May 14, 2008
Oakland Raiders: Two backs, two styles, same story
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McFadden and Bush want the same thing.
So you've heard or read the stories from last weeks' Oakland Raiders rookie mini camp, right? If you have, then you already know that McFadden is as fast as advertised. He can also catch, play quarterback, and he's exciting despite drawing Coach Knapp's ire for not running a full 40 yards on a play or feeling some of Coach Rathman's wrath for not holding onto the ball correctly.
If you know that, then you already know that Michael Bush looked every bit as good, just not as flashy. Bush showed that he was fit, big, and fast enough while catching passes and running through the line. While being so different from each other, they combine to form something eerily similar to Raider Nation.
Going back to the days of glory for Raiders fans, when they had Clarence Davis and Mark Van Eeghen to the more recent times of Charlie Garner and Tyrone Wheatley, the Raiders have always striven to have a quick one-two punch to hammer opponents with. Bush is very much the 'thunder' to McFadden's 'lightening', and they are the future of the Oakland Raiders running game.
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Bush and McFadden will have to use every skill they have to get on the field this year
Both, with their differing physical attributes, rushing styles, and paths to the Raiders will have one thing in common this season. They will both be backing up Justin Fargas. Lost in the shuffle and the hype is the fact that the league's best running back in the second half of '07 is the starter on the Oakland Raiders. While people are bedazzled by the speed of McFadden and startled by the size of Bush, they may want to remember that Fargas has both speed and strength to spare.
The reason that Fargas flies so far below the radar is that he wasn't a very high profile back when he was selected in the third round of the draft. Many analysts had him going in the fifth round or later and when the Raiders drafted him, he was considered a reach by many due to his injury problems. People forget that he was highly recruited to Michigan because of his speed, like McFadden, and was on his way to starting there before he broke his leg, like Bush.
After his broken leg derailed him at Michigan, he transfered to USC and became a backup. Like last season with the Raiders, when he finally got his chance with the Trojans he shined and their running game instantly improved.
Garnering the nickname 'Crash Test Dummy,' Fargas has shown that he can be a complete running back. He can run, he can block, but his only deficiency could be called his untested pass catching skill.
Like McFadden, Fargas also had a problem holding onto the ball, but through his hard work and determination, he seems to have solved that problem. McFadden would be wise to learn that from Fargas. Also, it's been said and written many times that McFadden runs more straight up than Fargas. McFadden may be a half step faster than Fargas, but he should probably also learn how to avoid the big hits.
Doling out hits is what many will expect from Bush. Right or wrong, they will expect him to punish defenders and given his size and hunger, those expectations will probably be realized. Let's not forget that Fargas is also pretty good at dishing out punishment. The nickname swings both ways in a jaw dropping hit.
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Fargas also has some nifty spin moves
Now before OakFoSho and anyone else start in on me, I'm going to preface these comments by saying that nobody, including the coaching staff, knows who will be the RB starter in 2008. What I am saying, is that while everyone is waiting to see thunder and lightening, don't make the same mistake that other defenses have made and forget that the Raiders are already starting that in one back.
Bush has injury problems, Fargas has injury problems. McFadden is fast, Fargas is fast. Bush punishes defenders when they tackle him, Fargas does too. McFadden has great moves, so does Fargas. Bush and McFadden both can catch out of the backfield well, Fargas...well let's just say that's HIS question mark.
If anyone can rotate all three of these guys in a successful manner, Coach Kiffin can. He's already proven that in the past. He's just going to have to do a better job of it in 2008 than he did in 2007. That defense had better be good though, because the Raiders are going to need more plays on offense.
Discussion
53 Comments on "Oakland Raiders: Two backs, two styles, same story"
#1
Posted by Patrick Patterson, May 15, 2008 12:00 AM
Great take, Rob. Fargas seems to be the forgotten man in the backfield, despite having an awesome season last year.
#2
Posted by New Mexico Raider, May 15, 2008 12:00 AM
Here's another running back tandem you all forgot to mention. Maybe it was wasn't for very long but what about Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen. I can't wait for 09/08/08.
