This is so obviously not all on Russ. What's frustrating to watch is him receive the snap and immediately have to dodge pass rushers, week in, week out, year after year. Yes, he gets happy feet at times when the pocket is actually holding. But it holds so rarely, who can blame him? He's been sacked / hit so, so many times.
I've never agreed with phrases like 'just let Russ take over' or 'it's Russell's game to win'. He's at his best when our running game sets up the pass, not the other way around.
With the lack of talent on our O-line, we must avoid obvious passing situations to be successful through the air.
Outside of his brilliant scramble drills, he's at his best throwing off of play-action. Teams only bite on that if we are already effectively running the ball.
I believe O-line play is the most important element of the pro game. Without that, Russ struggles. Without that, EVERY QB struggles.
Currently, the combination of a slight bit of age (getting pounded over the years), and the fact that he's probably pretty banged up this late in the season - has our guy less mobile currently. Our O-line play is now even more important then, and they are not stepping up. Lack of talent plus injuries has this position group also reeling.