Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman lost his first six starts as a rookie in 1989. Same goes for New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in 2004. Eli's older brother Peyton went 1-5 in his first six starts for the Indianapolis Colts in 1998.

Needless to say, those three quarterbacks survived the growing pains in fine shape. They emerged as polished quarterbacks sporting Super Bowl rings and, in the case of Aikman, a Pro Football Hall of Fame yellow blazer.

Yet, for every Aikman, there's a Tim Couch, who flamed out in a hurry. For every Manning, there's a David Carr, who is hanging on to a clipboard and his NFL career these days.

Every quarterback selected No. 1 in the NFL draft gets ascribed greatness by the multitudes. It wasn't any different for Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell when he arrived in 2007. Now, things don't seem as clear-cut. However, history is filled with cautionary tales about judging a quarterback too soon in his NFL career.

"We've got a plan here," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "We've got to develop this young quarterback. We have to, and sometimes you've just got to be stubborn about it. Obviously, we have been lately. The thing we all have to keep in mind is, there's a process going on with that quarterback."

Russell started one game as a rookie last season and all five of his team's games this season. Today's game against the New York Jets marks his seventh career start.

Russell is 67 of 134 for 827 yards with four TDs and two interceptions for Oakland (1-4).

Russell, 23, realizes the pressure he is under. He knows that with the $32 million guaranteed he received upon signing his first contract comes a ton of responsibility as the savior of a franchise that has won 20 of 85 games since the 2002 season.

"I am," Russell said, "and I thank God for that, that I'm in this position. It's your face that's out there when people say 'the Oakland Raiders.' So, you have to carry yourself in a good way and watch your surroundings."

JAGUARS

POLICE MAKE ARREST IN SHOOTING OF COLLIER

A man authorities say was seeking revenge has been arrested in the shooting of Jacksonville offensive lineman Richard Collier that left him paralyzed below the waist.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Frank Mackesy said at a news conference that 32-year-old Tyrone Romaro Hartsfield was charged yesterday with attempted murder. Hartsfield was being held in the Duval County Jail without bail and it could not immediately be determined whether he had an attorney.

Police say Hartsfield wanted revenge after he and Collier fought in April outside a nightclub.

Collier and former teammate Kenneth Pettway were waiting for two women outside an apartment complex early Sept. 2 when a gunman fired into their vehicle, according to police. Pettway was not injured.

Collier was released from the hospital earlier this week.

The lineman had 14 gunshot wounds to his back, left groin, left leg and right buttock. A bullet severed his spinal cord, causing the paralysis, and his left leg had to be amputated because of blood clots.

The 26-year-old was on a ventilator for two weeks and endured infections, bouts of pneumonia and renal failure. He has no recollection of the shooting.

ELSEWHERE

Colts: Indianapolis running back Joseph Addai will miss the Colts' game at Green Bay today because of a hamstring injury. The Colts downgraded Addai from doubtful to out.

Dolphins: Reserve nose tackle Paul Soliai has been suspended by Miami for one game for violating a team rule and will sit out today against Baltimore.