#4
Posted by OGKUSH, May 15, 2008 12:10 AM
nah NewMex we didn't forget about that, that's what gives most of us raider fans comfort in believing that's what they're going to look like. and yes i can wait either, i will be there watching every move of every newbie on that field haha :)
P.S. WHERE HAS RAIDERX BEEN! HE HASN'T MADE AN ARTICLE SINCE BEFORE THE DRAFT?!
#5
Posted by slick vik, May 15, 2008 3:49 AM
I'm not impressed with Fargas. He is not patient enough when he hits the holes. He either gets tackles for no gain or gets hurt. I do want to see what Bush can bring to the nation. I hope Fargas can live up to strarting over a 4th overall pick and a young brusing rb ( all be it that we havn't seen him run... thats whats i hear) Lets go raiders
#6
Posted by pat. T, May 15, 2008 4:44 AM
Hey slick vik i dont know how you can say that about Fargas the guy has been great for us no doubt, the dude works hard, runs hard blocks hard and never avoids a hit(sometimes thats a problem) but no defender wants to tackle Fargas in the 4th quater he pounds the ball for a small RB he's extremly physical... I personally think it will up to Fargas to keep Dmac and Bush in check this year he's the veteran the leader of the backfield... I love Fargas the guy wants to be a Raider and he wants to win with the Raiders how can you not love having a guy like that on your squad he's willinfg to do anything you ask him to he used to play on special teams... The guys great... Fargas should be the starter by week 1 and we ease Bush and Dmac in....
GO RAIDERS!!!
#7
Posted by H, May 15, 2008 5:06 AM
I'm not sure that slick vic is refering to Fargas. Jordan maybe, but not Fargas. One of the things that made Fargas successful was being quick to the hole and getting through it quickly. The zone blocking system requires it since the linemen are not required to hold their blocks for long periods of time.
When Fargas got the ball he hit the hole fast. After his injury Jordan would get the ball and dance around trying to make up his mind until he was tackled for a loss.
#8
Posted by Bo Knew, May 15, 2008 6:04 AM
Parsing their individual talents to try and predict a starter ignores the likelyhood that 2 of these RBs will be on the field together. DMC may be in the slot (or under center!) and Bush may line up as a FB in the I formation. "Starting" is far less important than the number of plays where a player gets the ball. Overall I expect DMC to get more opportunities even if Fargas is on the field for more plays.
#9
Posted by blackhawk bill, May 15, 2008 6:12 AM
nice take.
lets's not forget the original (at least from my era) marv hubbard and charlie smith. with pete banazak in the short yardage supporting role.
history will repeat itself.
"The greatness of the Raidauhs is in thier future"
and the future is now.
count on it.
#10
Posted by Rob Calonge, May 15, 2008 6:39 AM
blackhawk bill - "lets’s not forget the original (at least from my era) marv hubbard and charlie smith. with pete banazak in the short yardage supporting role."
So true bill. My mistake. I knew when I was writing this piece that I was missing someone. Thanks for the correction.
#11
Posted by Joe, May 15, 2008 6:47 AM
Where is the offensive line? Nothing was improved, its the same old tired starters with the exception of the great 9er Harris who will now be our starting left tackle. Doesn't it bother anyone we didn't make any improvement on the o/line. Again, its 8 in the box and let us have two yards on 1st down down. McFadden can be the greatest runner of all time, IN COLLEGE, but now players are getting paid, and they do not like to give us rushing yards, so we will see how he does with 8 , or maybe 9 in the box. Without the ability to pass block it limits everything we do on offense. One dimension offenses, don't win many games. They have to improve their pass blocking ability.
#12
Posted by severeraider, May 15, 2008 7:30 AM
Ummmm......I can appreciate Fargas' hustle and his willingness to be a team player, but Brayton had those same traits and look what I got him. You guys are right Vic couldn't have been talking about Fargas when he said he doesn't hit the hole quickly, what he should've said was that Fargas doesn't recognize the cutback lane and leaves hundreds of yards on the field and several more scores. He is an average blocker and a liability in the passing game due to his stone hands, which seriously crippled our protections and offense as a whole. He hits the hole quickly, a lot of times jus quickly enough to get blown up by a safety which he can't avoid because he has very little wiggle. His 07-08 stats were seriously skewed by having 2 outliers in the Denver and Miami games, ranking 30th and 32nd in run defense respectively, helen keller could put up a buck fifty on those guys, stevie wonder could've seen those holes. Teams were so scared to get hit by Fargas that he bullied his way to a whopping 4tds all of last year adding to an impressive 2 that he had already accumulated for his career, what an offensive Juggernaut, I beleive Jordan had 3td's the 1st 4 games. Fargas is good between the 20's but his red zone numbers leave much to be desired and he can't hit the homerun, I think he had 4 runs over 25 yards and 1 over 40, pitiful. Fargas is much like our defense of 06-07, the stats don't tell the whole story and when it comes down to it they can't close the deal. Look closely, both have huge weaknesses.......and still do.
