When it comes to the Oakland Raiders current quarterback
situation, the question becomes -- is what they “should” do consistent with what
they “will” do?
The feeling here is not very likely.
Reigning NFL MVP Rich Gannon, like most of his teammates, has struggled
this season after four outstanding years, which included a conference
championship a year ago. Gannon injured his shoulder in Monday night’s 17-10
loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, dropping the Raiders to 2-5. Oakland is
currently in a bye week before returning for a road game at the Detroit Lions
Nov. 2.
Enter Marques Tuiasosopo.
The third-year man from Washington
played about one would have expected in his first extensive action in an NFL
regular season game. Tuiasosopo showed some signs of promise after a bit of a
rough start. He completed 16-of-28 passes for 224 yards and one interception.
Tuiasosopo also ran for 20 yards on four attempts and nearly rallied Oakland to
force overtime against the unbeaten Chiefs before falling short.
Gannon, meanwhile, underwent an
MRI examination Tuesday but the results remain a mystery as both he and head
coach Bill Callahan have opted not to discuss them.
Callahan added that the injury
affects the throwing motion and if the Raiders had a game this week, Gannon
would not play. If Gannon is healthy, however, by Wednesday Callahan said that
he would start the Detroit game.
The Raiders chances of reaching
the playoffs are a long shot at best. Realistically, they would have to win
eight of their last nine games but they have not done anything that would lead
one to believe they can achieve that feat. Therefore, it only makes sense to
give Tuiasosopo a shot regardless of Gannon’s health.
That is not an indictment on
Gannon because a lot of the Raiders success is because of him. Then came the
Super Bowl, where Gannon threw five interceptions. He has not been the same
since that late January day in San Diego. You can blame it on his receiver’s
age, his offensive line’s injuries and his coaching staff’s reluctance to commit
to the running game. Gannon has been given ample leeway to right himself and if
he was going to get hot, shouldn’t it have happened by now?
Oakland has expressed its
confidence in Tuiasosopo as the eventual heir apparent. Why else would they have
spent a second-round draft choice on him in 2001? Also, what better time to find
out than now?
Maybe things will get better – or
worse – with Tuiasosopo. There’s no way of telling for certain. So why not give
Tuiasosopo say, a four, five or six game stretch to show what he can do?
Granted, the Raiders will not find out everything they need to know in that time
but it’s much more to go on than what they previously had.
There’s an even more noble reason
to give Tuiasosopo an extended chance. Gannon’s abrasive personality has perhaps
worn thinner than the team is suggesting. Basically, it can be tolerable in
successful times but tuned out in tough times.
In one respect, Gannon epitomizes
a leader. Very few players have a better work ethic and are more diligent in
their preparation. However, he has not exactly been a calming force in time of
crisis either. Look no further than his Monday night tirade in a 31-10 loss to
Denver mostly directed at Callahan and offensive coordinator Marc Trestman.
The Raiders season is fading fast
and Tuiasosopo has always been eager to prove that he is ready. Perhaps, the
team could use that youthful exuberance now.
Again, Gannon has meant a lot to
the team’s success and was nothing short of terrific for four seasons
(1999-2002) but now it should be more apparent than ever that it’s time to find
out if Tuiasosopo truly is one that can lead the Raiders.
It’s just not a slam-dunk that the
team thinks that way.
Vince D’Adamo
can be reached at vdad7@yahoo.com