Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, and Darren McFadden: Also known as finesse, power and speed. It's really a case of teams having to pick their poison - who do you prepare for and can you ever fully prepare for them all at the same time? Anything is possible, but highly doubtful. NFL running backs have two primary jobs: eat the clock and score touchdowns. It is a strategy used by many teams like San Diego, Denver, and New England.
Oakland has risen to exciting levels by the drafting of Darren McFadden. Yes, I have heard the comments from so many, "why take another running back when you already have four?" Well yes Oakland did have four and technically still do (McFadden, Fargas, Bush, and Jordan. Dominic Rhodes was released the day after the NFL Draft).
As training camp draws near one of the other 31 teams will be in need of LaMont Jordan's talents and with any luck Jordan will be traded away then leaving behind the "three headed monster.
But like all good things, questions still arise; Can Fargas repeat the exciting season he had last year before getting injured? Has Bush's leg fully recovered and how will he perform come game time having not played a down of competitive football in almost two years? But the biggest question of all is if Darren McFadden will live up to all the hype, and is he as good as everyone thinks.
Those are all very good questions, but before I give my take on Fargas and Bush I must ask if had McFadden been drafted by the likes of the New England Patriots or the Dallas Cowboys, would anyone question how good he is or could be? I always seems like anyone who goes to Oakland immediately becomes sub-par or questioned.
It happened with Jerry Rice, Warren Sapp, Randy Moss, and countless others. So to answer the question on "Run-DMC"; his numbers speak volumes and he is he Heisman runner up two times, I am sure he will do just fine in Silver and Black
As for Fargas and Bush, in both the mini camps and OTC's they impressed the coaches but they both will see action on August 8, when they compete in the Raiders first preseason game against the San Francisco Forty Niners. Until that time it really is unknown just how good this trio of backs will do, but know this if they perform even half as good as predicted the Oakland running backs will be an exciting trio to watch and draft as fantasy football players.
25 comments Last one added 12 months ago — Leave a Comment
Alex Boylhart 12 months ago
The reasons those players were questioned:
-Jerry Rice was 40 years old
-Sapp was old too and had nothing left in the tank
-Randy Moss gave no effort and was a distraction
It has nothing to do with "the Raiders", believe me. Its the players.
Edit Comment Cancel
Ryan 12 months ago
its called the black hole for a reason
Edit Comment Cancel
Alex Boylhart 12 months ago
yeah lol
Edit Comment Cancel
Peter Gallegos 12 months ago
Good Article, it was a fun read.
I am looking forward to seeing Bush run. I think he might surprise people.
He might be our number one back even with McFadden.
The main thing is we have our backfield taken care of for quit some time.
Now the focus will be on our lines next year and a legit young reciever.
Edit Comment Cancel
FRANK YRAY 12 months ago
Crabbtree red shirted as a freshmen and can come out after this year. Put it in the bank 1st overall pick!
Edit Comment Cancel
Michael Ellis 12 months ago
No offense, but.
Justin Fargas isn't a finesse back. He is as violent of a runner as there is in the NFL.
Bush broke the lower portion of his leg, probably fibula, not his knee.
The Patriots were the antithesis of a team trying to run clock last year.
Jerry Rice had a couple of solid seasons in Oakland, but again, nearly 40yrs old.
Warren Sapp was clearly out of position in the 3-4 the first year, had a solid second year before getting injured, a 10 sack perfomance year 3 and a sub-par year four.
Randy was lazy.
I'm sorry to be so negative, but you neet to proofread your writing. I do agree though that the trio of backs could be quite impressive.
Raider4life!
Edit Comment Cancel
Sergio Serna 12 months ago
none taken Michael, however I would like to point out something my article did not need proof reading everything was spelled correctly I did make the mistake on Bush's leg and have since edited that portion thank you for pointing it out for me. and yes what you mention is in fact true but it was the way that people talk about anyone going to the Raiders organization that makes them sup-par or not as good. I guarantee that is lets say Tom Brady for some god forsaken reason was a free agent and decided to play for Oakland everyone would say Tom Brady is not a good QB despite coming off of the season he just had its just a mention of the bias that everyone has against the Raiders. and as for using the pats as an example of how some teams can use RB's to eat clock which although was not used regularly they did use it at times
Edit Comment Cancel
JSpicoli 12 months ago
Bush has a leg, not a knee. I stopped reading right there.
