You can view the comments as either Garcia being jaded at not being given a chance since he was signed and released in a relatively short time frame. Or you can view them as him being "on the money". IMO, I didn't really get the feeling that Garcia was attacking JaMarcus as much as he was attacking the organization (which is pretty easy to do lately). I agreed with some of the things Garcia said: 1. That JaMarcus can make every throw, every time....in practice. But when the game goes live, he sorta looks over-matched at times. 2. That JaMarcus is being asked to tote the load as a vocal leader on a team that has too many players just not interested in winning. I can't say that I'm surprised that comments such as those have surfaced. I knew JaMarcus had ALL the talent to be a special QB in the NFL. But when he left for the NFL, I felt he left behind opportunities in the college game that would help him with the mental aspect of the game. Obviously, I'm not complaining about how that first season after JaMarcus left turned out, if JaMarcus had Matt Flynn's poise and leadership ability, he would be an All-Pro QB. What are some of your thoughts? Free agent Jeff Garcia rips into Oakland Raiders, quarterback JaMarcus Russell - ESPN
It has long been noticed that having all the physical tools to dominate a position at the highest level does not automatically give one the resolve and determination necessary, nor does it make you smart enough to play at the highest level. A player can get smarter if given enough time (it took Russell 3 years at LSU) but he has to be ambitious and dedicated, too. Ballooning up to 300 pounds in the off season and failing to study the playbook and an awful lot of NFL film is a recipe for a very short NFL career at quarterback.
He better be thankful he was the #1 over-all pick. Not saying that it automatically gets him a 10-year career, but it does give him a little more time than if he weren't the top pick.
#1 gave him more money too. Maybe that is his problem, he isn't hungry enough. I feel for him for having to be in that organization though.
I think JaMarcus looked pretty good in his first game, the MNF game against San Diego. People have selective memories though and like to focus on the negative. He does look god awful the last few weeks but its' not as if he's never had a good game. He's still young and could develop into a good NFL QB. Not saying I think it's likely, but it's still possible and I'm not completely writing him off.
I haven't written him off either but I sure hope he gets out of Oakland soon. You know maybe he is wanting out too and the best way to do it is play like you want out.:huh:
Jamarcus is the same quarterback he was at LSU... He was just such a physical freak on the college level that he could force it... Now the lack of talent is being overwhelmed at the professional level.
In order to get out of Oakland, some other team is going to have to want him. Based on recent performance, I would think that list would be extremely small.
Lack of talent? He has more god given ability than 2/3 of the league's quarterbacks. Poor choice of words, his problems are mental more than physical, and they always will be. He has the strongest arm in football, he just doesn't have the "IT" factor in the weight room, or the film room, or on the field, to make it happen. As far as talent and potential goes though, he's elite. Which is why Al Davis drafted him hahaha.
people group all #1 picks into the same group. jamarcus was obviously a little different since there wasnt as much pressure - as in there were lower expectations. hes a not a player that will succeed on any team like matt ryan. he needs a stable program and a demanding coach. point is, he went to the absolute worst place possible. i think he could do well if he went to another team but i doubt people will invest the time needed to help him develop properly. i still think he has the potential to help a team like the panthers...it just aint gonna happen in oakland.