#13
Posted by Dan, May 15, 2008 7:35 AM
Joe, whose to say they didn't improve? The line started to come together in the second half of the season last year going three straight games without giving up a sack. The 8 or 9 man fronts that were faced had alot to do with the outside receivers having no threat to go deep. If the Raiders change anything, it was that. Other than Javon Walker they may not have alot of experience, but they can run, and this alone should help.
Rob, Fargas had a good year last season, and yes he runs with reckless abandon, but he does get tackled by the first guy that hits him most of the time. I think that his contract has alot to do with the fact he never complains, will do anything asked of him, and is a quality backup at a position unlike QB that a backup is going to play every game. He may start the season as the starter, but look for Bush to take over the bulk of the carries with Mcfadden as a change of pace, and a matchup nightmare. Fargas will still get in the game, but to spell the other two and help block on passing downs.
#14
Posted by OGKUSH, May 15, 2008 7:47 AM
drew carter has plenty of experiences going deep.. go look at his play on nfl.com ... its a scary good catch.
#15
Posted by Oldschoolraider, May 15, 2008 8:01 AM
Tired of hearing Fargas as a small back. Everywhere I see it listed at 6'1" 220lb. At his combine he had the fastest RB time,in the 4.3's. Don't know how much has been lost in his time and hits in the NFL, but there is no denying his heart. Only downfall is no wiggle in his game, and thus the head on hits he seems to relish. Think the stable of backs will work well with each other. Fargas the starter, DMC a breather and third down(receiving) back in his rookie season and Bush the short yardage and goal line bruiser. Let's not forget the ramrods in front of them, Griffith and O'Neal. All of this of course should lessen the burden of JR's initial starting season. Wish the games started tomorrow. Raiders always.
#16
Posted by OGKUSH, May 15, 2008 8:19 AM
yes we improved to 6th best offensive line in the NFL with newberry and sims old knees, now that we have john wade and harris to replace them, we'll vastly improve with tom cable's training. its all about the coaching, and i think tom can mold everyone into good pass blockers and OUTSTANDING RUSH BLOCKERS. we will have top 5 rushing game inthe nfl.
#17
Posted by Al, May 15, 2008 8:29 AM
Another tandem not to forget was Hewitt Dixon and Clem Daniels. I've been in the Raider Nation quite awhile!
#18
Posted by RaiderRandy, May 15, 2008 8:35 AM
The bashing of the O-line gets old, they played extremely well last year and the amount of improvements from the previous year were amazing!! We ran over teams that lined up to stop the run and Gallery played very well at guard - Like OGKUSH stated the additions of Wade at Center and Harris at LT, the grooming of Henderson at RT (last years draft pick) to go with the guys that got it done last year we are even better!!! Al knew what he was doing he took an improved offensive line added two great run blocking O-linemen then picked D-Mac to pound with Bush and Fargas. IF anyone thinks the Raiders will not be in the top 5 rushing teams in the league please sign off and go check into the Golf headlines because you do not belong here.....OH and check out the receivers, there will be some respect as people back off the line. Can you say Play Action Pass???
#19
Posted by WV RAIDER, May 15, 2008 8:50 AM
I think the plan is, even though they won't say it), is to start Fargas and take this year to ensure that Bush and McFadden are the real deal. If they are I think they plan on trading Fargas. He could probably garner a Second Round Pick. If they are not the real deal or the so called "jury is still out" surfaces then they look at it as no harm no fould we still have Fargas for two more years. Don't be surpised if Fargas is wearing a Texans jersey next year. Also as far as our O-Line goes hopefully they could use that possible extra Second Round pick to pick up Gerald Cadogan, starting LT Penn State. I work with his Dad and could get some sweet ass seats. He is a BIG BOY that could really help us out. Keep a watch on this kid, he made Gholston look like a scrub.
