ESPN’s Insider Jeremy Green is excited for the Raiders, more specifically for their acquisition of Daunte Culpepper. In fact, he reported that “people within the Raiders organization say it was apparent from the time Culpepper first stepped onto the field that he was indeed the answer they were looking for to their quarterback issues.”
Culpepper, as you know, was brought in to compete with Josh McCown for the team’s starting spot. And all indications point to him winning the position battle.
But his success could also come to fruition for another reason, other than simply taking over. Contrary to his time spent with the Vikings and Dolphins, Culpepper doesn’t have any expectations. Zip. Zilch. Nada.
Because, really, who expects him to succeed? He’s in Oakland, which was, incidentally, Dante’s 8th Circle of Hell for quarterbacks hell last season.
Oakland, however, is rebuilding. And Culpepper is in a position of reaping the benefits of that. The team has no expectations to live up to. Everyone is projecting them to again pick first overall in the 2008 draft.
But not Culpepper. He’s expecting greater things. As fantasy owners, you should work to keep an eye on him throughout preseason because, chances are, he wasn’t drafted.
Who knows? Maybe Culpepper will run away with an award this season: Comeback Player of the Year, anyone?
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For the Raiders, it is Daunte or nothing. With Russell not signed or in camp, they are stuck with Walters and … I forget. But if Daunte can be what he was before, the Raiders could be a lot better than most think.
Now if they could only get a better running back (Jordan is too… Well, i forget. Ok, injured, fumbles, is out to lunch).
This is a great site.
McCown is the other quarterback you’re thinking of, and he was projected to begin the season as the team’s starter. But you’re right; it’s Culpepper or bust.
Thanks much for the compliments!
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