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...

Oakland Raiders: How Important Is the Running Back Position?

by Raider Card Addict (Senior Writer)

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Opinion

July 06, 2008

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?

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19 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment

Parker Keegan about 1 year ago

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Nice work. I love the history as a younger fan but I think you are a few years out of date on our RB philosophy.

Running the ball more than passing is becoming a popular strategy around the league. Starting with Jac doing it successfully the past 3 seasons about one 3rd the league will be doing it this season including the Raiders. This adds a 3rd job for RBs with those teams, scoring. We drafted DMac, and I will admit that I would have preferred Dorsey, for his homerun ability. Fargas may have gotten 1007 yards last season but he rode the bench for years and the fact that he only got 4 TDs, not to mention his injury history, shows he is not a great #1 RB.

That said the Raiders have been a 1 back team the past few year. All the way back to Kaufman, and then Garner, unless you count the big FB-type HB, such as Crocket. Even last year we may have played 3 different guys but none of them really shared carries, they got hurt or tired and someone else took over.

This season should be different though. The three-headed monster that is Justin McBush will be a scary thing to account for. Fargas will have his usual wear them down, crash dummy style that is very hard to contain to minimal yards if you can focus just on him. He wont take many to the house but if teams cant only watch him he will get 5 yards a play and never any more or less. From there watch for DMac to use his one-cut abilities the take it outside or inside and spread the defense. For not Micheal Bush will be our short yardage back but at 245 lbs and, if rumors are to be believed, very fast he will most likely supplant Fargas before the 09 season if he can return to form. If the passing game does well, not great just enough to spread an defense, and play action is used effectively along with passes to our RBs and two-RB formations we could be one hell of an offense.

Thanks for the read and keep it up.

Nice work. I love the history as a younger fan but I think you are a few years out of date on our RB philosophy. Running the ball more than passing is becoming a popular strategy around the league. Starting with Jac doing it successfully the past 3 seasons about one 3rd the league will be doing it this season including the Raiders. This adds a 3rd job for RBs with those teams, scoring. We drafted DMac, and I will admit that I would have preferred Dorsey, for his homerun ability. Fargas may have gotten 1007 yards last season but he rode the bench for years and the fact that he only got 4 TDs, not to mention his injury history, shows he is not a great #1 RB. That said the Raiders have been a 1 back team the past few year. All the way back to Kaufman, and then Garner, unless you count the big FB-type HB, such as Crocket. Even last year we may have played 3 different guys but none of them really shared carries, they got hurt or tired and someone else took over. This season should be different though. The three-headed monster that is Justin McBush will be a scary thing to account for. Fargas will have his usual wear them down, crash dummy style that is very hard to contain to minimal yards if you can focus just on him. He wont take many to the house but if teams cant only watch him he will get 5 yards a play and never any more or less. From there watch for DMac to use his one-cut abilities the take it outside or inside and spread the defense. For not Micheal Bush will be our short yardage back but at 245 lbs and, if rumors are to be believed, very fast he will most likely supplant Fargas before the 09 season if he can return to form. If the passing game does well, not great just enough to spread an defense, and play action is used effectively along with passes to our RBs and two-RB formations we could be one hell of an offense. Thanks for the read and keep it up. Edit Comment Cancel

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Rick Baker about 1 year ago

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I always enjoy my encounters with fellow Raider fans, because we all share one undisputed characteristic: denial. I also feel twinges of hope and tell myself that I see a crack of light in the doorway when they draft someone like Russell or McFadden, but then I realize that they have had many pro bowl caliber players since their last Superbowl win in 1984. To name a few: Tim Brown, Bo Jackson, Rich Gannon, Darell Russell, Charles Woodson.... The problem is the organization, my friend. By "organization" I mean Al Davis. I too once laughed when people would tell me that Davis was the cancer in the Raiders, and pointed to their incredible success in the past. For whatever reason his style DID work in the past, but it clearly has not recently. I think it has to do directly with accountability within the roster. The players of past generations were real football players. They didn't play for millions of dollars, they only played to win. They were a different breed, and the Raiders were able to assemble teams made up of players who found their motivation to be great from each other and from an "us vs. them" mentality. Today's players need a taskmaster at coach to keep them in line. Look at recent winning coaches and their styles: Belechick, Parcells, Coughlin....These guys are drill sergeants, man. Who have we got? Kiffin? He's younger than half the guys on the team!! Look at the comments of guys that leave the Raiders and actually talk about their experience: Warren Sapp: Called his time there "a black hole", and he wasn't talking about the fan section in the end zone. Patrick Bates called it "miserable" and even Randy Moss said there was no discipline,accountability or cohesion. The phone "rings a lot on that sideline" Sapp said. I guess that would be fine if Davis understood football in 2008. He could just coach the team himself. Until he either retires or otherwise leaves us (and no I don't wish him ill, after all it is just football) then the Raiders will never be more than a .500 team. Look at the Gruden years as an abberation. Al will never hire a coach like him again..........ever.

