.JPG)
Fargas is the longest tenured Raider back, and looks to have a diminished role in 09
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson(EXAMINER.com/TFDSSPORTS.com)
Related Articles
Running back has to be the deepest position on the Oakland Raiders roster. They have three top flight halfbacks, plus added a potential Hall of Fame fullback over the offseason. When it comes time to drop the roster to 53, there are going to be cuts in this position that will be painful.
PROJECTED STARTER: Whilst the plan will be to utilize all three of their top flight backs significantly, former top pick Darren McFadden would seem to have the inside track to being the nominal starter. In the offseason workouts, he has flashed the blazing speed that was all the rage before he was drafted in 2008.
At fullback, veteran acquisition Lorenzo Neal will be the opening day starter barring injury. Neal was brought in because it seems that Oren O'Neal's injury won't be ready in time. Neal is going to be a veteran stabilizing force on a young offensive team.
KEY RESERVES:
Michael Bush and Justin Fargas are going to be key factors in the running game. It would be easy enough to consider them more of a 1b and 1c than reserves, but there is only one starter at halfback. The key question will be the fifth back. If Oren O'Neal surprises and is good to go, it would be likely that he is kept as a second fullback. However, with him not expecting to go, Louis Rankin seems to be well liked by the organization and would likely be used as a combination half back and full back.
ON THE BUBBLE:
the battle for the fifth back position has a crowded field of contestants: Halfbacks Rankin and Gary Russell, as well as fullbacks Luke Lawton and Marcel Reece. Out of these candidates, Rankin seems like the most probable to make the team.
The Raiders will likely be cutting some talent from their offensive backfield by the conclusion of camp, which as the cliche goes, is a good problem to have.
Expected roster:
Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Justin Fargas, Louis Rankin, Lorenzo Neal, and Oren O'Neal will be placed on the PUP list which will give the Raiders a chance to activate him in season if necessary.
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
Comments
Good read. Again, to say the raiders have a talented backfield would be a massive understatement. I'm not just saying Mcfadden, Fargas & bush are talented, because anyone who has seen glimpses of Rankin knows he has potential. Lets just hope the O-line has improved and L. O'neal can continue to do what he's done in the past. We need the young hungry recievers to step up, and need a every down go to guy to emerge immediately(Szchilens anyone?). Russel WILL continue to progress, THIS IS THE YEAR, tell me I'm not the only one who feels it FOR REAL this time.....we'll see
Bob ... I'm with ya, I think this team will show much improvement this year..The Raiders should give the Haters a good case of heartburn... What we saw at the end of last year is what I'm expecting to continue this year...... The Run game and coaching stability will allow Russell to excell... As much as some people rag on Al Davis his desire to win can't be in question.. Some of his decisions ( coaches) have been questionable (bad) but he's putting the pieces together and this team will be better...
what about Marcel Reece?
Mr. Patterson, I am so happy that there is one reporter that speaks about the Raiders without bias, and just about the facts. I have a running battle with AFC West writer for espn (Bill Williamson). he writes with total bias, and dislike for the Raiders. I would think that espn was a more upstanding organization, and would not allow this, but they do. You keep up the good work. GRILLA raider for life.
Bob, I agree...the Run game will allow Russell to ease into his game.. The run will open up the pass and take pressure of Russell.. The protection should be much better( tackles).. I think the Raiders are gonna give espn, the NFL channel and all the haters heartburn this year... I'm not predicting anything silly like an MVP year for Russell but I am predicting this team will compete... Finally..
DMC the starter? No way. He's not the pounder they need starting. I think he'll be lucky to get 25% of the rushing attempts. He'll be their 3rd down back because he's explosive in the passing game. Hopefully they're not so predictable as to put him in ONLY when they throw the ball and do so ONLY on 3rd down...
Bush will probably take over the starting role halfway through the season. If Fargas has a lot in the tank, he'll start and do well.
And just to clarify... it's L. Neal and O. O'Neal. Not L. O'neal. That dude doesn't play for the raiders.
Good Read. I see what you are going for. They will keep 2 active Fullbacks Neal, and Reece will fill those spots. O'Neal's will not be ready. His injury was career threatening. During OTA's Reece has been splitting time with 1st team Offense and the 2nd team and looking great. Fargas is a back with all the heart in the world. However he doesn't have a nose for the endzone. For his career he only has 8 TD's. Bush is 1 TD away from 1/2 with 3 TD's. Granted Fargas has been a #2 back most of his career unable to unseat starters. His weakness his vision and patience. O'Neal will be on IR to allow for the Raiders to carry a 6th back. Much as the way bush was handled after his injury. Neal Has a 2 year contract. This will allow plenty of time for Reece to develop, and O'neal to get healthy. This will allow the Raiders to develop continuity and stability in the back field
I hope Rankin wins the battle for 5th rb. I strongly believe , Fargas will be on the injured list soon which is why I hope he gets a fair shake in the RBs battle.
Though DMAC might not be the starter he should get the most touches and be our Reggie Bush that can run inbetween the tackles on occassion.
I am very hopeful that we will see a lot of Bush and DMAC in the backfield together. This will enable one to go into motion and become a receiver which will keep the defense guessing and create serious mismatches. Imagine A LB trying to get his hands on and covering a running DMAC.
The options in a two back set with DMAC and BUSH are limitless. I also want to see a lot of play action stuff that forces defenses to look for pass. Though we will be a running team I feel we'll really use the pass to open that up and once that hapopens they'll be no stopping us. We will run on SD this year! GO RAIDERS!!!
The Raiders have made some good moves in the free agency especially on the offensive line and I belive now have a good head coach also.. I hope they start Mcfadden and Bush kind of as a thunder and lightning. Both have done pretty well when given the chance but Fargas has heart and tries hard but just isnt getting it done. Not breaking any tackles and rarely makes anyone miss. Hopefully the #1 pick will not be just a track star but a football player too. And hopefully Russel will put the mind and effort with the physical ability that he has. If not I say put in Garcia. He's not pretty but he always competes and wins games.
Finally, this is the winning combo! Start McFadden and Bush. Alternate Bush with Lorenzo Neal. Pepper the whole scenario with Fargas late in the game when the defense is tired. Justin just doesn't have the durability to play the hole game. I say this every year but now I mean it. Its gonna be a shockingly great year for the RAIDAS
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!