Daunte Culpepper and the Raiders are a good fit for each other. The Raiders have short-term questions at the quarterback position. Josh McCown is a try-hard guy, but is too erratic on the field. JaMarcus Russell won’t be in a position to contribute much as a rookie as his holdout continues to linger.
Culpepper is an unknown factor. He hasn’t been healthy the past few years and may never be the same athlete as he was during his prime. What Culpepper has is a chip on his shoulder to prove he can still play in this league. He’s playing for one last big payday next spring.
A healthy Culpepper could make the Raiders competitive as Lane Kiffin begins laying the foundation for his program. Culpepper has the arm to push the ball downfield as Kiffin desires, but must prove he can make good decisions with the football. That’s been a problem at times in the past. Also, Culpepper has the challenge of learning a new playbook and developing chemistry with new teammates in only a matter of weeks.
The major concern here is that Culpepper lacks ideal mental makeup for a quarterback, which could be a negative influence on Russell as a rookie. When building a program, you try finding the best stopgap players to allow your team to be competitive while finding and developing the long-term building blocks, but you usually try finding stopgaps that set a good example in their approach to the game to help establish a positive culture and championship standards. I’m not sure Culpepper can provide that element.
Jaguars can survive without Meester: Losing Brad Meester for at least the first month of the season is a blow as the Jaguars went into camp feeling good at the stability of their offensive line, but they should get by adequately with Dennis Norman filling in at center.
Norman might be a little stronger physically than Meester and he’s also very smart and understands how to play in space like Meester. What they should get from Norman is steadiness in the pivot between guards Chris Naeole and Vince Manuwai.
"Culpepper is an unknown factor," you say. How many unknown factors do they need at the QB position? They have McCown, as you mentioned, plus Andrew Walter, who they drafted two years ago. And of course JaMarcus Russell. The Raiders need to address many other positions, i.e. the O-line, receivers, and running back, before signing another quarterback. They aren't going to be a contender for at least two years, so the time is now to let one of the young QBs play so he's ready when the time comes.
BTW, I think Culpepper's got a lot left in him. But he doesn't fit there right now. In fact, he might get injured even worse.
Probably the only thing everyone can agree on is that nobody knows what 2007 will look like for the Raiders until we're knee deep in the season. They're better than 2-14, but whether they can patch 6 more wins to that tally and look respectable is anyone's guess. I like the O-line coach, even if I'm skeptical about the line itself. Developing Russell with a solid offensive unit is probably a two year project. Until then, I'm interested in seeing what Dante can do.
I agree with the unknown factor with all their quarterbacks. And my one concern is definitely the leadership factor in terms of his influence on Russell. From a physical standpoint, Culpepper could be a good stop-gap if healthy enough, but that's about all.
I'm just glad we got rid of him. Daunte no offense it's not your fault but you should have re fused to play if you weren't 100% ready you had a tough break from a cheap shot artist Chris Gamble he did Willis Mcgahee the same way what a punk. Anyhow good luck to you against anybody but us, Congradulations on getting a new gig!!!!
This could be exactly what the Raiders and Culpepper need! The Raiders need to show all the critics that we are a better team than last year while Culpepper wants to show his critics that he can still win. Now if both Culpepper and the Raiders can work together this could be an exciting season!
The offensive line is changing to a zone blocking scheme that should fix some of the problems that we had last year. We have talented running backs this year and recievers that need the ball thrown to them.
If everything falls into place for both the Raiders and Culpepper we could not only have a positive season but even make the playoffs as a Wild-card, it has happened before.
all the haters ans dis sattified fans, this team has had headcoaches for 1 yr stints, new systems, new offenses and such, the only stable coach has been rob ryan,
Al please give some more than a 1 yr stint to let things jell, get some players and let things come together.JR is just the first.
Brian DeLucia has been a widely respected NFL Analyst for several years including six-years on FOXSports.com
Brian analyzes players, coaches, and personnel guys from a unique front office perspective. You can email Brian DeLucia at bjd@enter.net
Culpepper is an unknown factor. He hasn’t been healthy the past few years and may never be the same athlete as he was during his prime. What Culpepper has is a chip on his shoulder to prove he can still play in this league. He’s playing for one last big payday next spring. 