I always enjoy my encounters with fellow Raider fans, because we all share one undisputed characteristic: denial. I also feel twinges of hope and tell myself that I see a crack of light in the doorway when they draft someone like Russell or McFadden, but then I realize that they have had many pro bowl caliber players since their last Superbowl win in 1984. To name a few: Tim Brown, Bo Jackson, Rich Gannon, Darell Russell, Charles Woodson.... The problem is the organization, my friend. By "organization" I mean Al Davis. I too once laughed when people would tell me that Davis was the cancer in the Raiders, and pointed to their incredible success in the past. For whatever reason his style DID work in the past, but it clearly has not recently. I think it has to do directly with accountability within the roster. The players of past generations were real football players. They didn't play for millions of dollars, they only played to win. They were a different breed, and the Raiders were able to assemble teams made up of players who found their motivation to be great from each other and from an "us vs. them" mentality. Today's players need a taskmaster at coach to keep them in line. Look at recent winning coaches and their styles: Belechick, Parcells, Coughlin....These guys are drill sergeants, man. Who have we got? Kiffin? He's younger than half the guys on the team!! Look at the comments of guys that leave the Raiders and actually talk about their experience: Warren Sapp: Called his time there "a black hole", and he wasn't talking about the fan section in the end zone. Patrick Bates called it "miserable" and even Randy Moss said there was no discipline,accountability or cohesion. The phone "rings a lot on that sideline" Sapp said. I guess that would be fine if Davis understood football in 2008. He could just coach the team himself. Until he either retires or otherwise leaves us (and no I don't wish him ill, after all it is just football) then the Raiders will never be more than a .500 team. Look at the Gruden years as an abberation. Al will never hire a coach like him again..........ever. Edit Comment Cancel

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Parker Keegan about 1 year ago

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Rick,

I disagree. The fact that we made it to two championships and a SB this decade is more than most of the league can say. As far as the 500 mark I think this is the year we will at least go 500 and I am not alone. Yes most of the nation says that but considering guys like John Clayton are saying that we will be, at worst, 7-5 going into week 14 says a lot.

Yes I will concede that Al sometimes does more harm than good I think he also helps more often than not. Look at our player acquisitions. Most of the league thought that DMac was the pick but it is well known that Kiffin would have preferred D-Line. Also the amount Al was willing to spend says he is out to win not to mention the fact he didn't fire Kiffin after going 4-12.

You have lost the faith my friend.

Rick, I disagree. The fact that we made it to two championships and a SB this decade is more than most of the league can say. As far as the 500 mark I think this is the year we will at least go 500 and I am not alone. Yes most of the nation says that but considering guys like John Clayton are saying that we will be, at worst, 7-5 going into week 14 says a lot. Yes I will concede that Al sometimes does more harm than good I think he also helps more often than not. Look at our player acquisitions. Most of the league thought that DMac was the pick but it is well known that Kiffin would have preferred D-Line. Also the amount Al was willing to spend says he is out to win not to mention the fact he didn't fire Kiffin after going 4-12. You have lost the faith my friend. Edit Comment Cancel

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- Rick Baker about 1 year ago
  
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  Will their record be better than 4-12? Maybe, due to the fact that they have the easiest schedule in the league. Look I'm a Raider fan. Have been since I was 8 years old and they beat the Eagles in the Superbowl in '81.
  That being said, what I said about the atmosphere around that team is indisputable. Just read what Sapp said. Guys fall asleep in meetings, don't know the playbook, if they are one of Al's guys they know Kiffin can't touch them.
  The defense will have to carry them because they will not score. I'm just hoping Russell doesn't get killed back there, because our line is mediocre on its best day.
  Also the team in 2004 or whatever year that was, was Gruden's team. I think that pretty much proves my point on the type of coach you need to win in the NFL.
  
