Could any of these 5 backups save Oakland's season?

By (Correspondent) on September 28, 2009

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback  Jeff Garcia #7 of the Oakland Raiders passes the ball during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 3, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Each week, JaMarcus Russell is looking less and less like Oakland's franchise quarterback. They've been searching for one since the current drama target Rich Gannon left. If this isn't Russell's year, which it's looking like it's not, the Raiders may find themselves once again drafting for a QB in 2010.

I'm not completely anti-JaMarcus, but he isn't giving me a lot of reasons to have faith right now. I think the last test will be once he gets Chaz Schilens back. If he can't do anything then, he's in trouble.

If the Raiders got a different quarterback, could they succeed? Could they salvage the year? Here are 5 quarterbacks who are either currently on the Raiders or could feasibly come to the Raiders, and my opinion on how the season could go with them in the game.

Bruce Gradkowski

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 13:  Bruce Gradkowski #5 of the Oakland Raiders passes against the Dallas Cowboys during the preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 13, 2009 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Gradkowski is currently listed as the Raiders' second string QB. In his two snaps this year, he is 2-2 for 17 yards. I don't believe this trend would continue. Gradkowski is an average-at-best QB who could potentially win a few games, but ultimately not enough. He just doesn't seem to have the combination of experience, leadership, strength and skill that a great QB needs.

Predicition if he finished the season:
Raiders currently 1-2, would finish 4-12.

Charlie Frye

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 03:  Quarterback Charlie Frye #3 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass the ball during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 3, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Raiders' 3rd string QB, Charlie Frye has a little experience under his belt. Not too much more than Gradkowski, but a bit. Frye is also not the answer in Oakland, but I think he would be able to pull out a couple more wins. While he's certainly not dynamic, he isn't terrible, and with short completions and a solid running game, he could win 5 games.

Predicition if he finished the season:
Raiders currently 1-2, would finish 6-10.

Jeff Garcia

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback  Jeff Garcia #7 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 3, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Baby come back! You can blame it all on me!

I'll be the first to say I was wrong earlier in the year when I said cutting Garcia is a wise-move. I still think he's a "me-first" style of quarterback, but he plays with emotion, and he plays to win. Garcia is currently on the Eagles, but they likely won't keep four QBs. If he would get released, maybe the Raiders would consider picking him back up and letting him start.

Predicition if he finished the season:
Raiders currently 1-2, would finish 9-7.

Daunte Culpepper

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 18:  Quarterback Daunte Culpepper #8 of the Oakland Raiders rolls out to his right against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at the Metrodome on November 18, 2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty

Mr. Daunte "Get Your Roll On" Culpepper. Culpepper came to the Raiders after his knee was virtually shredded in Minnesota, and then had a brief stint with the Dolphins. Culpepper played on a Raiders team that had little offensive talent. However, one of my personal favorite Raiders moments is Culpepper destroying the Dolphins for 5 total touchdowns.

Culpepper has stated he'd like to start again, and I honestly don't see the Lions benching Stafford anytime soon. A quick trade by Mr. Davis (let's give them Javon Walker!)

Predicition if he finished the season:
Raiders currently 1-2, would finish 8-8

David Carr

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 29:  David Carr #8 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the New York Jets on August 29, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

OK, this guy's traumatized due to playing for the Texans, but the Giants would likely be willing to let him go. You can't blame him for getting steamrolled for years in Houston. Carr may have a little gas left that could carry the Raiders until the end of the year, but then it's Tim Tebow or Sam Bradford time...

Or we can call up Daryle Lamonica.

Predicition if he finished the season:
Raiders currently 1-2, would finish 6-10

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