Jason Campbell Right Man Right Place Right Time

After 7 years of incompetancy at the quaterback position, the Oakland Raiders have their man. Jason Campbell will take this team to  the playoffs in 2010. Before you say, "Another crazy Raider fan." You must realize that this is the right man in the right place at the right time.

While it's easy for a quarterback in the NFL to compare favorably to Russell, I can't help but look at just how favorably he compares. Campbell has seen more coaching turnover, had less weapons at his disposal, and much worse pass protection. He also  had to face the brutal defenses of the NFC east. Despite that, he threw for 3,618 yards, 20 TDs and 15 ints. He completed 64.5 percent of his passes with a QB rating of 86.4. Compare that to Russell, who threw for 1,287 yards with 3 TDs and 11 ints. He completed 48.8 percent of his passes with a rating of 50.

I know, "How can you not fall in love with a quarterback not named Jamarcus Russell." But their is good reason behind this one. At 6'5 230 lbs, (not 330) Campbell has the prototypical size and rocket arm that Al Davis covets. Unlike most quarterbacks that size, Campbell is extremely athletic with great mobility. He is a hard worker that has improved in each of his 4 years as the Washington Redskins starter. He also fit's perfectly because he is at the point in his career that Russell should be. (ready for a breakout season) With the improving he's done up to this point, a breakout season is the next step up.

Campbell has arrived in Oakland at the perfect time to have his breakout season. Hue Jackson will be his 5th offensive coordinator in as many years but he  has the scheme that plays to his strengths. He also has a track record of getting the most out of his QBs as Joe Flacco of Baltimore and Carson Palmer of Cincinnati can attest. The Raiders should keep Campbell upright as the O-line has been addressed in the draft this year and free agency last year. 

The weapons will also be there. Zack Miller is one of the best TEs in the game. Chaz Schillens, a late round steal in 2008, was hurt for a good portion of last year but has the look of a go-to guy. Louis Murphy proved to be a big-play guy. He put up good rookie numbers for a man that played with Jamarcus Russell. Darrius Heyward-Bey may not have looked like Jerry Rice in his rookie season but neither did Jerry. Heyward-Bey has been working hard a will stretch the field if all else fails. The "thunder and lightning" combo of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden will Campbell's best friend in 2010 with McFadden helping in the passing game out of the backfield.

Campbell will have more than just superior weaponry and protection in Oakland. He will have a much better defense to get him the ball back; something he knew nothing about in Washington last year. The Raiders already have the best cornerback in the game and former first round safety Michael Huff on the rise. They addressed their weakness against the run by drafting MLB Rolando McClain and DE/DT Lamarr Houston. 6'6 355 lb undrafted free agent Kellen Heard is the "secret weapon" that will help out even more against the run.

Jason Campbell has walked into the perfect situation with a young set of weapons and  defense that can and will turn this whole thing around. He will also finally have an owner and fan base that appreciates him after what they've seen.  He is going to get all the credit for the big turn around. This team is pretty stacked now so that really won't be right but he deserves it. Last year he was underappreciated with a horrible supportng cast. Good for you Jason! Welcome to the Black Hole!