FOXSports.com senior NFL writer Alex Marvez weighs in with NFL news and notes every Monday.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lane Kiffin knew what he was doing after all.

Raiders media and even some Oakland players kept pushing for Kiffin to give JaMarcus Russell playing time. Kiffin resisted, using his rookie quarterback sparingly through the season’s first 14 games.

Now we know why.

Kiffin described Russell’s performance in Sunday’s 49-11 road loss to Jacksonville as having his “nightmares come true.” Russell was dreadful after entering on Oakland’s third series. He completed just four of 17 passes for 45 yards before leading the Raiders to a touchdown on his final drive against Jaguars reserves. Russell also threw three interceptions trying to force passes into double coverage and lost a fumble.

"That was really my fear," Kiffin said. "I was hoping to make it through the year without that happening. I wanted to get a whole off-season underneath him. Unfortunately, we did get one of those games where he was throwing the ball all over the place and turning it over."

Further compounding problems, the communication device inside Russell’s helmet had failed. But the scoreboard was working, which Kiffin believes added to Russell’s woes. Kiffin said Russell started pushing as the Raiders fell increasingly behind.

"I’m afraid his first interception affected him and he started rolling downhill," Kiffin said. "Instead of getting rid of (the football), he tried to make big plays for us. I talked to him at halftime and told him, 'Let’s take it one series at a time, pretend the score is close and make first downs.'"

Russell’s struggles could be expected, especially against Jacksonville’s staunch defense. Russell hadn’t played this much since his final college bowl game at Louisiana State in January. He missed the entire preseason in an inexcusable contract holdout considering the Raiders had ample time to negotiate a pre-draft deal for the top overall pick.

Such mismanagement forced Kiffin into a difficult balancing act.

Although he’s the NFL’s youngest head coach at age 32, Kiffin was wise beyond his years about how to handle Russell. Kiffin didn’t want to ruin Russell’s confidence by putting him in situations he couldn’t handle. He understood Russell wasn’t a well-polished college quarterback. Rather, Russell was chosen No. 1 because of his physical gifts and long-term potential. There would clearly be a steep learning curve.

But as the Raiders (4-11) faded from the post-season race yet again, Kiffin faced increasing pressure to play Russell with an eye toward 2008.

Russell was eased into action, previously coming off the bench for 28 plays in two December home games. Kiffin also had refused to play Russell on the road. That was for the best in a Dec. 9 game at Green Bay. Russell – who had never played in winter weather -- was so affected by the cold he stood on the sideline wearing a ski mask.

Russell will ultimately need to play in those conditions and such garb must come off. The kid gloves already have, as evidenced by Kiffin sticking with Russell throughout the Jaguars game. Kiffin also said Russell will start Sunday’s season-finale against visiting San Diego.

The Chargers’ blitz-heavy defense will present Russell with just as difficult a test as Jacksonville did. Plus, the Chargers (9-5) probably won’t pull starters as they compete with Pittsburgh (10-5) for the AFC’s No. 3 playoff seed.

Kiffin can only hope Russell’s rough experience Sunday has a positive long-term effect.

"There were a lot of things I had to learn from as far as where to throw the football and knowing when it’s not there," Russell said afterward. "I have to learn to throw it away instead of trying to make big plays.

"Things didn’t go the way we wanted. I have a short-term memory, though."

He will need it.

Alex also will be co-hosting twice this week on Sirius NFL Radio (Channel 124). He will be on from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with FOXSports.com contributor Adam Schein and 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday with Gil Brandt.