#20
Posted by sdraidah, May 15, 2008 8:54 AM
The Raiders didn't draft a RB with the 4th pick in the draft to have Fargas start. Fargas is a good back to have coming off the bench. We all saw the same games over the last couple years. Fargas hits the hole hard and to his benefit last year the holes were larger and opened quicker. He is a straight line runner who runs at one speed-fast. But I am with severeraider, he has no shake and therefor has to outrun a tackler to the sideline or try to bowl him over.
I say we line up Bush as the FB and McFadden as the HB. Defences won't be able to have a LB spying McFadden. I can see that the offence just opened up. Both Bush and McFadden can toss passes. And Bush and McFadden are good recievers out of the back field.
Bush could be the 1st and 2nd down back with McFadden in the slot. On third down bring in McFadden as the HB.
Kiffin's play book should double with the possibilities. Maybe we will see a little creativity in the offence. Something we havent seen since Gruden.
#21
Posted by SacRaider, May 15, 2008 9:03 AM
I don't think any one of the 3 will be a true "starter". Technically, Fargas will still start, meaning he's the one to get the initial carries. But Run DMC will be used throughout the game, as will Bush in certain situations (short yardage or late-game bruiser). What we have here is a 3 headed RB machine, folks. And it should be exciting.
We had a top 10 running offense last year. This year, we improved at 2 positions on the OL (Harris pass-blocking may come in to question but his run-blocking has always been very good) and get DMac and Bush. OGKUSH called it by saying we would be in the top 5. I couldn't agree more.
#22
Posted by OGKUSH, May 15, 2008 9:09 AM
yes sd you're definetely right about the endless options of the RB lineup, don't forget that DMAC is very very comfortable lining up at wideout or slot receiver. when he masters the I formation position(which is 1st priority), i can totally picture him as a WR and bush/fargas lined up as RB/FB ... imagine the confusion of any defense, they wont be able to react in time... i will put money on that lane will ppull off something of that nature.
#23
Posted by inonewordraider, May 15, 2008 10:04 AM
Fargas is gonna be hard to beat out. He has the speed and was a very highly touted prospect in his own righ before being injured (Michael Bush ring a bell). The guy puts it all out on the line and has the NFL experience. Bush is more equipped body wise to take the punishment and Mcfadden is a blur, but the competition is gonna make them all better because they're all hard workers and team guys. We may be the best running attack in the league next year.
#24
Posted by KCRaiderFan, May 15, 2008 10:08 AM
It's the little things that count. When I hear about coach Rathman teaching McFadden about the 4 points and showing him why he was fumbling I was quite pleased. So many coaches simply say "Just hang onto the ^&*% ball." Doesn't anyone else remember Fargas' preseason and reported practice fumbling problems prior to last year. Was that a coincidence or just better coaching? Without Rathman coming in last year, maybe Fargas never sees the field and Rhodes is still with us today. I have no doubt his teaching will have the same effect on McFadden. Anyway I can't wait to see all this new talent come together on the field.
#25
Posted by Right Coast, May 15, 2008 10:37 AM
Gotta bring up Griffith and O'Neal again. That's a great setup already at the FB position, with Griffith's hands and Oren's blocking skills. We're gonna run to daylight this season!
Zach Miller all day if our pass protection is a little soft at first. This kid's the real deal too.
#26
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Oakland Raiders: Two backs, two styles, same story | The RaiderCast, May 15, 2008 10:43 AM
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#27
Posted by OGKUSH, May 15, 2008 10:57 AM
oh yea i agree 100% ... zach miller has definetely proven that he was the #1 TE coming out of the 07 draft. i loved the fact that russell and him had INSTANT chemistry together. i can see him becoming a jason witten type TE... improving his deep routes, stretching the field like witten and gates do so well.
#28
Posted by CJ Legend 34, May 15, 2008 11:45 AM
Hey now, lets not forget the best running back duo in Raider history. Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen. Bo was the home run hitter and Marcus Allen could catch out the backfield or scat back for a first down. Even though Marcus had some millage when Bo got to the NFL he was still effective. They had big Steve Smith at fullback blasting some holes in the defensive line for the two to get through. That was bold how Al played Marcus before he went to KC. I heard that most games Marcus would not even put his cup on when he came out on the field after the game he had no need to take a shower so he would just change his clothes and drive home.