  Will their record be better than 4-12? Maybe, due to the fact that they have the easiest schedule in the league. Look I'm a Raider fan. Have been since I was 8 years old and they beat the Eagles in the Superbowl in '81. That being said, what I said about the atmosphere around that team is indisputable. Just read what Sapp said. Guys fall asleep in meetings, don't know the playbook, if they are one of Al's guys they know Kiffin can't touch them. The defense will have to carry them because they will not score. I'm just hoping Russell doesn't get killed back there, because our line is mediocre on its best day. Also the team in 2004 or whatever year that was, was Gruden's team. I think that pretty much proves my point on the type of coach you need to win in the NFL. Edit Comment Cancel
  
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bowlbasaur golden bears about 1 year ago

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Sports Illustrated had a players poll a few years ago asking, "Besides QB which is the most important position on the team?"

RB won hands down, like 40% of the vote... I even think kicker was #2 lol.

Sports Illustrated had a players poll a few years ago asking, "Besides QB which is the most important position on the team?" RB won hands down, like 40% of the vote... I even think kicker was #2 lol. Edit Comment Cancel

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Raider Card Addict about 1 year ago

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8-8 is doable this year, if anything, based on the AFL theory. We can score tons, and we can be the last team to score.
I wrote on bleacher report on 10-6, still possible, but to do so, we'll need to upset the chargers either at home, or pull one off in San D. Most of the fan base can see us going 2-2 in the first 4 weeks, and having 8 wins going into December.
Also, as for Runningbacks, here's a fun kicker. The first Runningback we had, ironically, I have listed as a QB...Tony Teresa came to us that way....good transfer of system, I guess. That, and we already had Tom Flores to throw the pigskin.
That, and Al Davis has always had a creative way at looking on the game, one time he looked at some sumo wrestlers, and how they could throw a person. Calling a friend, he asked how one man could throw another man that big, that simply? The man replied, it's pretty simple, they don't do it for an extended period of time, just a few minutes. In plain english, they wouldn't make very useful linebackers.
True...and the idea was dumped from there.

8-8 is doable this year, if anything, based on the AFL theory. We can score tons, and we can be the last team to score. I wrote on bleacher report on 10-6, still possible, but to do so, we'll need to upset the chargers either at home, or pull one off in San D. Most of the fan base can see us going 2-2 in the first 4 weeks, and having 8 wins going into December. Also, as for Runningbacks, here's a fun kicker. The first Runningback we had, ironically, I have listed as a QB...Tony Teresa came to us that way....good transfer of system, I guess. That, and we already had Tom Flores to throw the pigskin. That, and Al Davis has always had a creative way at looking on the game, one time he looked at some sumo wrestlers, and how they could throw a person. Calling a friend, he asked how one man could throw another man that big, that simply? The man replied, it's pretty simple, they don't do it for an extended period of time, just a few minutes. In plain english, they wouldn't make very useful linebackers. True...and the idea was dumped from there. Edit Comment Cancel

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jaygrees pestwe about 1 year ago

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UHHHH... not to be harsh or anything but we don't have Rhodes any more we got rid of him a couple of weeks ago, update your roster man!!!!

UHHHH... not to be harsh or anything but we don't have Rhodes any more we got rid of him a couple of weeks ago, update your roster man!!!! Edit Comment Cancel

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- Raider Card Addict about 1 year ago
  
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  read the article again Jaygrees. it says, After Releasing Rhodes.....
  
  read the article again Jaygrees. it says, After Releasing Rhodes..... Edit Comment Cancel
  
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Jerry Desaulniers about 1 year ago

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O-Line + Running Backs = Sucess
Running Backs - O-Line = Senile Football Genius

O-Line + Running Backs = Sucess Running Backs - O-Line = Senile Football Genius Edit Comment Cancel

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- Raider Card Addict about 1 year ago
  
