Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Brett Favre this wasn’t but the Peyton Manning takeover has certainly monopolized most of the NFL headlines this offseason. So it was only a matter of time until we here at JBB, a blog 100% dedicated to all things Raiders and nothing else, were forced to talk Manning.

Behold…the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos will be…Peyton Manning.

What does all this mean to Oakland? Well, obviously the Raiders will get a double dose of Manning as part of the two times the silver and black will tangle with the Donkeys this season. It also means Reggie McKenzie’s quest for more veteran cornerbacks and a pass rusher to replace Kamerion Wimbley just got a lot more intense. Need I remind you of the last time Manning came to the Bay?

Let’s not forget that Tim Tebow carved up the Oakland secondary last season. How do you think Manning will fare? Then again, exactly what kind of condition is that neck in? Not at all saying I’d wish a life threatening injury on another player, nor am I advocating that Dennis Allen installs the Gregg Williams incentive program. But as a man that played defense once upon a time the unwritten rule is that if a man with an injury steps on the field then the first clean shot you get you’re to test his health.

That’s just football. It’s a part of the game whether Roger Goodell likes it or not.

Aside from what we see on the field the other part of this game is the business aspect. From a business standpoint John Elway has made the decision to divorce himself from Tebow. I’m sure there is some special circle in hell for those that doubt the second coming but religion’s got nothing on winning Super Bowls.

Go ahead a put my name on the VIP list for that room in hell too cause I’ll take a sinner that wins over a holy man that sells jerseys. Manning has a Super Bowl ring. Tebow has a purity ring. You do the math.

Before I become the target of hate let me make it clear that I’m not anti-religion. I’ll take Kurt Warner on my squad any day. I’m against all those that confuse hard work and skill with Bible verse and player.

All that being said…

Did Denver make the right decision?

Doesn’t really matter. What matters is, if Manning is right, the Broncos just got the biggest upgrade at quarterback in the AFC West. The move doesn’t guarantee a divisional crown but I don’t see 8-8 being good enough to compete any longer.

Moves like this illustrate the urgency in pro football. Hue Jackson’s move to aggressively go after Carson Palmer was bold yet ultimately wasn’t enough to get the Raiders over the hump. For all we know that could be the same story with Manning. Only time will tell. Right about now it’s time for the Raiders to really focus on defense. This team can go toe-to-toe with any offense in the NFL. But keeping other teams out of the end zone is what will win consistently. That task just got a little more difficult with the arrival of Mile High Manning.

You see, as much as I love the game I’m just not as invested when the Silver and Black aren’t playing. Sure, fantasy football and general interest keep me fixated. But what good is watching without rooting?

I’m more than happy to see Tim Tebow go Tim Tebow against Detroit in hopes he’ll do the same next week in the East Bay. I always enjoy watching the Pats lose even if it comes at the hands of the Steelers. For good measure I just plain love all the NFL action.

Still, it is just not the same without the Raiders.
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Let’s get something straight. I celebrated when the Raiders drafted Russell. I screamed obscenities at Lane Kiffin when he refused to let JaMarcus take the field when the team had nothing to play for. I hung my hopes on every brief glimpse of brilliance Russell flashed which was not often.

I’m not a Russell hater. I just take issue with anybody who disrespects the Silver and Black. If that makes me a Russell hater then I’ll just continue to hate on.

What Russell fails to comprehend to this day is what he never understood in the NFL.

Being a quarterback means being a leader no matter what.

A leader takes the blame even when it is not their fault. A leader sets the example for the entire team to follow. A leader does whatever it takes to accomplish their goals including sacrificing for the betterment of those around them.

To be sure there is no way you can blame Russell for all of Oakland’s woes during his brief tenure in the East Bay. Al Davis shares blame for the uncertain coaching situation he pushed a young QB into. Lane Kiffin takes blame for not being a man and just making the most of the hand he was dealt. The team as a whole shares blame for not holding their supposed leader accountable.

But none of that accounts for Russell’s complete lack of interest in putting in the work necessary to be the best. None of that excuses JaMarcus for balking at the idea of taking a pay cut. Tom Brady took less cash so his team could improve. That’s what a leader does.

A leader doesn’t deflect blame. He takes it publicly and then takes it out on his team privately. But to do that you’d have to already be setting the example.
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