Edit Comment Cancel
Da RaizZAR 12 months ago
This trio will lead the NFL in rushing.Not to mension Buss & Mcfaddens receiving skills.Can you see Buss & Mcfadden in the same backfield?Mcfadden in motion a quick snap or draw to Buss.So many options with these guys.All three guys can catch & block.They give Jamarcus the cannon Russell time. and gives or speedy sure handed receivers time to separate from play action frozen defenders.A quick slant or out to Johnny Lee turns into big gainners & touchdowns.Zack Miller has more time to find open spots for crucial 1st first downs.Our massive offensive line gets to do what they do best.Gallery makes it to the pro bowl.Because of the terrible 3 or defense stays fresh to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.what do you get when you have a pressured qbs throwing into a secondary that features 2 pro bowl corners & 2 hard hitting ball hawking safetys & fast athletic hard nosed linebackers???You got that right!!!Yes the terrible 3 Buss,Mcfadden & Fargus will terrilize NFL."""GO raiders"""
Edit Comment Cancel
Josh Spiegel 12 months ago
Bush's knee is not the issue. He suffered a severe TIBIA fracture. Knee injuries often involve ligaments and lasting cartilage damage. Broken bones heal stronger than ever. Mike Bush is ready to DESTROY his opponents!
Edit Comment Cancel
Herb Incursore 12 months ago
How come a supposedly pro writer can put down in paper such bad info?
I've never heard anybody say Fargas is a finesse kinda RB. I mean, finesse is like Barry Sanders; Fargas has a rather crude and physical style, allows too much contact from the offence (the reason for injuries).
The rest of comments are well known facts. Any fan can do the same. Geez, since the Internet came up, everybody thinks he can write an article just because he has a computer...
Edit Comment Cancel
Sergio Serna 12 months ago
Fargas is finesse in the sense that he has more finesse than either Bush or McFadden and yes I do have a degree in journalism I have not however written in over 3 years therefore I am getting my rust off. Herb how many articles have you written? By the way Herb its spelled "offense" not "offence" geez, most most browsers have a spell check, it tells you of a misspelled word with a red line...try using it sometime ok chief.
Edit Comment Cancel
hawaiiR8dr 12 months ago
Thanks Sergio. Good read. I don't have any problems with your opinions or your writing. If anybody does, why don't they write an article?
Edit Comment Cancel
Sergio Serna 12 months ago
thank you hawaiiR8dr, I appreciate your comment.
Edit Comment Cancel
D L 12 months ago
Good read surge. The one mistake you made on the knee, you took full ownership for and corrected. Everything else in your article is the opinion of you the writer (and very good opinions at that), and that I believe is the goal and job of a good sports writer to begin with. The ability to disseminate the information and your view point to us the reader, backed up by facts and correct information and sprinkled with a good dose of reality is what we are all looking for. Those that don’t happen to agree with your opinion and choose to directly attack your abilities or professionalism (unless you have directly attack their team and therefore their passion.), lack the ability and foresight to focus on the content and message of the article. Dust off that rust, and keep up the great reads!
RAIDER NATION!!!!!
- I)L
Edit Comment Cancel
FRANK YRAY 12 months ago
Well sergio I don't have a problem with this article as well. I do see the bias you speek of and it is irratating to say the least! I think Bush will be the hammer for this teams running game, Fargas the slasher, and Run DMC will be the homerun hitter. I'll be honest with you on the sites I go to this point has been made since before the draft. So although it is a good read and well done it is nothing new. I wish you would try these talants on other concerning points for the Raiders. The first I can see is the LT? After that there's the NT posistion who will be there Sands Warren or Joeseph. I personally think Warren is a 3 tech not a NT. Then will Jano put the bottle down long enough to kick the oblong ball through the two sticks (for our soccer friends)?