#29
Posted by mildog, May 15, 2008 1:38 PM
One thing that remains overlooked is for rookies, and I do consider Bush a rookie, to tire later on in the season while acclimating to the length of the pro season. We have three good backs and will probably need a 4th at some point during the season. Plus I would like to see the Raiders, especially Coach Rathman and Coach Kiffin, utilize the fullbacks like the 49ers when Rathman was playing for them. He was a blocker, a runner and a very efficient back coming out of the backfield on pass plays.
#30
Posted by Coach Elkins, May 15, 2008 1:39 PM
Not to undermine Coach Rathman or Coach Knapp, but by bringing negative attention to McFadden's ball security issues and using negative language will only result in an undersired result.
Our staff should be focusing on the positive each and every time, rather than bringing energy towards the negative.
Positive reinforcement when the behavior is what we want will always outweigh negative consequences with an undesired result.
But what do I know? When your baby cries just beat the hell out of him, always works, right?
One
Coach!
#32
Posted by eks, May 15, 2008 2:33 PM
what's important to mention here is that none of these backs (excluding Jordan) seems selfish or whines. Kiffin shouldn't have a difficult time getting each there touches. I think Fargas DmaC and Bush will help each other out and push each other in a positive way.
#33
Posted by eks, May 15, 2008 2:36 PM
Bush and Fargas in the Back field with Dmac lined up as WR on occasion. :) Cool ah?
#34
Posted by 4eyedraider, May 15, 2008 3:36 PM
I kinda wouldnt mind seeing Echemundu make the roster just for the #4 spot. he kind of caught my eye before he went to texas, I know he's a fumbler , but he can get that corrected just like McFadden will. tO BE HONEST , I think Echemundo is as good as fargas, and Im not knocking fargas, but If he was the #4 rb, he could fill the spot just as easy.
#35
Posted by RaiderKC, May 15, 2008 3:55 PM
1. Fargas is a 2nd rate RB (took 4yrs to sniff starting job and only due to Jordan's bad back), can't catch ball, not redzone and ran on last place schedule in '07.
2. McFadden and Bush lined up in proset, who's gett'n the rock????
3. Bush and McFadden need to run the ball to become the real deal, not sit back and watch.
4. Kiffin needs to put the best RB on the field if we want to win.
5. Fargas "touted", what???
6. O'Neil @ FB, cut Griffith and use that big F/A WR as a back up or catching FB.
7. Rathman is a cornfed NU man, he'll make those RB's great!
#36
Posted by Double H, May 15, 2008 5:45 PM
Fargus is what he is...a decent back who hits the hole quickly and doesn't have a lot of wiggle to make people miss, so in spite of his speed he does get tackled quicker than he should. Jordan has been a huge disapointment and will be cut (good Riddance). Dmac and Bush will be an ultimate 1-2 punch that you need to have in the NFL these days or your RB will break down (Shawn Alexander anyone?) One thing people are forgeting is that BOTH of them can Catch & Throw the football very well. Bush was a highly scouted Quarterback comming out of High School, and he's also Left-handed. You could put both in the backfield together and do numerous plays no other team can do with Bush able to roll to his left and Mcfadden to his right. You can also throw in Curry as another potential arm in the backfield (a-la a reverse or en-around) and you could possible have 4 guys in the backfield who can throw the football very well. You can also put Bush or McFadden as the QB and have the other next to him and then run the option, and not have your quarterback exposed to big hits. Kiffin must be weating his chops with all the thought of all the things he can do with these Versatile and talented backs...I know I would
#37
Posted by Twocents, May 15, 2008 6:29 PM
Let Russell throw the ball! It's enough that we have two potential stars that can run, catch and throw a block. I don't want gimmicks, just some hard nose football.
