Michael Bush Needs to Be Raiders' Starter

In another instance where money beats out talent, the Oakland Raiders are starting Darren McFadden ahead of Michael Bush. McFadden was paid $26 million up front without ever taking a snap in the NFL(Again, a rookie cap is needed...in a hurry). Michael Bush, on the other hand, was a 4th round draft pick who signed for $2.165 million. Al Davis needs to squeeze all he can out of McFadden.

If money were not an issue, Michael Bush would be the clear cut starter. Why? Each time Michael Bush touches the ball, positive things happen. Darren McFadden? One hand on the shin is enough to take this guy down.

That's not to say McFadden's speed isn't attractive, but the truth is he's not the kind of back that can be run between the tackles. When he's in the game, opposing defenses know the only threat is on the outside, and even so, only if he gets around the end untouched. Against San Diego, McFadden fumbled once and got around the end at a crucial time in the game, but a one armed hit brought him down. Had he kept his feet, the Raiders might have put six up on the board instead of three.

McFadden currently has 103 yards on 29 carries, good for 3.55 yards per carry. All of last season, McFadden had 499 yards on 113 carries, good for 4.4 yards per carry.

Bush is a bruising back who doesn't go down with a single arm takedown. He hits the holes quickly and the arms of a would be tackler are like bugs on the freeway as a big rig is going through. Also, he has been very effective on the screen play.

Last season, Bush racked up nearly 550 yards on 114 carries. That translates to 4.8 yards per carry. This season, Bush has 90 yards on 21 carries, good for 4.28 yards per carry.

McFadden might better be used as a Charlie Garner type back:catching a lot of passes in the flats. Bush should be the starter to help wear down opposing defenses. This probably...likely...definitely won't happen, and because of this, McFadden needs to pick up the pace.