JaMarcus Russell: Is the Title "Bust" Warranted?

More and more, I keep hearing people referring to the Oakland Raiders' Quarterback JaMarcus Russell as a bust, and some things you cannot even print.

But the fact is, how you define a bust is not only subjective, but up to personal opinion.

Sure, you can cite his inability to coordinate with recieivers like Ronald Curry, his bad ball handling in the season-opener against Denver, or the blowouts against the Ravens, Saints, and San Diego.

But at the same time the nay-sayers don't say anything about his games against Denver in Denver or beating the Texans. Russell and the Raiders eliminated the Bucs, who were at home and rallying from 10 point deficit.

Labelling a player a bust should be based on career numbers, not a single season.

It should also take into account issues like team status, and factors not under his control. For example, Russell is not on the defensive side of the ball, so he can't prevent an opposing running back from breaking out for a 60-yard touch down run.

Some of the more well-known busts might drum up bad memories.

Ryan Leaf was a classic bust. Three years, millions of dollars and a 4-17 record in starts. There is not a lot of pretty things to look at in his folder. 14 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in only 25 total games and 21 starts. You do the math.

For the record, Russell in one season has more wins than Leaf had in three seasons.

How about Todd Marinovich, the often-cited example of good ideas gone bad? Marinovich was a first-round pick for the Raiders back in 1991.

After some prodding and screaming by fans and Al Davis, Marinovich started the final game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was not too bad; three TDs, no INTs, and 243-yards. The Raiders lost the game by six.

The following week, Marinovich had to play the same team. This time in Kansas City and lost 6-10, with four interceptions.

The following season Marinovich lasted all of seven games, going 3-4 with five touchdowns and nine interceptions.

His final record was 3-5, and eight TDs, and nine INTs.

Russell's stats, in the last two years?

5-12, with 15 TDs and 12 INTs.

Probably the one that draws a lot of conclusions is Alex Smith from the across the bay 49ers. Alex Smith, another first overall pick, had three seasons plagued with injuries. After starting 30 of 32 games, he had an 11-19 record and 19 TDs against 31 interceptions.

Smith's rookie year was frightening. He had one touchdown against 11 INTs, but was helped by a 7-9 record his second year. Aided by a strong running game, he had 16 TDs and 16 INTs. Many in San Francisco felt the team had a strong prospect coming along.

In 2007, Alex Smith went down after seven games, going 2-5, and the 49ers dropped to 5-11.

This last season Smith was on the IR before the season began, and no word has been mentioned if he will even be with the team once free agency starts later this month.

For comparison, Russell joined a club that was already hideous. The team was coming off a 2-14 season, led by a coaching staff that should have stayed at the bed and breakfast.

For added issues, Russell did not get into any games through the first 12 weeks, due in part to him signing so late. It was also mentioned that Kiffin never wanted Russell.

In fact, it had been suggested that Kiffin didn't want Russell to do anything but stand in the pocket. It would be like telling Barry Sanders he can only run straight forward. How pointless is that?

For the last comparison, some people would mention Marc Wilson as being an NFL bust.

Wilson, the Raiders first-round pick in 1980, was by most standards a flop. His one redeeming mark, was playing on a team that won two super bowls primarily due to strong defensive units.

Wilson's stats from 1980 to 1987 had him win 31 games against 19 losses, with 77 TDs and 86 INTs. He benefited by having Jim Plunkett backing him up, and Marcus Allen playing the best years of his career during Wilson's time with the team.

It also tells you something, when a football player at age 27 is being schooled by a player who is 36.

Russell, to his benefit, is presently having a team assembled around him.

They already have a decent running game in place,and are working on filling in the holes at the wide reciever position. But the Raiders are sorely lacking in offensive line, using Kwame Harris as an ugly example.

With the factors of the team's status, his current numbers, and the present state of the Raiders, I would say it is premature to call Russell a bust after one full season.

If he has not improved by 2011 and we are still playing football, then slap the label on him.