Oakland Raiders incorrectly using talent

November 21, 1:24 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Much has been made about the Oakland Raiders lack of offensive production. The problem isn't the talent level with the team, but the way they ahve misuesd the talent available. Well, that and poor tackle play. The key to the success of an offense is to use the players that you have to maximum effect. The Raiders are not doing that at all.

If you were wanting to go off-road driving, you would not buy a Corvette. If you wanted to go racing down the freeway at mind numbing speeds, you wouldn't get a Jeep Cherokee. That would make sense, as both of those vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses. By the same token, the players on the Raiders have their own strengths, but they are not being utulized. Darren McFadden is like a Corvette, but the Raiders keep using him in a manner that doesn't take advantage of that speed. Michael Bush is more like a Hummer, but they keep him in the garage. About the only running back the Raiders are using correctly is Fargas, and he is your basic family sedan. He is not fast or flashy, but he is going to get the job done.

The Raiders have a potential Pro Bowl caliber tight end, but he usually has to stay in to block, negating his talent as a receiver. Ronald Curry has been rotting on the bench after a rough start, when he is normally a reliable possesion reciever. Higgins looked to be off to a hot start as a receiver, but has disappeared. He should be the deep threat, as he is quite fast.

Rob Calonge of Thoughts from the Dark Side recently lammented the Raiders intended use of Michael Bush at fullback, as well as the plays that are called to run Darren McFadden through the line. Both of those are perfect examples of the Raiders' probelms. Prior to the draft, McFadden was touted as instant offense. He was so verstile that he could line up at wide receiver and make plays as a receiver, as well as an all-world running back, and he could even throw an occasional pass or two. The Raiders have done virtually none of that. As Calonge indicated, most of McFadden's runs are through the line. McFadden's greatest asset is his speed, and he needs to get the ball on a pitch, sweep, or stretch play so he can use his speed to get outside and turn the corner. Instead, the Raiders are running him right at the next line of defense.

Prior to his injury, Michael Bush was thought to be a top flight running back prospect. The Raiders got him in the fourth, and seem dead set not to play to his strengths. He has been the Raiders most consistent runner with the ball, but he is asked to be primarily a blocker. Of course, if the Raiders were to use some presnap motion, where Bush would be lined up ahead of McFadden, then McFadden would motion out to wide receiver and Bush would be a threat to run the ball still, that would be one thing. Of course, that seems to make too much sense, so don't hold your breath.