#38
Posted by In J-Russ We Trust, May 15, 2008 7:39 PM
joe,
the o- line was much improved last year. any ways you're suposed to use the run plays to set up the deep ball. with all these weapons the opposing defenses will be forced to stay honest or double cover someone and we won't need to pass protect that long if we can run affectively. so let them load up the box other teams knew we were a good running team last year that didn't stop us from getting over 1,000 yds. rushing. the offense had to many 3 and outs due to the lack of talent on the field. these weapons will allow us to stay on the field and eat up the clock and keep our d fresh. who knows the run d might be better because of this so please try looking at the positives
#39
Posted by Vinny Prez, May 15, 2008 8:43 PM
The Raiders will cut Jordan or maybe even trade Bush. The dangled him for a 3rd rounder on draft day. Fargas will start each game get about ten carries, Mcfadden will be aka Reggie Bush, all over the place. Bush will get 10 carries game if he isnt dealt. I see Bush being a better NFL back , Mcfadden will be more flash. The first chance John Lynch gets he will lay Mcfadden out, welcome to the NFL.
#40
Posted by pat. T, May 15, 2008 9:13 PM
Hey Vinny have you realized the crap your saying? John Lynch the old man that plays safety in the for the Broncos lay who? who out? huh? Are you stupid or are you trying to be funny? Lynch is some shit now... And the Raiders trade Bush? Yeah ok! Raiders will not trade Bush, not until they figure out how good him and Dmac can be and they know Fargas is injury prone... your a bum!
#41
Posted by pat. T, May 16, 2008 12:02 AM
Hey CJ your not the only one who thought we would take Dmac hell most sports writers did so dont try and take the credit. Hey slik vic dont be a fool yea Fargas barely broke a 1,000 yds in 7 games, did you hear me 7 games... thats what makes him a beast, not comparable to LT or Marshall Faulk obviuosly...
#42
Posted by Cavalrysword, May 16, 2008 2:03 AM
Hey Slik, how does a guy who gets "tackled for no gain" manage to gain a thousand yards in a season?
Just curious. This New Math stuff confuses me.
#43
Posted by slick vik, May 16, 2008 5:17 AM
severraider had it right. i mean that fargas has to be more patient to hit the holes. look an tomlinson, peterson, and faulk when her played; they would ease up to the line and when there was daylight the breakaway speed took them to the house. i just think that DMC cam fit that mold. i like fargas but i just dont think he is a home run hitter. as for jordan.... i had high hopes. hope he doesn't go to the donkeys when we release him.
#44
Posted by slick vik, May 16, 2008 5:20 AM
by the way. watch out for me in madden 09. slickvikO gamer tag.
#45
Posted by slick vik, May 16, 2008 5:52 AM
CAVALRY-dude, fargas barely broke 1000 yards. sure he plays hard, i'll give him that. can you honestly tell me that he is the best half back on out roster? If math confuses you foot ball must give your brain a cramp for thinking too much.
#46
Posted by silver&black88, May 16, 2008 7:04 AM
Fargas should be the starter going in. He's the vet and has experience with running in game with this system and was not a PUP nor is a rookie. Don't get me wrong, i love the idea of those 2 young guys tearing it up but think this way: Fargas can be fragile. if he gets injured earlier, we get him back earlier (not to be negative but seriously). Dmc and bush will get their chances. and by the way, not to be a dick but it is lightning* and strived*
#47
Posted by CJ Legend 34, May 16, 2008 7:31 AM
I predicted that the Raiders would take D-Mac when everyone was on that "son of Howie" bandwagon so I want to make another bold prediction. This year, the Oakland Raiders will make the play-offs, no doubt. Zach Miller will make the probowl.
Jay Richardson will have a break out season at DE. Johnnie Lee Higgins will have a break out year working the slot under coverage. I think our DBs are really going to work our receivers at practice.
#48
Posted by Charles Oakey, May 16, 2008 5:08 PM
I, too, enjoy watching Justin Fargas run with the ball. Why? Because he is determined. He is tough. He is team oriented. He fits into the title of "hard runner". Not flashy. But tough and reliable.
How about these tough Raider runners from the past?
Mark van Eeghen. No, he never made the All-Pro lists. He just got you that critical first down when the game was on the line (Hey Charger fans, remember the 1980 AFC Championship Game played in San Diego?).
Marv Hubbard. A bull of a back, when he flattened Chief linebacker Willie Lanier on the way to a touchdown in Oakland in December, 1970, announcer Curt Gowdy yelled, "What power!"
