One step closer to a starting quarterback in Oakland

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin has been quiet about who will start at quarterback for their regular season opener against Detroit. While most believe Daunte Culpepper will get the start, based on his performance so far this preseason, Kiffin has insisted that the job is still wide open.

But not for one quarterback on the Raiders. Kiffin announced that the starting job was down to two players, Culpepper and Josh McCown, leaving Andrew Walter out to dry.

Not that this is surprising or anything. Walter, who was the quarterback in Oakland last year when Aaron Brooks was injured, just isn't a starting quarterback. Last year he had an abysmal season, completing only 53.3% of his passes, leading the league in sacks with 46, and tossing 13 interceptions with only 3 touchdown passes.

Walter could very well not have a roster spot in a couple of weeks either. Assuming Russell ever signs his contract, it's doubtful the Raiders would keep four quarterbacks.

So is the quarterback battle in Oakland really as close as Kiffin would want you to believe? I doubt it, and would be surprised if Culpepper doesn't get to start the regular season opener. He has shown flashes of his former self, and could be on the verge of a comeback season. Kiffin has also made comments that implies he is not announcing the starting quarterback job not because there isn't a winner, but because he doesn't want the Lions to have any advantage going into week 1. By announcing who is going to be the starter in Week 1 now, the Lions would have extra time to prepare for that quarterback. But by keeping the competition open, Kiffin feels the Lions will have to come up with two different gameplans depending on who will be the starter.

Sneaky? Yes. But is it worth it? Well, when you only win 2 games in a season, you need every advantage you can get.