Oakland Raiders: How Important Is the Running Back Position?

Being a Raider fan right now, is a fun time.

We just landed Darren McFadden, we have Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, LaMont Jordan, and Dominic Rhodes in the wings as well.

It has turned into a case of overload. For example, say you like ice cream. You really like it....and as you're eating the second bowl, Al Davis walks up, and drops a gallon off with a spoon.

Ugh.

You get to the point, when too much, is too much.

So, we started off, by releasing Rhodes, and Jordan has been floating offers for trade. By the numbers, it's mostly security, so he doesn't wind up playing against us within the division; IE, Denver, KC or San Diego.

It's all good, we're looking at 3 Running Backs to nail down the backfield duties.

But, when you think about it, how important is this position? Moreover, why are we looking at another stellar RB, when it was established last year?

Well, for starters, the running game keeps defenses honest. If they're playing every down as a passing down, it won't be long, until your WRs and TE is unable to even see the QB, much less catch the ball.

So, you mix in the RB position, a few around the side, a few through the middle, and as well, even a trick play or two.

The Running Back, has a second job, simply titled, Eat the Clock.

Late in the game, if it's close, you don't want to give them the chance to beat you with a field goal. So, you give it to your RB to hit the line, over and over, milking it down. Now, he can either get you into the end zone, to put the game away, or, close enough so Janikowski can tack on some extra points. For this task, you need two things: the ability to hang onto the ball, and the ability to get yardage. If eer fail, Eating the Clock doesn't make much difference.

The last task the the Running Back, obviously, is keeping the ball moving.

Some teams will come out throwing, some teams will come out with 2 running plays, then switch to a passing play on 3rd....a lot will depend on the situation. Do we need 2 yards? Running play. 23? Hmm....passing normally....but will depend on the team's defensiv ability.

Now, onto the second half of this.

Why did we pick up another Running Back, when we already had talented players?

Well, the Raiders have never been happy, with a single solution on Running Back. Take the late 70s for example.

We have Mark Van Eeghen, a sturdy, hard runner.After he ran for 818 yards in 1979, Davis brought in Kenny King, to help him out. Van Eeghen also had 800 plus yards the following season, but Kenny King got 761 yards. A couple years later, Van Eeghen was gone, with King in position.

A few years later, a rookie named Marcus Allen was tabbed by the Raiders, and again, the position turned.

Now, most people looked at the Raiders, as having a secure position set. However, in the background, Davis was still looking at more power....maybe he  was the inspiration for Tim Allen. His first look, came with the USFL's collapse, when he hoped to get Herschel Walker, but took wings, when the Bucs couldn't sign Bo Jackson.

Even with Bo on part time basis, again, the change took place. Allen, would be used on light duty, touchdown work, and would rarely see playing time, until he left to Kansas City.

And even then, you'd hear of guys like Harvey Williams, Greg Robinson, Roger Craig, and Eric Dickerson all having led the team in Rushing.

For this, the Raiders have never been known for a single back style.

So, to that end, sure, it might look crowded in the Raiders' backfield right now...

But to the normal Raider fan, they might reply....what crowd?