Jeff George - Part Deux

The delicate balance and stability of the QB depth chart just got turned upside down with the “emergency insurance policy” signing of Jeff George. The Raider Nation should find out more about this bizarre signing in the next few days. In the meantime, here are a few, somewhat plausible reasons to consider in regards to the Jeff George signing:

- I suspect that there is a deep, grave concern about the viability of Walter's right shoulder. Red flags were thrown up when Walter sat out the game vs. the Lions due to a “tired” arm?

- Tui is truly a fish-out-of water running an offense predicated on the deep passing attack. He has and always will be a “west coast” offense, dink and dunk QB.

- My best guess is that the Raider organization will take every pre-caution to preserve Walter for the 2007 season and dump Tui on the waiver wire.

- Jeff George is a cheap, veteran emergency back-up suited for running the vertical offense. No one has ever questioned George’s arm strength. His head & attitude is another story.

-George already has had success tossing the pigskin to Randy Moss in 1999 with the Vikings (80 receptions, 1413 yards, 11 TDs)

- He was the last QB to play for the Raiders before the Gruden west coast offense. In 1997 he threw for 3917 yards, 29 TDs to 9 interceptions. Unfortunately, this statistical success didn’t translate to team success as the Raiders went a pathetic 4-12.

- Finally, and most importantly, maybe the Raiders are just rolling out George and giving him a test drive over the next 7-10 days to see if he is a viable, serviceable back-up QB. Note: If George doesn't make the final roster, all of this uproar about George will be much ado about nothing. If George doesn't make the final 53 man roster, the Raiders will be waiver hunting for another emergency QB.

This is a head-scratching signing and smacks of desperation but think about it for one semi-rational moment. If Walter’s injury is more severe than originally believed, who else would the Raiders be able to sign on short notice who could be plugged into the vertical offense on an emergency basis?

I realize that signing Jeff George at age 38 seems odd and bewildering. It is the equivalent of the rehiring of Tom Walsh as OC after so many years. This seems to be a classic example of Al Davis snubbing his nose at conventional wisdom. 2nd chance Al is at it again.

What does all of this mean in terms of the big picture? It means that if George makes the final roster than the O-line had better protect Aaron Brooks as if their life depended on it. Otherwise, the Raider Nation will need to close their collective eyes, say a few hail mary’s, as #3 trots out onto the field of play.