The Raiders had three things that worked in the 2007 and 2008 seasons: their running game, their punter, and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
This year, the running game has been a disappointment.
After ranking in the top ten in rushing yards for two seasons, Oakland's three-headed attack has fallen to twentieth in the league. It averages only 3.9 yards per carry, ranked twenty-fourth.
Last week, the group of Michael Bush, Justin Fargas, and Darren McFadden had one of their best games of the season, especially Bush. Coach Tom Cable will stick with what's working and give Bush another start at running back.
McFadden and Fargas will have a chance to get the "hot hand" and get plenty of work. But Bush is the lead back after his 119-yard effort. Fresh off a knee injury, McFadden hasn't touched the ball ten times since week Two.
Bush will have his work cut out for him to back up his big game this week. Running all over the Chiefs is one thing, but the Bengals have given up the second fewest rushing yards in the league.
Bush will continue to get the call in Oakland
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 21, 2009 1:27 PM ET
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Hey stat-boy, when you get up from your spreadsheet, and watch some games, or actually take into account the subjective nature of your hallowed stats, you might notice that when you are behind in games, you pass, and when you don't pass well, you go three and out and your offense gets less touches anyway.
And if you want to cry "Bust" McFadden might be a better choice at this time than JRuss.
They need a passing game to set up the run ya loaf...
Stop pork'n your sister Roseybhal and think it through.
How about getting an o-line first.
Speaking of the O-line, everybody is back playing where they should be now.
That will make a difference, along with a competent passing game, with Russell on the bench.
Benching Russell won't make the Raiders much better. They still don't have a starting-caliber QB, the coach is not a good coordinator, they have too many high draft picks that eat cap space and don't perform-I'm talking to you, McFadden-and the defense is lacking focus and discipline. The kicking is good, but the kick return game is not. It's another top 5 draft for the Raiders next spring.
The Steelers have a very good passing game and it got shut down against Cincy. Matter of fact, so do the Ravens, and both were shut down the past 2 weeks. If they can't get it going, it's very unlikely Oakland does, which means your running game will probably remain dormant.
Welcome to the wall of Tiger's Mr. Bush.