NO RUSH TO JUDGEMENT

You know things are bad in Oakland when Ryan Leaf plans on dressing as JaMarcus Russell for Halloween.

Okay, I don't know Leaf's trick or treat plans but I think it's safe to say he can put the aspirin bottle away for good, secure in knowing he's off the hook for being considered the worst quarterback taken with a first-round top five pick.  Leaf was selected No. 2 in 1998, right behind a guy named Peyton Manning.  I wouldn't be surprised if Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay wakes up in a cold sweat from time to time, thinking of what might have been.

Congressman Heath Shuler, a No. 3 first-round pick, we haven't forgotten about you either.

Russell, Leaf and Shuler have one thing in common.  They held out, missing valuable time in training camp before signing big contracts. 

All one really needs to know about Russell's ability at this point is when losing big to the New York Giants on Sunday, Russell still wasn't allowed to air it out.  The Raiders lost 44-7 and Russell was 8 of 13 for 100 yards.  He also lost three fumbles and was sacked six times.

The Raiders still owe him around 30 million dollars and the plain, awful truth is, JaMarcus Russell has been masquerading as an NFL quarterback since being drafted No. 1 in 2007.  For his career, he'scompleted  only 51.4 percent of his passes.

Granted, much like Jason Campbell of Washington, Russell in his short career has had instability at the head coaching position and different schemes to master.  Not exactly the ideal learning environment.  He's also had to deal with a shortage of talent at the wide reciever spot.  The likes of  Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry and an aging Javon Walker wouldn't guarantee you a sandlot championship.

But there is a lot that falls on Russell's shoulders.  He's not in the kind of shape needed to play the position effectively.  He needs to check into the film room before dawn and leave long after the Northern California sun has set.  His footwork needs to get better and he should throw, and throw and throw everyday in practice. 

This isn't Madden.  This is the real NFL where the opposing forces move and react with amazing quickness and skill.  So no one is rushing to judgement when it's said that JaMarcus Russell stinks as a quarterback right now. 

The interesting part will be to see where he takes it from here.  He can ride off into the sunset with his millions and not look back, or he can accept the challenge of doing what it takes to become a legitimate NFL quarterback.