Sorry, DMC: Five Reasons Michael Bush Should Start for the Raiders

Tony S by Contributor Written on September 29, 2009

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 20:  Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Much to the confusion of, oh, EVERYONE, the Raiders aren't utilizing any of their three running backs to their potential this year. It looked as if we were going to run over the league in the first half against the Chargers in Week 1. Since the second half of that game, we've been wondering what happened to the high-octane backfield the Raider Nation looked forward to seeing.

Though Darren McFadden is the starter, anyone of our three backs could potentially start in the NFL; McFadden, Michael Bush, or Justin Fargas. I like all three, but personally, I think the Raiders' greatest chance at success comes with having the beast of the three, Michael Bush, as our starting RB. Here are five reasons why.

McFadden Should Be Used as a Versatile Threat

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs against the Denver Broncos on September 27, 2009 during an NFL game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Darren McFadden is not a bust, and will be one of our great players if used properly. The Raiders should not use him as a traditional running back. His hands, side-to-side ability, and breakaway speed say to me that he should be a versatile threat; run the Wildcat, line him up as receiver, screen passes, sweeps, but not up the gut smashmouth running. Get creative with McFadden, and let him light up the league.

Michael Bush is a Monster

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Kevin Burnett #99 the San Diego Chargers along with other CHarger defenders on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by E

OK, so this isn't the most scientific reasoning in the world, but it's true. Michael Bush is a tank. He can wear out defenses just by pounding the ball over and over. In his one true demonstration, last year against the Bucs, he ran into them continuously until their line broke and he chewed up big gains. When your RB is 240 lbs of muscle and has speed to back it up, he is a true monster.

Bush is Less of a Turnover Liability

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 14:  Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders runs for a four yard touchdown in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Ezra Sh

Yeah you all knew this was was coming: McFadden is more of a turnover liability. Although the Raiders recovered two of his three fumbles, turnovers will lose the game every time. If we're going to make a running back a workhorse, it should be the one with sure hands. Otherwise, we'll just hand the ball to the other team.

Durability

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Running back Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders rushes upfield against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

McFadden and Fargas, in my opinion, are less durable than Bush. McFadden is smaller and is coming off of a rough case of turf toe. Fargas sacrifices his body for runs. He wouldn't hold up the whole game. Bush is built like a workhorse that can play the majority of the game. His running style will help control the tempo of the game.

Long Term - We Need Bush as a Raider

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Running back Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders rushes upfield against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Michael Bush was an absolute steal in the draft; too many teams forgot about him because of his broken leg. We need to let Bush know he's an intregal part of our team so he wants to stay. Long term, if Bush sees himself as a backup, he's going to want to go somewhere else. This could seriously bite us in the long run. Keep McFadden pleased by making him versatile, keep Bush pleased by letting him be the true premier back, and keep Fargas happy by letting him cut loose in his devil-may-care style whenever Bush needs a break.

Just Win, Baby!

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders hands the ball off to Michael Bush #29 pf the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/G

Given these reasons, I believe Bush gives us the best chance of winning. and that's the best reason there is on why he should start. That, my Nation, is what it is all about; Returning to the Commitment to Excellence.

Go Raiders!

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written on September 29, 2009 Rankings/List

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