Running Wild | The Black Hole's Blog

Few can complain on the running back situation we have in Oakland. Very few. In fact, the only complaint that is a true concern is, "Do we have a back who can establish himself as a star?" Here is LaMont Jordan. A back-up out of New York, Jets that is. He comes into Oakland in 2005. He preforms like a starter in training camp, and is soon named to be one. His team's defense is pathetic, his offense is strong, but gives up too many turnovers. He is considered a top-ten back at season's end. The very next year, 2006, he gets hurt, his season is over. His team is the worst in the league, and his defense is one of the best. His offense...don't go there. He fell like lead in water. Here we have a fast, small, and young USC product named Justin Fargas. You remember Starsky and Hutch? Yeah, well Huggy Bear is his pops. This kid is a burner, but get knocked aroung like he's in a pinball game. He has been a life-long Raider, and was the best Raiders offensive player last year, next to Ronald Curry. Not a future star, he will be a top notch backup for years to come. Now we have Dominic Rhodes. Not a star, but is similar to Jordan. He has a 4 game suspension. He was back up to former Indianapolis Colt Edgerrine James, also Joseph Addai. Rhodes is a slower type of back. A back who like to run for power. He's no future star either. Then there's Michael Bush. The Louisville Star. A big back. A burner. A big burning back. One-of-a-kind. Recovering form a season ending leg-break. He IS a future star. What many call the steal of the 2007 NFL Draft, is actually the steal of the last five drafts. This guy can run you over, or juke you out of your shoes. Having the ability to do that is both admirable, and frightening...at least if you're in his path. Bush is behind an O-Line that is going to make him get used to the NFL real quick. Has a QB who is under fire...Boom or Bust. Has a wide reciever who is considered a sleeper from the 2007 Draft...Johnnie Lee Higgins. Bush can have a nice career, maybe even join the likes of Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson as Raiders greats.

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August 5, 2007 11:09 PM ET

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Good blog Terminator
I think you're wrong about Rhodes being a power back. He will most likely be our 3rd down back on passing situations. I hope Fargas takes advantage of the playing time he gets while Rhodes is suspended. If he does well it will be hard for Lane Kiffin to pull him. And by the way Fargas is not a small RB. He is 6'1" and weighs 225 lbs. Jordan needs to be more aggressive when running the ball. I know you have to be patient and wait for your blocks to develop but he looked like a dear in headlights out there at times. I hope he bounces back to his 05 form when he rushed for over a 1,000 yds and caught 70 passes. I can't wait until Michael Bush is 100% and ready to go. We might have to wait until the 2008 season before he is starting but good things come to those who wait. He has Eddie George size and is a little more agile and faster.

bIGROCKHOGG

Stockton , CA

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August 6, 2007 10:53 PM ET

Jordan and Bush will be a good 1-2 punch. I don't like Fargas's chances of making the team. Rhodes being suspended may have cost him valuable playing time. Justin Griffith will be a great addition at Fullback and with Reshard Lee on IR, that may give Zack Crockett another year. I'm really hoping Michael Bush will be the steal of the draft and could possibly be rookie of the year. I am highly excited about the coming season and the more we talk about it the more pumped up I get....Just Win Baby

TexasRaider

Midlothian , TX

Total Comments (268)

August 6, 2007 11:02 PM ET

Fargas will make the team. LaMont Jordan will start. Fargas will be #2 until Rhodes comes back and Michael Bush will be 4th on the depth chart. They don't want to risk him messing up that leg before it is 100% . I don't see Bush getting more than 10 carries in any game this season unless someone gets injured or suspended. 2008 will be Bush's year to take over as our #1 RB. I can't wait ! ! ! !

August 8, 2007 07:58 AM ET

Adimchinobe Echemandu will and has already been the surprise player of the pre-season.Look for him to challenge the #1's for the starting spot!I just love it when some-one who you least expect rises to greatness!Oren O'Neal is also another surprise in camp who i can't wait to see fly out of the backfield and smack someone in the mouth so Echemandu can speed for a TD!I"M PUMPED!LET THE SEASON BEGIN!(Rubs his hands)HEHEHE