Oakland Raiders: Looking Into The Future Part III

In this week's segment, we'll be looking at the next page in the Raiders' future watch, the running backs, led by the first round draft pick, Darren McFadden.

At this time a year ago, the Raider were getting ready to wrap up a 4-11 season, getting ready to face the Chargers, and JaMarcus Russell had yet to take a snap as a starter. They had a number of choices for the running game, leading off with Justin Fargas, LaMont Jordan, and Dominic Rhodes.

However, by the end of the year, Fargas was on the shelf injured, LaMont Jordan had seen his stock plummet due to a back injury, and Dominic Rhodes took the handoff, rushing for 122 yards, and the Raiders first score of the day.

When the offseason beckoned, the Raiders proceeded to retool, with Dominic Rhodes being released, then drafting Darren McFadden, then a belated divorce with LaMont Jordan saw him released and get signed by the Patriots.

And don't forget last year's draft pick, Michael Bush. Bush, for some, was the largest question mark. Some felt he could have started halfway through the season but for some reason he was deactivated and spent the rest of the season wishing to play.

So, fast forward.

Our running game has had some bright spots. Darren McFadden's run over the Kansas City Chiefs highlighted a week two win in Kansas City. Michael Bush punched one in, late in the game, and things were looking good.

And like a good investment, Justin Fargas, when healthy, would chug along eating up yardage. So far, he's ran for 842 yards, but barring a explosive outcome in Tampa, won't have back to back 1000 yard seasons.

For all this, the Raiders have had their problems. Darren McFadden's turf toe made people wonder if he was faking it, or just didn't want to play. Michael Bush, who had an 80 yard game against the Chargers, was relegated to Fullback use due to injuries at the position. Justin Fargas had a groin pull that caused him to miss three weeks. Luckily for him, one of the weeks was a bye...or bye-bye, with Lane Kiffin's boot.

It could also be said that part of the Running games' problem comes from the coaching aspect. Early on, Lane Kiffin had his mindset on what the running game should do, that was taking control of the game, and taking pressure off of Russell and his development. This was all fine and dandy, until injuries and losses started piling up. Then, there wasn't a plan B that would work for this club, and Russell had to learn on the fly.

The results weren't pretty. While Russell had average numbers, few interceptions, he also couldn't rely on the running game like before. Darren McFadden, who could either be handed off to, or thrown to, was gone. Fargas, usually a workhorse, had only 22 yard and 23 yards in back to back weeks. And having gone through several Fullbacks can impact this position in a big way.

So, the Raiders this coming offseason have a couple of options.

For one, Michael Bush has stated he doesn't like being the fullback. I don't blame him. Can you imagine having Eric Dickerson as a full time fullback? It's a waste of talent. The Raiders will probably either be shopping for a fullback, but could also shop Michael Bush...I know, personally i'd keep all three and use each one as an asset. But Al Davis may try to grab a ton of draft picks in a number of directions.

Two, Fargas probably won't be going anywhere. With the last two seasons, he's averaged 4.5 and 4.0 average yards per carry...and last year he didn't even have the entire season to start by himself.

And Three, McFadden will prove to be his useful self, in multiple sets, being a decoy, or even trying different looks. After last week's block...I'd use him on special teams if the risk of injury wasn't so great.

Final thought, is we have a good running game, I wouldn't tinker with it. Lets just hope Al doesn't.