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  Jerry, ever notice, the truly great running backs, were able to do miracles with nothing?
  Barry Sanders. Worked like mad to get a decent line, but was more creative, than anything. Sure, he got stopped a lot of times short, but he also would produce some great seasons.
  Walter Payton, to his credit, played for some really odd teams, on the Bears. Year in and year out, he'd pile up the yards, until his body couldn't take it anymore.
  Earl Campbell was the same way, etc.
  A few RB, who actually had talented lines, would have been like the Cowboys. One of the best questions, is the what if, Barry Sanders was behind the Cowboys line? 7 TDs a game? a 3000 yard season rushing? Could even ask the Redskins, when the Hogs were fully functional, and could play the broncos, anyone could have a great game.
  Allen had his talents, ability to cut, run, create, and be durable, early on. Bo, was simply from another planet. You could watch him, and it would look like someone had everyone on Slo-mo, and he was in fast forward.
  The last two recent ones, Adrian Peterson, doesn't have a great line to work with....but you could see what his talent could create. LT, as well, isn't as much talent, but a case for solid, hard to bring down RB, similar to Johnny Riggins days. Now that he's been injured a bit, it'll be a question if he can rebound and be like LT of old....I know, the Raider fans hope he's in a wheelchair.
  With McFadden coming up, and our line looking better than the Vikings line.....and a more stable QB in Oakland....things look good.
  
  Jerry, ever notice, the truly great running backs, were able to do miracles with nothing? Barry Sanders. Worked like mad to get a decent line, but was more creative, than anything. Sure, he got stopped a lot of times short, but he also would produce some great seasons. Walter Payton, to his credit, played for some really odd teams, on the Bears. Year in and year out, he'd pile up the yards, until his body couldn't take it anymore. Earl Campbell was the same way, etc. A few RB, who actually had talented lines, would have been like the Cowboys. One of the best questions, is the what if, Barry Sanders was behind the Cowboys line? 7 TDs a game? a 3000 yard season rushing? Could even ask the Redskins, when the Hogs were fully functional, and could play the broncos, anyone could have a great game. Allen had his talents, ability to cut, run, create, and be durable, early on. Bo, was simply from another planet. You could watch him, and it would look like someone had everyone on Slo-mo, and he was in fast forward. The last two recent ones, Adrian Peterson, doesn't have a great line to work with....but you could see what his talent could create. LT, as well, isn't as much talent, but a case for solid, hard to bring down RB, similar to Johnny Riggins days. Now that he's been injured a bit, it'll be a question if he can rebound and be like LT of old....I know, the Raider fans hope he's in a wheelchair. With McFadden coming up, and our line looking better than the Vikings line.....and a more stable QB in Oakland....things look good. Edit Comment Cancel
  
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- Daniel Muth about 1 year ago
  
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  Gotta agree with Jerry here. Only a few backs have ever been able to run without a decent offensive line. Obviously, Barry Sanders was the ultimate exception because his line wasn't even mediocre, it was terrible. Then again, he was probably the best back of all-time and inarguably one of the best three. Also, the Minnesota Vikings have a TERRIFIC O-line. Everybody and their momma new they were going to run the ball every down last year and they still were pushing people off the ball. Most experts place that line in the top three in the NFL. Oakland's O-line isn't even close to that. IF McFadden is one of the best ten backs in the history of the game, then yes, he'll probably be able to run wild for Oakland. If not, I still don't predict a whole lot of success on the ground for the Raiders.
  
  Gotta agree with Jerry here. Only a few backs have ever been able to run without a decent offensive line. Obviously, Barry Sanders was the ultimate exception because his line wasn't even mediocre, it was terrible. Then again, he was probably the best back of all-time and inarguably one of the best three. Also, the Minnesota Vikings have a TERRIFIC O-line. Everybody and their momma new they were going to run the ball every down last year and they still were pushing people off the ball. Most experts place that line in the top three in the NFL. Oakland's O-line isn't even close to that. IF McFadden is one of the best ten backs in the history of the game, then yes, he'll probably be able to run wild for Oakland. If not, I still don't predict a whole lot of success on the ground for the Raiders. Edit Comment Cancel
  
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- Raider Card Addict about 1 year ago
  
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  Daniel, that's where Jerry's mistake shows though. Oakland's problem isn't on the Offensive line. Look at last year's numbers. We had a 1000 yard rusher, 3 different guys get over 100 yards, in single games, and even with Lamont Jordan going down hurt during the season.
  One thing that is going to be improved, is the caliber of running back. Nothing against Fargas, but staying healthy isn't Justin's forte. There's a lot of people that would like to see Bush healthy as well.
  You can also see a RB tandem at full power, when the Raiders had Charlie Garner and Tyrone Weatley pounding defenses over and over.
  The tradeoff, is your runningbacks won't have a 2000 yard season, and you won't use a constant air threat, but you'll see the end zone a lot more.
  McFadden, simply turns the Running Game up two notches, by giving us a creative running back, as well as a 3rd option back.
  one thing's for sure...whoever is tabbed for Goal Line, is going to be worth a lot in fantasy football....and to the Raiders.
  
