The Russell Watch is On

It was difficult watching the Raiders lose by the score of 24-17. It wasn't really as close as the score indicates.

Justin Fargas did, indeed start at running back as I suggested he would. He played well. The problem is that nobody else did. Josh McCown is clearly not capable of starting in this league. He made plays with his feet that Culpepper would not have. However, he appeared to be simnply lofting the ball up for grabs at times. McCown finished with 3 interceptions, but 2 more were overturned and another was dropped.

The fans were calling for JaMarcus Russell before halftime. This season is clearly lost, so I agree that Russell should be thrown into the fire. The second half of the season will basically serve as an extended preseason for next year. If head coach Lane Kiffin doesn't feel Russell is ready to step in and play an entire game then he should at least consider playing him for a few drives a game.

Josh McCown has already been named next week's starter against the Bears, but another subpar outing could lead to the begining of the Russell era in Oakland.

The Raiders defense played well except for a few missed tackles by the defensive line. Unfortunately, we've all learned that when the defensive line misses tackles, Stuart Schweigert follows with missed tackles of his own. Sunday was no exception.

It's really nothing short of pathetic to lose to a Texans team that was playing without it's starting quarterback, running back, best cornerback, and best overall player (Andre Johnson).

The highlight of the game was Sebastion Janikowski's attempt at breaking the NFL record for longest field goal. He attempted a 64 yarder (63 is the record by Jason Elam) that bounced off the upright. The kick had plenty of distance, but veered right. During Lane Kiffin's weekly press conference the coach said that he would consider using Seabass on field goal attempts up to 70 yards!