Campbell it is

[Over-Head]

sorry if re-post

Before first snap, Jason Campbell named Oakland Raiders' No. 1 QB

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b56vs


Jason Campbell was named the Raiders' starting quarterback on Wednesday by coach Tom Cable on the eve of his team's first training camp practice in Napa.

Cable included the caveat that this assumes Campbell stays healthy throughout camp and holds off challenges from Bruce Gradkowski, Charlie Frye and Kyle Boller.

The Raiders traded for Campbell during the NFL draft in April and saw enough of him during offseason workouts to determine that he was the best option to succeed departed quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
Cable said the decision was made easy because Gradkowski was sidelined the entire offseason as he recovered from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.

"The first thing people are going to want to ask is, 'Where is Bruce and (how do) the other guys fit in terms of competition and all that?' " Cable said. "Bruce hasn't done anything for the last three months. He'll catch up and he'll get himself up to speed and he'll go out and battle and all that. But, as we move forward (this) morning and go to practice the first time, Jason will be in that first huddle."

Cable had plenty more to say, suggesting that his team could wind up playing in the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on Feb. 6.
"What's in front of us is winning a championship," Cable said Wednesday at a news conference on the eve of his team's first training camp practice in Napa. "That's the goal now. Let's go for it."
The Raiders were 5-11 last season, but Cable feels the team he has assembled is primed for more than its first winning season since 2002.

"I know we're going to be a good team, and I'm not afraid to say that," Cable said. "We're going to go after the AFC West. I'm not afraid to say that."

For now, Cable intends for Campbell to lead the Raiders.
Gradkowski supplanted Russell as the starting quarterback nine games into last season, and he provided an instant upgrade to the league's worst-ranked passing attack. Yet, it's back to being a backup until further notice.
Gradkowski resumed throwing in recent weeks and is expected to participate in the Raiders first practice this morning. But he will have to wait until Monday to test his arm in a team setting because Cable intends to use the first four days — eight practices — for "intensive learning" drills that don't include much contact or full-scale plays.

The Raiders play their first exhibition game in Dallas on Aug. 12.
Notes: First-round draft pick Rolando McClain still hasn't signed a contract. Cable said negotiations are ongoing and that it's possible McClain will be under contract and at practice today. "... Langston Walker is the projected starter at right offensive tackle, Cable said. Cornell Green held down that job the past three seasons before signing with the Buffalo Bills via free agency this offseason. "... The Raiders formally announced the hiring of Craig Dickenson as assistant special teams coordinator.

He joined the team in April and will work under John Fassel.
Dickenson last worked for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. "... The Raider Nation Celebration is slated for Aug. 27 at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland from 4-6 p.m.