Yes, Rai-duh fans, we have ourselves a full-fledged QB controversy as yesterday, in his press conference, Norv Turner said that he was maybe, sort of, possibly thinking about benching Kerry Collins and replacing him with sportswriters' worst nightmare, Marques Tuiasosopo. Said Marvelous Marv Turner: "We're going to look at the quarterback thing, the quarterback situation, and say, 'Hey, is it time to look at Tui? With his mobility, would that help us?"

The positives in the move? Well, first of all, how could he do any worse right now? Collins has been playing the way Collins' has always played-- great arm, not so great head (although it's hard to think when you're constantly dodging defensive ends). And considering the Raiders' O-Line has been leaking like a back benching congressman, having a more mobile QB might be just what the Raiders need. Plus Tui is a 2nd round draft pick who is in the last year of his contract. Play him now or forever hold your peace.

The negatives? Well, Collins has that big, shiny contract and a lot of owners hate having to spend money on clipboard holders. Then there's the meaning of it all. To get rid of the starting QB and replace him with an unproven backup is the kind of thing a team does when they throw in the towel and see if the kids are all right. Al doesn't like towel throwing. And Norv has his job to think about.

There's also a matter of style. Tui is a Gruden draft pick and a Gruden type QB-- fast and mobile and weak-of-arm. He's a mini-Gannon. The Raiders offense, however, is built around Al's beloved vertical game. The Raiders team is built around Al's beloved vertical game. Norv was brought onto to coach Al's beloved vertical game. Would having a backup QB who wasn't meant for the vertical game play be a smart move at all?

Oh, one more thing-- ESPN is already starting in with the next head coach rumors and say that Al's looking at Raven's QB coach Rick Neuheisel to be new head coach. Considering how well the Raven's QB situation has been since, like, forever, that's a good choice. Wonder if he'd play in SFist's NCAA Tourney Pool?