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NFL notebook: Raiders QBs look to make their case

Raiders quarterback Josh McCown is eyeing the starting job in Oakland. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press The Spokesman-Review
Raiders quarterback Josh McCown is eyeing the starting job in Oakland. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

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The quarterback debate is at the forefront for Oakland coach Lane Kiffin, who will use tonight’s preseason finale between the Raiders and Seahawks as the final test for who will get the starting nod when Oakland opens the regular season against Detroit on Sept. 9.

The competition that began with three QBs – all who had starting experience in the NFL – is now down to Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper. Kiffin said Tuesday that Andrew Walter, who started eight games last season for the Raiders, would be the No. 3 quarterback.

“We’re both still relatively new to this thing, as is everybody, for that matter, but at the same time, I just go out and work,” McCown said of him and Culpepper. “I don’t put any chips on my shoulder or make myself get going like I am the underdog.”

McCown will get the start against the Seahawks, with Culpepper getting about an equal number of snaps, although Kiffin didn’t say how long either will play. Other than the quarterback position, Kiffin intends on pulling most of his starters after the first series or two.

Dogfighting under fire

The case of NFL star Michael Vick has prompted a nationwide surge in dogfighting busts and calls for tougher penalties on organizers and spectators.

Police pursued at least 42 new dogfighting cases in July and August, up from 17 in those two months last year.

Around the league

Cincinnati defensive end Frostee Rucker is appealing a proposed one-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the result of settling a domestic violence case in April. … Punter Scott Player, the Arizona Cardinals’ longest-tenured veteran, was released by the team. … Todd Marinovich, the former Raiders quarterback, is facing a possible prison term after a weekend arrest in Newport Beach, Calif., for drug possession. … Britt Reid, the 22-year-old son of Eagles coach Andy Reid, was formally charged with driving under the influence and drug violations from an incident last week in Norristown, Pa. … Michael Strahan still has not made a decision whether to play for the New York Giants or retire after 14 seasons.