These three things will decide the difference between 7-9 if it all three fall apart and 10-6 if it all comes together!
I'm a season ticket holder and for my money I'm happy with the turn around under Kiffin last year. Funny how no one mentions that last years roster was not his and was not built to run his offense. This year has seen a lot of change because they've had a year to see what Shells and Turners players can do in Kiffin's system and made changes to bring in the players to fill those holes. I like the secondary a lot, and the 2 3rds of the linebackers are really good will hartwell come back to previous hype?
Well those are just a few topics you could write about to shake the rust and dive back into the deep end of the pool!
Edit Comment Cancel
DL ord 12 months ago
Case in point, I spelled you name wrong, and will now get bashed… lol
Thanks Serg.
Edit Comment Cancel
Sharpe Sharpe 12 months ago
Like it or not (haters), we are going to out-perform most!
Edit Comment Cancel
FRANK YRAY 12 months ago
Trainning camp is our proving grounds! I can't wait to hear how we are doing at keys spots and if something comes together then I will be able to tell you my self from Napa. I've been lucky enough to attend in Jerry Porters roockie year but haven't been able to lock it back up. I think this year will come together for me again and if all goes well I could be at camp again!
Edit Comment Cancel
Darkside Kessler 12 months ago
Anyone who says this Justin McBush, is not going to be a great trio, is an idiot. All three could start on any team in the nfl. Think LT and Michael Turner with more speed and 2 more legs. Enough said. Great article Sergio, we all mistakes occasionally. RAIDER NATION!!!
Edit Comment Cancel
Alex Boylhart 12 months ago
You Raiders fans have proven to be the meaning of delinquent. You have essentially a rookie QB, no offensive line, a WR coming off a major injury, a RB coming off a major injury, another rookie RB, and you guys are this biased? That's called: homerism. Bush/Fargas/McFadden could be a good tandem, but you haven't seen anything yet, how can you be so confident? If you guys are really as confident as you seem, you're going to be in for a huge shock.
Edit Comment Cancel
Luis 12 months ago
Good article Sergio. Like always, we the Raider fans are going to be the only ones that seem to see things going in the right direction with our RB's. Our offensive line was showing improvement and I think they will keep showing improvement. A team has to establish a running game before they establish the passing game. The only proven one of the three has to be Fargas but I think Bush and McFadden will fit right in. We are just going to have to take it one step at a time. Adding another offensive weapon in McFadden will just make it easier for Russel.
The reason we didn't get Dorsey is because we didn't need him. Al was not going to pay top dollar to a rookie deffensive lineman. We already have a DT. Besides who is the player that ran for over 200 yards against LSU in the Bowl game? Oh yeah, it was Darren McFadden. And what player was the star of that LSU deffensive line? Oh yeah, Glenn Dorsey. Maybe that will clear the question on why Mcfadden and why not Dorsey.
Edit Comment Cancel
Kevin Hart 12 months ago
Mike49er... Alex Smith... nuff said scrub
Edit Comment Cancel
Tyler Jones 12 months ago
"Everyone will bitchslap Mcfumble"
Not quite buddy. Doesn't matter. We know you'll be cryin come December with that peice of a team. It should be 69ers. That product you put on the field definately isn't football. I almost forgot, I'm not a Raiders fan so attacking them isn't going to bother me. If DMac and those backs have trouble it's cause of that o-line. Still subject.
Edit Comment Cancel
Wesley Skipwith 12 months ago
Great Article. Anyone old enough to remember Ghidorah (Monster Zero) knows that it took Godzilla, Rodan and those damn Mothra catapillars to bring him down. With the Tom Cable offensive Line schemes it shouldn't matter who's running with the pigskin. Our running game will put victories in our basket this season. And if we can muster up any type of passing game, then it's just a matter of our defense doing their job. No more Janokowski field goals in the red zone. With this three-headed backfield, our choice of plays inside the twenty-yard-line will be enough to give Coach Kiffin a hard-on.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.