Jeff Garthia to the Raiduhs

[poptart]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9423 ... G=FOX_Pipe

Very interesting signing.

I'm not sure I understand Garcia, despite being 39, visualizing himself as a "for sure" back-up QB.

He showed last year that he can still a viable starter in the NFL.

I've always liked Garcia's game, although he seems to be very much the opposite of JaMarcus Russell.
He's a dink-and-dunk guy, ... tough, cerebral, professional.

Cable made some subtle comments about Russell needing to "embrace what it takes to be a successful QB in the NFL," and this signing can be looked at a few ways.

1. Garcia, very much a professional and knowing his starting days are over, will help Russell to embrace a fully "professional" approach

2. Garcia will compete for the Raider QB job, and the signing was intened to light a fire under Russell

3. Oakland has not a lot of faith in Russell and they want Garcia around in case it become clear that they need to place someone else under center

4. Oakland is going to trade Russell -- may sound WILD, but with Al, you never really know


I'm hoping it's #1, but I guess we wait and see.

[War Wagon]

Garcia would be an improvement over Jamoolie.

Rack the 'duhs QB situation.

Sin
AFC West

[poptart]

Garcia would be an improvement over Jamoolie.

Might be.

Garcia had a better year last year.


I mentioned last season that I was torn over how to handle Russell.

I said that on one hand I didn't feel comfortable paying the kid 60 million dollars, handing him the keys to the Raider car, and saying, "It's all yours!"

I thought that perhaps he should have competition and be faced with having to ... EARN ... the starting QB gig.

On the other hand, maybe you want to prop the kid up, show him you've got full confidence in him, and eliminate any competition for the job.


I've got a nagging feeling that bringing Garcia aboard isn't only for the purpose of "mentoring" JaMarcus.

[godzilla2002]

Jeff Garthia to the Raiduhs
Very interesting signing.

Russell should put his house up for sale now!!!
Sincerely,

[ChargerMike]

boo-ya

[Joe in PB]

I doubt Garcia can last a NFL whole season, so I think this move is mainly happening as insurance for Russell & perhaps as pops stated, to help Russell to embrace a fully "professional" approach. Although I hear he has been working hard this off season. Of course everyone knew selecting Russell high in the draft was a stretch because he didn't have much experience as a starter in college. That's one of the NFL's problems, the league doesn't develop QB's, instead they pay the best draftee's as if they are already NFL proven, then its up to them to sink or swim come game time, most sink. A rookie salary cap would minimize this problem, along with the over paying of rookies & other positions in general.

That's it, Joe in PB for NFL Commish.... :D

[poptart]

I agree with the rookie salary cap proposal.

But like a LOT of things the league could do to help make it's product better, it won't, or can't.

The players association will go for a rookie salary cap ... right around never.

An NFL career is a brief thing, and players want to get PAID before injury slows them or stops them.