  Daniel, that's where Jerry's mistake shows though. Oakland's problem isn't on the Offensive line. Look at last year's numbers. We had a 1000 yard rusher, 3 different guys get over 100 yards, in single games, and even with Lamont Jordan going down hurt during the season. One thing that is going to be improved, is the caliber of running back. Nothing against Fargas, but staying healthy isn't Justin's forte. There's a lot of people that would like to see Bush healthy as well. You can also see a RB tandem at full power, when the Raiders had Charlie Garner and Tyrone Weatley pounding defenses over and over. The tradeoff, is your runningbacks won't have a 2000 yard season, and you won't use a constant air threat, but you'll see the end zone a lot more. McFadden, simply turns the Running Game up two notches, by giving us a creative running back, as well as a 3rd option back. one thing's for sure...whoever is tabbed for Goal Line, is going to be worth a lot in fantasy football....and to the Raiders. Edit Comment Cancel
  
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Bruce Milroy about 1 year ago

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Why can't we incorporate the fullbacks into our offense as runners and receivers instead of just another blocker. We have Tom Rathman as our running back coach. Remember all of the problems that defensive squads had when facing him. Think of everything going through a linebackers head when he sees Rathman going into the line. Do I tackle him, do I shed him and get to the other running back or do I follow him out into his pass route?

Why can't we incorporate the fullbacks into our offense as runners and receivers instead of just another blocker. We have Tom Rathman as our running back coach. Remember all of the problems that defensive squads had when facing him. Think of everything going through a linebackers head when he sees Rathman going into the line. Do I tackle him, do I shed him and get to the other running back or do I follow him out into his pass route? Edit Comment Cancel

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Parker Keegan about 1 year ago

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We did use FBs as receivers occasionally last season.

We did use FBs as receivers occasionally last season. Edit Comment Cancel

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BabyTate about 1 year ago

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We won Super Bowls with excellent runners like Sou Cal's Clarence Davis,Marcus Allen, and Oklahoma's Kenny King. We need McFadden to be the star.

We won Super Bowls with excellent runners like Sou Cal's Clarence Davis,Marcus Allen, and Oklahoma's Kenny King. We need McFadden to be the star. Edit Comment Cancel

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Raider D Richardson about 1 year ago

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We don't have Rhodes any more

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- Raider Card Addict about 1 year ago
  
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  David, I know...its also why in the article, it says, we released him.
  
  David, I know...its also why in the article, it says, we released him. Edit Comment Cancel
  
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- Raider D Richardson about 1 year ago
  
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  sorry RCA, I didn't read the whole article 1st, I just saw that. my bad.
  BTW:great article
  
  sorry RCA, I didn't read the whole article 1st, I just saw that. my bad. BTW:great article Edit Comment Cancel
  
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago

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Raider Card, I see where you're going with this article and I can agree that it isn't as crowed a backfield as some would think. Lamont Jordan needs to be cut or released I doubt anyone will trade for him knowing that we have to realease him to free up cap space.

Lane Kiffin now has a diversified rushing attack with three different running backs. This is what Kiffin wants to run his two-back run oriented offense. I knew that Al Davis would draft Darren McFadden and I don't have a problem with him being selected. I hoped that the Raiders would draft a DT with one of their 4th round picks but that didn't happen either.

The Raiders will make noise in 2008.

Raider Card, I see where you're going with this article and I can agree that it isn't as crowed a backfield as some would think. Lamont Jordan needs to be cut or released I doubt anyone will trade for him knowing that we have to realease him to free up cap space. Lane Kiffin now has a diversified rushing attack with three different running backs. This is what Kiffin wants to run his two-back run oriented offense. I knew that Al Davis would draft Darren McFadden and I don't have a problem with him being selected. I hoped that the Raiders would draft a DT with one of their 4th round picks but that didn't happen either. The Raiders will make noise in 2008. Edit Comment Cancel

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