[Lefty Noob]

The big question around Oakland right now is when will JaMarcus Russell start.

Oakland Raiders' JaMarcus Russell: When Will He Start? - Sports Blog - The FanHouse
He'll start right away if: The Raiders think the offensive line can protect him. Russell was the first pick in the draft in large part because of his size, but he's not big enough to withstand the kind of pounding he'll take if the Raiders' line is as bad as it was last year.

He'll hold the clipboard if: Josh McCown looks competent in training camp. The Raiders traded for McCown during the draft, and they hope McCown plays well enough that they can take their time letting Russell adjust to the pro game.

Most likely scenario: Coach Lane Kiffin will give McCown the nod in September, and the Raiders might even have a winning record early in the season, given that two of their first three games are home dates with Detroit and Cleveland. But at some time in September, the Raiders' offense will look inept, and the cries for the first pick in the draft will be too loud for Kiffin to ignore. He'll hand the job to Russell during the Raiders' Week 5 bye.

Projected first start: October 14, 2007

So what's your take on the issue? Is Russell a Week 1 starter, or does Kiffin go with Walter, Booty or McCown?

[Lefty Noob]

I said early 2007. I just don't believe Oakland has a choice here - they need to start Russell right off the bat, in week one.

[azrael492]

I believe he will be the starter right off the bat. They don't have another option better than him right now.

[Haynr8dr]

Specifically to be out of the box a little, I picked 2009 or later. And here's why:

Reports coming out of the Nation are that McCown is looking like the most seasoned QB in camps - as he is. If the games started today, I think McCown would be the starter, based on all the reports I read.

The Raiders open against the Lions, the team that dumped Josh so, it makes sense and makes a nice-story for Josh to start against his ex-team. If it's a given that McCown starts, and he's .500 or better 6-games into the season, then he might be on his way to starting the whole season.

Again, given that he's started the whole season, and the team does 9-7 or better, I sense it will be his job to lose in '08 but, I think he's here on a one-season deal so, ... .

Otherwise, there's no doubt that he would simply be keeping the seat warm for JaMarcus. And if he screws up and/or the team is struggling, then I expect to see JaMarcus sooner than later. He's the big-buck$ guy.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

2008...he is a bit raw. I am thinking Dante who was drafted in 1999, and played in 2000.

[servando]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

2008...he is a bit raw. I am thinking Dante who was drafted in 1999, and played in 2000.

Yeah but Dante Cupepper played in Central Fla under no pressure and a fairly easy shedule although globaly the team is weak. JaMacus played in the best division in college football against the best players and he made his team much better. In my opinion, i truly think they were better than the gators although their tilt against them wasnt too succesful.....

After watchin all the bowls game, I think the true natl' champ game shouldve been between USC and LSU .. They easily had the most talent

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by servando

Yeah but Dante Cupepper played in Central Fla under no pressure and a fairly easy shedule although globaly the team is weak. JaMacus played in the best division in college football against the best players and he made his team much better. In my opinion, i truly think they were better than the gators although their tilt against them wasnt too succesful.....

After watchin all the bowls game, I think the true natl' champ game shouldve been between USC and LSU .. They easily had the most talent

I could not disagree more. Florida drubbed the team that was pretty much given the title before they even snapped the ball, by me also. They impressed the heck out of me. They deserve all the credit they have earned.

How could LSU be above Florida when they lost to them?