Tollner say QB Russell has regressed

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Starting Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell had "regressed," Raiders passing game coordinator Ted Tollner said.

Tollner, speaking to reporters on the AOL FanHouse Web site Thursday, said the team's 2008 first-round draft pick from LSU made progress during the off-season, but now needs to make improvements in delivering the football.

"You can't wait till people are open," Tollner said. "We made strides and last week we fell back in all those areas. That's disappointing to all of us and we've got to get back on track. … We've got to give (him) a foot rhythm that allows (him) to turn the ball loose on time and (he needs) to buy into that."

Through two games, the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Russell has completed just 19-of-54 passes (35 percent) for 317 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and a paltry 46.6 percent passing rating in Oakland's 1-1 start.

The Raiders face Denver Sunday.