Ball Control: Key to Raiders' Success

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

We all know how good our runningbacks are.  We have three guys who we can depend on to get the job done.  Justin Fargas runs his heart out every time he gets the ball.  He runs with no regard to his own health, let alone anybody elses.  Darren McFadden is our big-play threat.  We can line him up at RB, WR, or QB and he can do damage from any of those positions.  Rounding out the RBs is Michael Bush.  The sky is the limit for this kid.  He has it all.  He has great vision and always gets positive yardage when he is in the game.  He's a big bruising RB but also has the moves to leave a defender tackling air.  Like D-Mac, he too can line up at QB and make a play.

The success of our runningbacks will effect the entire team.  We all know that a dominant running game sets up big plays in the passing game.  Defenses stack the box setting up a lot of one-on-one matchups.  We have a solid group of speedy WRs and a couple of TEs who can catch anything.  They all should benefit from defenses focusing on our "three-headed-monster."  I'm calling a breakout season for Russell and the passing game.

What sometimes gets overlooked is the effect a dominant running game has on the defense.  We all know that our defense is far from exceptional.  We have a lot of talent on that side of the ball but there is a lot of room for improvement.  That's where our running game factors into the equation. 

We've all heard the cliche.  "Your best defense is a good offense."

Last season we blew a few fourth quarter leads.  We had the Chargers, Bills, and Dolphins beat but couldn't finish the job.  That all comes down to our defense being tired at the end of games.  Too many three & outs throughout the game by our offense would put our defense  right back on the field. 

Had we controlled the ball/clock, allowing our D to get some much needed rest, last year could have been entirely different.  If we didn't blow those three 4th QTR leads we would have been 8-8.  Guess what, 8-8 was good enough to win the division and make the playoffs.

It is going to be vital to our success that we control the clock this year.  We can't afford to be going three and out right after our defense forces a punt.  If our running backs can grind out tough yards and milk the clock, our defense will be rested and able to make that much needed stop in the fourth quarter. 

Well that's it for now.  Just thought I'd share something that was on my mind.

What do you think?  Your opinions will be appreciated.

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