's 27-16 victory against the Texans as the biggest sign of progress.
Russell completed 18 of 25 passes for 236 yards with two touchdowns for a 128.1 passer rating. He threw with touch, he threw with aim and he threw with zing. He threw under pressure and he threw to second and third options.
For the first time, Russell's praises weren't limited to how cannon-like his arm was, or how he could throw a ball 80 yards from the seat of his sweats. Suddenly, fewer people cared what color fur he wore or what media outlet he ignored.
I'm elated for that kid,
Cable said. He went out there, led the team, made great decisions, was on time. Man, his movement in the pocket was excellent, his eyes stayed up the field, and his feet were right. And that arm, he just cuts it loose.
You're going to see that was a breakthrough game for that guy.
Of course, Cable used the same superlatives a week earlier in a 49-26 loss to the Patriots, when Russell was 17 of 32 for 242 yards with two touchdowns and an 85.7 rating.
The idea of Russell playing phenomenal
- Cable's word - after such a lopsided loss tasted like too much sugar in the team punch.
A stronger showing the next week lent credibility to the notion. A similar finish against the Buccaneers, now, that really would generate some excitement about where this Russell thing is headed.
With the progress he's making, to back it up, it would be great for him in terms of his approach into the offseason,
Cable said.
High praise: Gruden couldn't say enough about Russell, whom the coach worked out at LSU before the 2007 draft.
He's a man,
Gruden said. He has a huge body. He's got a cannon. It's one of the most beautiful strokes I've ever seen. He can throw it flat-footed right through your front-door hallway, man. It's amazing.
Briefly: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and Fargas were named co-winners of the Commitment to Excellence Award. Both were honored before Sunday's game. ... Speaking of Gannon, the former Raiders quarterback will be the analyst for the Raiders-Bucs telecast on CBS.
