yes fargas is the best at hitting the hole and we all love him. But imagine the future with D-Mac and Bush. I think in the long run bush and d-mac are the better choices. We all know Darren is going to be a star, but i also feel that Bush could become a star one day. Idk maybe its just cuz i always been a big fan since his Louisville days but i think he really has a bright future ahead of him

Quarterbacks

JaMarcus Russell – I’ll preface my comments by saying that I am a big Russell fan (see avatar). I was a fan when he was at LSU, was delighted that he crushed Brady Quinn in the Sugar Bowl, and was ecstatic when the Raiders drafted him. Then came the holdout, which I mostly blamed on his inexperienced agents trying to make a name for themselves, and the subsequent lost time at training camp. In 2007 many of us were screaming for Russell to get more playing time while suffering through watching Culpepper and McCown. Coach Kiffin said that Russell wasn’t ready, and finally started working him in November and December.

In 2008 most everyone thought that Kiffin would finally let the beast loose so that we’d have the passing attack we’d been dreaming of since the day he was drafted. Instead, Kiffin kept Russell on a short leash, whispering in his ear that it was more important not to turn the ball over than it was to try and make a play. In hindsight, it seems Kiffin knew something we didn’t. I’m not entirely sure whether Kiffin was protecting Russell from himself or the rest of the team, but the answer now seems to be somewhere in the middle. Many times the offensive line does not give Russell enough time to throw, and when they do, Russell either struggles to find an open receiver, throws inaccurately, or the receiver drops the ball. The inaccuracy is the most unnerving, given how accurate Russell was at LSU. At the same time, it seems like the one thing that he should be able to change on his own.

In the end, we still have one of the youngest QBs in the NFL, and we have to understand that. Russell isn’t Peyton Manning, he’s more like Eli Manning, and with time hopefully he can have the same type of success. He needs to do his part and the Raiders need to do their part to help him succeed.

Andrew Walter – Wants out, unlikely to happen.

Others – Irrelevant.

Running Backs

Justin Fargas – An absolute warrior, and definitely the type of personality the Raiders need on the team, Fargas was handed the starting job after having a surprise 1K yard season last year. He doesn’t break off many huge runs, but he always seems to make positive yardage. His durability and price are an issue, but he’ll be with the team next season, but will likely give up even more of his playing time to Darren McFadden.

Darren McFadden – McFadden hasn’t had the type of season we envisioned for him when he was drafted, mostly due to injury. Still, McFadden has shown glimpses of what is to come with him, and it’s a bright future indeed. Many of us knew that McFadden was closer to Reggie Bush than Adrian Peterson in terms of skill set, but he’s certainly a better standard runner than Bush, and a better pass catcher than Peterson, making him a great overall threat. I don’t care much about the Wildcat-type playmaking, I’d rather he just touch the ball 20 times a game.

Michael Bush – What a disaster. Bush was a 4th round steal in the 2007 draft and was put on the IR simply to get his leg 100% healthy. This year I really thought that Bush would be the 3rd down RB, given his soft hands and the fact that he’s the biggest RB and a capable blocker. Instead, the entire Raiders staff has decided to misuse Bush, whether it be failing to use him in goal line situations, or making him play FB. He’s shown his frustration, but isn’t likely to be going anywhere soon because of his obvious talent. Don’t worry Mike, the real FBs will be healthy next season. While McFadden has received many of the 3rd down reps this season, I hope that the new Raiders staff will see that Bush is better suited for the role, along with the goal line carries.

Fullbacks

Oren O’Neal – O’Neal was a big part of our 6th ranked running game last season. He is a true blocking FB, and did an excellent job of blowing up holes for the RBs. His injury this season has a lot to do with our drop in production in the run game. We can only hope that his knee injury doesn’t keep him out for any of 2009.

Justin Griffith – Griffith isn’t as good a blocker as O’Neal, but was certainly a better receiver, and was used as a hybrid back until his injury against Baltimore. If memory serves correctly he’ll be a free agent at the end of the season. His roster spot may be assumed by Marcel Reese, an intriguing mix of size and speed who may make for another weapon on offense. I could easily see O’Neal and Reese being the two FBs on the roster next season.

Luke Lawton – Gone.

Fargas should be the started HANDS DOWN. He is a the biggest threat they have in the back field. He should touch the ball more than anyone else on the team. He should catch the ball more then Reggie Bush.

Bush should be the power back that they’ve been lacking since Wheatly was the leagues leading rusher. I agree the guy was a steal and it was a shame that he was forgot about in all the crap that Davis brings to this team.

And as far as McFadden goes he should of never came. That was the biggest waste of a pick i have ever seen. Now don’t get me wrong i’m not saying he’s a bad back but he was not needed and that pick could of went for a DL or OL something that they strongly needed