Of all the changes QB Jeff Garcia has faced since signing a 1-year contract with the Raiders in the offseason, accepting a job as QB Jamarcus Russell's backup has been the most challenging. "It's not an easy role to accept because of the competitive nature that is within me," said Garcia, who has 116 starts in 10 NFL seasons. "I struggled with it when I was in Philadelphia. I had a hard time just sitting on the sideline watching." Russell, the #1 overall pick in the '07 draft, is the unquestioned starter in Oakland but is already beginning to feel the pressure after leading the Raiders to a 5-11 finish last year while throwing 13 TDs and 7 interceptions. At the NFL owners meetings in March, Coach Tom Cable told reporters Russell needed to take on more of a leadership role with the team and made veiled references to Russell's work ethic. Adding Garcia, the Raiders hope, will help Russell.