Pete Banaszak who replaced the injured and great Clem Daniels during Oakland's AFL championship run in 1967. Banaszak could block like a guard and was goal line effective (remember Super Bowl XI vs Vikings).
Hewritt Dixon. A power back who used a terrifying forearm shiver to ward off would be tacklers. When Dixon rumbled into the end zone he would punctuate his score with a tremendous spiking of the football into the gridiron turf. After Super Bowl II Packer defensive lineman Henry Jordan said that Dixon might have been the hardest runner the Packers faced all year.
In the inaugural Oakland Raider season of 1960 the Raiders had a trio of hard running backs, Tony Teresa, Jack Larscheid, and Billy Lott. Aside from Lott, Teresa and Larscheid were undersized backs, yet these three ran with a hustle and fight sometimes lacking in larger men. I will always remember Tony Teresa's 80 yard run against Buffalo at Kezar Stadium.
So thank you Justin Fargas for continuing the tradition of hard "RAIDER RUNNING".
#49
Posted by Rolni, May 17, 2008 3:13 AM
I think Fargas will start next season...he will get the most carries in the first half of the season...he will running in the Iformation between tackles a lot...Dmac will be used more in the passing game and at runs to the sides...Bush will be in in strong and week formations behind O'neal a lot IMO...Fargas will get hurt sometime...so after that this 2 young guy can step up and carry all the load...i really belive that they are capable of it...Kiffin will use a 2-3back system this year not the 1 guy thing like this year...Fargas won't be with us next year IMO, cause Bush and DMC will knock him out...
I'm really interested how many passes will DMC,Bush and Griffith get this year...they all had good hands and it can help J-Rock a lot...
First run on the enemy...then make some short passes to the backs and Miller...run again then throw some bombs to Walker\Carter\Shields !!!
Just win baby!!!
#50
Posted by slick vik, May 17, 2008 3:48 AM
PAT-t or patie or prissy... what ever you call your self. 1000 yard in seven games. it didn't hurt that we didn't have a passing game for fargas to get those yards. pay attention: i appreciate fargas as a hard runner...but he is not the best back on out roster. the raiders need a break away guy. you remember the miami game last year when fargas was all but gone to the house and he got dragged down by donovan darious. sorry homie but thats not the guy i want starting for me. i like fargas, he sealed the game for us in the second KC game. we have better chances at winning with the other two.... i can say that even though they have not taken a snap in the NFL yet.
#51
Posted by pat. T, May 18, 2008 8:01 PM
Hey slik vik or should i say slik bitch or what ever you call yourself first of im not your so called homie... so you want your RB of the future starting for you risking an injury loss of confidence NO! Think you bum... Did the Vikings just throw Adrian Peterson into the fire right away? No right... u bum the backs need time to develop and get used to the speed of the NFL, one question you bum... How does not having a passing game help us run the ball? Wouldnt it complicate us because the teams would gameplan to take away our bread and butter(the running game), and make us do what we didnt do very well pass the ball?
#52
Posted by jlew, May 18, 2008 9:49 PM
I'm with you Joe ... The Oline is the key to any good team, and you'd be hard pressed to find a great team without one. Unless this unit jell's, Bush, Fargas, McFadden and Russell are in for another long season.
#53
Posted by 100%Raider, May 21, 2008 10:50 PM
1: in 06, our offense was completely unwatchable, but despite our 07 4-12 season, there were obvious improvements, hell we almost be the colts.
2. I have nothing but luv and respect for Fargas and it will be extreamly hard to beat him out this year unless he's hurt, (he rushed for 1,009 and didn't start until game 9), you need to chech your self slick and learn to spell.
3. but in the long run, I think bush will become the main everydown back with also a heavy dose of mcfad, jordans pretty much gone (though he did start the season well until injuries plagued him, he was in 2nd place until the game in Miami)
4. if cable improved our o-line as he did last year, what you think the improvements will be this year?
5. our whole season, will be based on: is our o-line picking up where they left off and improving our pass blocking and keeping up the run blocking, and the productivity of "J-mac", not neccissarily "D-mac". And last but not least, our "run defense".
I've been a raider fan since I was 6, I've been dazzled and dissapointed by my beloved team, and as a fan, I see much room for optimism but as a critic, they have no excuses not to make the playoffs.
Just win baby, cause "Im in"
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