[Oakland Raiders News]

ALAMEDA — The play started left. The defense responded, moving toward the action. One problem. The ball was going right.

It was on Josh McCown's hip — a naked bootleg. Forty yards later his legs had him in the end zone. Then the woofing began, led by none other than the quarterback himself.

"All in good fun," McCown said with a chuckle a few moments after having snookered Rob Ryan's defense, one small snapshot from an Oakland Raiders' offseason practice.

"That's one thing I will say about this team ... it has been so refreshing and awesome to be around, the way we set that stuff up at the end of practice, running the best three plays," McCown said. "You just compete. And that is what this game is about — guys that love to compete, love to fight.

"It is so professional. I love being part of that. It's awesome."

Professional, yes. McCown credits coach Lane Kiffin. Furthermore, competition is something McCown knows about. He's involved in a bellyfull at the moment, one of three Oakland quarterbacks struggling to be the one under center on Sept. 9 when the Raiders open their 2007 season against the Detroit Lions.

Inside Bay Area - Raiders camp, and a McCown to boot

[Lefty Noob]

I've felt for a while that this kid could be a good NFL QB, so I hope the Raiders give him a shot to start. Arizona should have. I think he could've run that offense a lot better than Warner, but with Leinart there I guess it's a moot point. I see something in McCown I like, something that makes me think he can be an every-week starting QB.

[Haynr8dr]

I read that article.

It would be wise for the Raiders to try and lock McCown into a deal. As it stands now, he's a UFA after next season. Essentially, should he end up being the starter, the season will be an audition for the other teams.

Clearly, he's just here to keep the seat warm for JaMarcus. But at this juncture, it makes sense that he's shown to be the most seasoned - 'cause he is. It would make sense too, if he starts against his ex-team the Lions, whom the Raiders open the season with. There's a lot of hype to be pushed there.

Nice read.