Bush on Bush: The Q&A

The Raiders have three horses in the stable and one of them is former Louisville running back Michael Bush. So what questions do I have for the 6'1" 245 pound piece of man? More importantly, what answers will Michael Bush have for us?

The real Michael Bush is temporarily unavailable. I think he said something about a roll. Whether that is Strength and Conditioning Coach Brad Roll or a cinnamon roll I don't know.

Filling in for Michael Bush will be me. I'll respond with how I'd expect Bush to respond leaving you to wonder how the real Michael Bush might answer the questions. One day, maybe we will get the real answers.

What can Lorenzo Neal do for you as a running back?

A: I think he can really help open up holes for our rushing attack. After we lost Oren O'Neal last season we really lacked a physical presence at fullback.

Why were you resistant to playing fullback?

A: I just feel like I am a running back. I feel out of place at fullback, and I think I can be one of the best running backs in this league.

Can you win the starting job?

A: I think I can. Coach Cable has talked about using more power running this offseason, so I definitely think I could start. Justin Fargas was the starter last season and he has been here for a while.

We also have Darren McFadden. It really isn't about starting to me, it is about getting opportunities to help this team win.

How many carries per game would you prefer?

A: I'd prefer 15 or more. I feel like when I get 15 or more I really get going. If you look at my stats last season you will see that I averaged 6.2 yards-per-carry when I received more than 15 carries.

When I carried the ball 14 times or less I averaged just under 3.0 yards-per-carry.

Besides two big quarters you were ineffective last season, why?

A: I'd say I just had to get going. I need carries to feel comfortable. That is why I don't like fullback. I can't get into a rhythm blocking.

How is Tom Cable different than other coaches you have had?

A: I think coach Cable demands more from me than any other coach I've had. He expects us to work very hard. At the same time he really cares about making this a learning environment. Coach Skipper is really helping me to take my game to the next level.

What does it mean to you that Darren McFadden's toe is healthy?

A: I think Darren is a great back. He has speed and versatility. The great thing about the backfield here is how each of us are different. Darren with the speed and myself with the power. Fargas with the experience and work ethic he brings.

How is JaMarcus progressing in terms of his checkdown throws to running backs?

A: I think he is getting better. Obviously he has struggled a bit with that lately, but he is working hard and coach Hackett has been working with him a lot. That wont even be a concern in a couple weeks.

Injuries a thing of the past?

A: Well in this league injuries are a part of the game. The leg is completely healed. I played all last season and the leg felt good. I was recovering in 2007. I broke it almost three years ago, so the leg is strong.

I feel like I am back to where I was before the leg and maybe even better.

What player do you compare your game to?

A: Somewhere between and maybe a cross between Steven Jackson and Brandon Jacobs. I want to be like those guys. I want to win a Super Bowl and make it to a pro bowl.