Now that the “From a Raiders Eye View”
series looking at the AFC West competition is complete, I will be taking us towards training camp by breaking down the position battles that will be taking place. The top of this battle is pretty much set, as there will be widespread (and rightfully so) panic in the Raider Nation if JaMarcus Russell is not under center come opening night against the Denver Broncos. The question is how will the back-up situation play out.
Projected Starter: JaMarcus Russell
If, for any reason, last year’s number one overall pick is not under center for the opening game, it will mean that something is dreadfully wrong. Russell waited in the wings last year before showing promise in his limited playing time. He made his rookie mistakes, and will continue to make rookie mistakes, but he is the show.
Projected Depth: Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo
Fourth year veteran Andrew Walter seems to have found his way to permanent back-up status in Oakland, ironically enough, replacing the just resigned Marques Tuiasosopo as the designated clipboard holder. Walter and Tui are the only quarterbacks on the roster who have any significant NFL experience, which make them essentially locks to back up Russell.
Outside Looking In: Jeff Otis and Erik Meyer
Jeff Otis had experience of taking a knee to end the game prior to being cut in the 2007 offseason. Erik Meyer doesn’t even have that. They are both projected camp arms, whose roles will be to toss passes to receivers in practice. It would take an outstanding camp for either of them to make the team.
What to look for:
Both Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo were once thought of as the quarterback of the future in Oakland at different times. Now the highest drama of the quarterback position will be Walter versus Tui for the right to be the first one off the bench should Russell get hurt, and the right to back up Shane Lechler as the holder for placekicking. Tui’s mobility gives him an edge over the more statuesque Walter in Lane Kiffin’s offense. On the other hand, Walter has the much stronger arm of the two and has more NFL playing time than Tui. The most intriguing thing will be to see the progression of Russell.
WildCard:
As camp approaches, don’t be surprised if the Raiders make overtures to a more experienced quarterback to take the number two position, should one who fits the system and still has something in the tank come available. If the Raiders were going to give Culpepper another year, that deal would likely be done.
Outlook:
The starting position is clearly Russell’s to lose. Walter and Tui are both capable backup quarterbacks, but don’t seem to have the experience to mentor the young Russell. As far as camp battles, with Russell locked in, this one should be pretty ho-hum, but it will be great to see how far Russell has progressed.
