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Culpepper can feel Russell breathing down his back
By Stefani Rebekah Black November 19, 2007 |
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After Sunday's loss at the Metrodome to the Vikings 29-22, it was reported that Raiders owner Al Davis was in such a tizzy that he almost took off his silk Raiders jacket he wears and threw it down. The Raiders were in such a close game with the Vikings that Daunte Culpepper the Raiders renewed starter looked like he had command of the game. That was in the first half but things changed as the defense that made the Vikings famous. started to take form, and chasing Culpepper around the pocket and Culpepper's failed attempts to find receivers to throw to. Culpepper also reportedly had trouble getting the audible out but that would be the least of his problems he would also fumble a key ball away as the Vikings mastered a 7 point victory over the Raiders. Then there was the ESPN report that followed the ball game that NFL #1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell would get the call to start by no later than December 2. Sportstalk through an inside source at the Raiders learned that Davis is putting pressure on both coach Lane Kiffin and Culpepper to get their house in order for this upcoming game in Kansas City on Sunday or the sand in the glass timer will soon run out on Culpepper's starting job. Russell had told reporters after the last three games that he was ready and that he could step in if called upon. Kiffin who behind closed doors is no different than any other NFL coach says that he objects to anyone telling him who to start but as the losses mount up the choice might get clearer and clearer that another change at quarterback might be in the works. Mike Ditka an ESPN analyst said that here is the number one on draft pick in the NFL sitting on the bench while the Raiders are in the middle of a five game loss streak. "They drafted JaMarcus Russell #1 and they have not even played him one down. They don't even have a package for him," said Ditka. Fans at the Coliseum have been vocal whether it has been Culpepper or former starter Josh McCown on the play count when the Raiders get behind on the scoreboard the fans are already getting into it chanting Russell's name. Culpepper has to come out of the shoot this Sunday in Kansas City; this is necessary game for the Raiders not only to snap out of it but for Culpepper if he wants to keep his job. He threw a decent ball game at the Vikes on Sunday but he did not seal the deal. While Kiffin stands behind Culpepper as his starter, Kiffin said Russell was not ready yet. On commenting about the TV report from ESPN, "that's a premature report, its news to me at least," said Kiffin. But again as the Raiders continue to drop ball games Kiffin's boss is looking for something different and when you have the number one draft pick sitting down it's time to look to him to see what he can do, "That old theory that people sit and watch, you know what do you learn by sitting and watching? You learn to sit and you learn how to play quarterback. Get him out on the field; let him earn his money. It's the only way to win," said the out spoken former head coach of the Bears Ditka. The Raiders kickoff against the Chiefs on Sunday at 10AM at Arrowhead Stadium in week 11. Stefani Rebekah Black co-hosts Sportstalk on 1690 KFSG Sacramento. quote source:espn.com |
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