Aaron Brooks Kerry Collins

On Tuesday, the closed the books on their quarterback dilemma-for now. Owner Al Davis presented former Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks with a two-day early birthday treat, offering him a two-year tenure that is expected to range somewhere between $4 and $5 million a year. In relation to the $9.2 million that 7-21 starter Kerry Collins was set to make for the team in 2006, the two-year signing of Brooks seems like a huge bargain for the organization.What Brooks decides to do with the next two years, however, is all in his own hands. Principally, one of two things will happen. One, he will secure his job in his first season with the and will receive an extension as a starter beyond his contract; or two, he will pickup where Kerry Collins left off and take the backseat to Andrew Walter in 2007. In essence, Brooks will have 16 games to decide the future of his entire career. If he does fail in 2006, he may find it nearly impossible to resurrect his career from two straight disappointing seasons. Keep in mind, Kerry Collins is still seeking work; and if he does find a job, it will likely be one competing with Kyle Boller-need I say more?So it's make or break time.Optimistically, Brooks can make it in 2006, but it's not a guarantee. Brooks has trademarked his NFL career with his inconsistent play and his tendency to turn the ball over in critical situations. In 2005, Brooks was replaced late in the season after starting off 3-10, completing just 55.7 percent of his passes for 2,882 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. These numbers work out to a 70 quarterback rating, which is the lowest rating Brooks has earned since he became a starter back in 2000.But just as World War II United States Army General George S. Patton declared, "Success is how high you bounce when you hit rock bottom." And with weapons Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, Doug Gabriel, Ronald Curry, and LaMont Jordan on his side, Brooks could bounce back exceptionally well-and exceptionally fast. In the war era of the 1940's, the mass media referred to General Patton as "Old Blood and Guts." If Aaron Brooks can return to his 24-touchdown and 8-interception form of 2003, then the Raider Nation may be able to use the same hardnosed expression to refer to their own field general.But if Brooks picks up right where he left of in 2005, "Old Blood and Guts" will just become "Old." And just as fast as he was welcomed into the organization, he will be pushed aside with the same rapidity.In the case that this happens, then Brooks will become a one-year mentor in front of Andrew Walter and one-year backup behind him. By the time 2007 season rolls around, the Arizona State quarterback will be 25 years old and heading into his third season with the team. In that time, Walter will know the system extremely well and will unquestionably be fully recovered from his 2004 third-degree shoulder separation.So what will it be for Aaron Brooks?