Fast-forward to today and Murphy is on the roster bubble and fighting for his roster spot and Heyward-Bey is an unquestioned starter.
A lot had to go wrong for Murphy and he lost his job because other players made the most of their opportunity with him out. The Raiders also drafted several receivers and that added a lot of competition.
2009 Rookie Season
In his rookie season of 2009, Murphy hauled in 34 passes for 521 yards and four touchdowns and started nine games. He started the first eight games of his rookie year for the injured Chaz Schilens.
Murphy was the most productive wide receiver, leading the team in both yards and touchdowns. Only tight end Zach Miller had more yards.
While the stat line was hardly impressive, you must consider JaMarcus Russell was still the quarterback and the Raiders had trouble mustering much offense at all. It was an impressive rookie year considering the circumstances.
2010 Sophomore Season
Schilens was hurt again in 2010 and the Raiders were comfortable going with Murphy as the starter. The Raiders were finally done with JaMarcus Russell and brought in Jason Campbell to be the starting quarterback.
Hopes were high that the Raiders, with a a legitimate quarterback, could make a push for the playoffs.
Murphy started fast and produced early, before his production dipped. Murphy was injured and missed two games with a lung contusion which opened the door for 2010 fourth-round pick Jacoby Ford.
Ford wouldn't relinquish the job after his six-catch, 148-yards performance against Kansas City that included a 47-yard catch in overtime and a 94-yard kickoff retur...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
