Five NFL Backup QBs That Should Start For The Raiders Instead Of JaMarcus Russell

Steven Merriam by Correspondent Written on October 14, 2009

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11:  Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants sacks JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter on October 11, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Raiders 44-7.  (P
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

JaMarcus Russell is most likely the worst starting QB in the NFL. So far in his short career, Russell has been a complete bust for the Raiders organization.

Russell was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. His playing so far this season has been nothing to be happy about if you are a Raider fan.

I believe there are many backup QBs in the NFL that are much better than Russell. Here are five NFL backups that should start for the Raiders instead of Russell.

Matt Leinart—Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 28:  Quarterback Matt Leinart #7 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 28, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona.  (Photo by Christian Pe

Leinart was chosen with the 10th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. Leinart was named the Heisman Trophy winner in 2004 while he was a member of USC. Leinart was the starting QB for the Cardinals most of his rookie year and some of his second year.

Leinart went 4-7 in his rookie year. Leinart has played in 23 NFL games with 16 starts. Leinart's career stats include 14 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, and 3,487 passing yards, with a passer rating of 71.7.

Kevin Kolb—Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 27:  Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 27, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Kolb was chosen with the 36th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Eagles. Kolb was named Week Three's NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the Eagles, while Donovan McNabb was injured.

Kolb has played in 11 NFL games with two starts. Kolb's career stats include four touchdowns, seven interceptions, and 885 yards passing yards, with a passer rating of 68.9.

Tavaris Jackson—Minnesota Vikings

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 14: Quarterback Tavaris Jackson #7 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass the football against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 14, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Jackson was chosen with the 64th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Vikings. Jackson, along with fellow teammate Sage Rosenfels were up for the starting QB spot for the Vikings most of training camp until the ageless Brett Farve signed with the team.

Jackson has played in 28 NFL games with 19 starts. Jackson's career stats include 20 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, and 3,524 passing yards, with a passer rating of 77.1.

Vince Young—Tennessee Titans

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11:  Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at LP Field on October 11, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Young was chosen with the third pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Titans. Young was the AP NFL Rookie of the Year in 2006 and also a Pro Bowler. Many Titans fans think Young should be the starting QB due to the fact that they are 0-5 and Kerry Collins has not played well. Young injured his knee during a game last year and Kerry Collins has been starting ever since.

Young has played in 34 NFL games with 29 starts. Young's career stats include 22 touchdowns, 32 interceptions, and 4,964 passing yards, with a passer rating of 68.5.

David Carr—New York Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11:  David Carr #8 of the New York Giants calls a play against the Oakland Raiders on October 11, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans drafted Carr with the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Carr was expected to be the future of the franchise. Carr has also played for the Panthers and currently the Giants.

Carr played against Russell's Raiders last week and dominated them in the second half. Carr will be a free agent this offseason and I expect him to leave the Giants to try and find a team he can start for.

Carr has played in 88 NFL games with 79 starts. Carr's career stats include 64 touchdowns, 70 interceptions, and 14,241 passing yards, with a passer rating of 74.9.

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written on October 14, 2009 Rankings/List

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