Al Davis preaches patience with Russell, who doesn't appreciate boos

[Tiko7523]

We don't hear from Raiders owner Al Davis very often, which is a shame because his comments are usually sharper and more educational than people give him credit for.

Davis was at this week's ownershio meetings, though, and he ran into Jarrett Bell of USA Today at a hotel elevator. Asked how Davis was doing, the Raiders owner said, "My team's not doing well," Davis said, "so I'm not doing well."

The topic quickly turned to JaMarcus Russell, and Davis' message was patience. He pointed to historical examples of quarterbacks struggling early in their career: Troy Aikman's rookie year, John Elway's rocky start, Terry Bradshaw's benching, Doug Williams, Warren Moon, Kenny Stabler, and Jim Plunkett.

The point is well taken, but none of them ever completed fewer than 45 percent of their passes or had a quarterback rating under 50. Davis is reportedly frustrated and embarrassed by all the criticism his team is taking, but he wants to stay the course with Russell. For now.

"JaMarcus, he's got to do better," Davis said. "Forget the cast around him. He knows it. But we've got to fight through it with him."

Russell, meanwhile, is hoping Raider fans will be more understanding than they were in Oakland's last home game, when they showered Russell with boos. Good luck with that.

"By being fans, you wish they could be more supportive," Russell said. "We're already down in the dumps and that doesn't make it any better. The best thing for that is just have them come together with us. Who knows? I really don't.

"It was crazy for me. I had never really been in that situation before you just have to pull out of it. A lot of people are fed up over the course of a year but the only thing we can do this week is make some plays and hopefully it will go the other way."

Philadelphia's defense makes it unlikely that things will go the other way this week.

Davis may have patience with Russell, but expecting it from the fans -- and Russell's teammates -- is another matter.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...preciate-boos/

[z Revis]

I don't know how much more patient people can be. This his 3rd year in the league, he shouldn't be playing so horrendously.

[Vince]

I don't understand how JaMarcus finished the season with QB ratings of 85,98 and 128 in his last 3 games last season. 6 Td's and only 2 INT's...

Now this season he's been absolutely horrendous...

[DocHolliday]

After hearing about his work ethic and general attitude I don't blame the fans for booing him. He showed up to camp over weight and out of shape, then slacks during practices, and follows that up by being terrible during games.

Your not giving people much to lean on JaMarcus.

Maybe not being an egotistical, lazy, jackass would help.

[OSUFan_88]

Al Davis should definitely be preaching patience.

"Don't worry guys, I'm almost dead. Then we can get back to the greatness of da Raidehz."

[stateprop]

Isn't Russell nearly weight about 280 pounds. This dude has no work work ethic . And oh yeah Mr. Davis the reason your team is consider the class clowns of the NFL because of you.

[DTX3]

Quote: Originally Posted by OSUFan_88

Al Davis should definitely be preaching patience. "Don't worry guys, I'm almost dead. Then we can get back to the greatness of da Raidehz."

So I guess this means we're stuck with Russell even if he continues to fail. FML.

[metallicatz]

Al Davis will soon seek the services of Darth Raider to help keep him alive. Davis isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In 10 years he'll be half cyborg.