NAPA – None of the Raiders want to join Lawrence Phillips in infamy.
Fans of the 49ers probably still snarl at the thought of Phillips' missed block on blitzing Aeneas Williams of Arizona that led to the career-ending hit on Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young in 1999.
Raiders coach Lane Kiffin plans to play second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell tonight more than most coaches would play their starting quarterback in the first exhibition game. But he won't be foolish.
"I just want to be careful with him as far as who's in front of him with the linemen and the backs and protection," Kiffin said. "But he does need to play, as I've said before, more than we normally would play a starter, just to continue to get experience."
Tonight's game at McAfee Coliseum against the 49ers is the last of a few firsts for Russell, who missed the 2007 exhibition schedule when he sat out all of training camp during his rookie season because of a contract squabble.
Having never played in an exhibition game, Russell only knows how to treat the game one way.
"When I was in college, we didn't have preseason," Russell said. "So I just look at it like it's another game on the schedule."
But it's not another game, more like a fancy dress rehearsal.
Kiffin didn't disclose a set number of plays for Russell, or any other starter. But Russell and running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden are notable contributors who should make more than cameo appearances.
"We've got so many different scenarios with guys that are a little banged-up, guys that haven't missed practice as much and some first-teamers that need more work," Kiffin said. "So you're not going to see (guys play) one drive or the first quarter; you'll see some guys stay in longer than other guys and so it will be on an individual basis."
Protecting Russell, however, remains a top priority. He already was hurt in training camp when he hit his elbow on McFadden's helmet.
"My elbow's doing a lot better," Russell said. "By the time the game comes (today), I'll be ready to rock and roll."
There's a good chance the 49ers – and every other team the Raiders play – will give Russell an opportunity to prove his elbow is fine.
The 49ers bothered the Raiders with blitzes when the teams practiced Monday. But the 49ers didn't hit Russell during the two practice sessions. If given the chance tonight, they won't hold back this time.
"Guys aren't going to sit back and play Cover 2 with JaMarcus," Kiffin said. "They're going to put pressure on him, come after him his first time having a full season of starting and with our run game. We're trying to put him in the hardest and most difficult situations we can."
And they plan to protect Russell the best they can – and get him out before a hit makes the Raiders' quarterback situation difficult to deal with.
Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
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