Raiders' O-Line Could Prevent JaMarcus Russell From Throwing Bombs

Pro Football Weekly's "The Way We Hear It" column is basically some dude combing the local papers for underreported tidbits, but "The Way We Hear It From Our Intern Who Read It in the Local Paper," isn't quite as pithy (or catchy!).

Anyway, the way PFW hears it, this news out of Oakland is, well, not all that unexpected, I guess:

Sources say Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell may not get many chances to display his rocket arm on deep pass plays this season. The Raiders' lack of depth at offensive tackle was glaring at recent OTAs. Backup OTs Seth Wand and Mario Henderson were getting plenty of work behind OLT Kwame Harris and ORT Cornell Green, who were practicing with the first unit. Russell should face a steady diet of defenders creeping in from the edges in his first full year as the team's starter and will likely have to settle for check-down passes since there may not be time for receivers to get open downfield.

Obviously, the team needs to move Robert Gallery back to tackle. He's thisclose to finally "getting it." Actually, all that would do is prematurely end Russell's NFL career, and the next thing you know Al Davis would be introducing Aaron Brooks as the Raiders' QB of the future.

And honestly, I'm not sure how much you can determine about the state of the offensive line from OTAs, when guys are wearing shorts and t-shirts. Assuming it's true, however, it could actually simplify things for the offense. With first-round pick Darren McFadden in the backfield and questions at wideout, shorter passes and re-emphasizing the running game could be the way to go.

Plus, it'll keep Javon Walker from having to sprint downfield and then having to walk all the way back to the huddle.