Justin Fargas key to Oakland Raiders offensive success

Thoughts from the Dark Side

May 19, 2008

Justin Fargas key to Oakland Raiders offensive success

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Its easy to ride the wave of hype surrounding fourth overall pick Darren McFadden. Add to that the promise of second year player Michael Bush who is considered likely to be the steal of the 2007 draft. There is a lot of talk of a McFadden/Bush tandem tearing up the league. However, Justin Fargas emerged last season as a top tier running back. He was all but written off after having several injury plagued years following his selection in the third round of the 2003 draft. He toiled in obscurity behind a rogues gallery of backs, before finally breaking out in 2007. He did it the hard way.

Fargas carries the ball.

Prior to the 2007 season Fargas was always one of those guys who seemed to be on the bubble, but just good enough to keep a roster spot. He had the respect of his teammates for working hard, but he could never seem to get over that hump. In fact, prior to last season, in this very space he was listed as one of "Ten Raiders in a Make or Break Year."

Justin Fargas- Young Hugg has been hurt every season he has been a Raider. Last season was his best as a pro leading the team with nearly 600 yards rushing. He shows a lot of heart, and is a very good special teams player. The additions of Michael Bush and Dominic Rhodes to the backfield may spell the end for Justin. Its a good thing he is already branching out into rap and acting.

Well, he made himself last year. He proved the doubters wrong and ran for 1,009 yards despite only seeing significant playing time in nine games. He racked up an impressive 4.6 yards per carry, despite the opposition often stacking the box because the Raiders did not have a fearsome passing attack. He found a home in the zone blocking one cut system that was implemented by offensive line coach Tom Cable and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp.

One of the chief criticisms of Fargas that have lingered, despite his stellar season last year was his lack of long runs. There was a run against Miami where he was one block away from being gone, but instead of throwing a block Mike Williams was holding up his hand in celebration.

The other criticism has been his injury history. This is a valid criticism, and one that was addressed as the Raiders now have a three headed monster at running back, so Fargas will be sharing the load which will help to keep him healthy.

With Michael Bush being essentially a rookie and coming off of a leg injury, and Darren McFadden being a rookie, both of them will likely hit that proverbial rookie wall at some point in the season. This will get pushed back by them sharing the load with Fargas, so the three headed monster will be a mutually beneficial scenario.

Of the three, Fargas has proven that he can be a 1000 yard back in the NFL. McFadden and Bush both have shown the potential to reach that level, but as of yet have not proven it. Fargas will likely be the move the chain guy who will take a slim majority of the carries. The defenses will tire from colliding with "crash test dummy" and McFadden will run around them, or Bush will run over them in short yardage situations.

Despite the additions at the position, Fargas's success will go a long way towards setting the table for the overall success of the running game. His hit the hole fast high impact style will be the key to wearing down the defenses for the fireworks of McFadden and bulldozing of Bush.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

35 Comments on "Justin Fargas key to Oakland Raiders offensive success"

Posted by Twocents, May 19, 2008 12:00 AM

I don't like the idea of trading any of our running backs.

My guess is that we'll probably need a fourth before the season is over.

Besides, Bush is going to startle a lot of people in the NFL who have forgotten just how good he is.

Posted by Maui Cat, May 19, 2008 12:38 AM

I think that we will roll with all 3 backs because DMC can be used as a reciever,QB etc..We need back up,and with MB coming off of a broken leg and JF hurt every season we need 3 to have 2!

Posted by Rolni, May 19, 2008 3:33 AM

Great article again!!!

I agree with you completely...this year we will have a 3heade monster which is good cause hopefully neither guy will get injured and our 2 young guys will have less weigth on their shoulders in this scenario...if both guys turns out what we hope for, than in the next offseason we could trade Fargas for pick or something...

Posted by MWRaider, May 19, 2008 6:45 AM

Good article. And I do look for the Raiders to be improved over last year.

Posted by DevDuck, May 19, 2008 6:54 AM

The only problem with the "three headed monster" concept in the NFL is that, eventually, someone becomes dissatisfied and perhaps divisive over the issue of playing time. There's just not enough of the "rock" to go around for three HB's at the professional level.

My hope is that these three athletes see this situation for what it is -- a one season opportunity to sort things out and discover who is best suited to be the featured RB for the Raiders -- and not opt to complain or further metastize the organization because they aren't seeing enough action.

Posted by Joe Raider, May 19, 2008 6:59 AM

I also agree with this article. However, I am still leery of Fargas and the injury bug. He has made it through one full season without an injury resulting in his missing multiple games. And he wasn't the starter that season. He started 9 games last year, that's 7 shy of a full season and once again he finished the season on IR. I was impressed with him last year and rooted for his success.Now,Obviously McFadden was drafted primarily due to his being far and away the best RB to come out of college probably since Tomlinson, and thus was one of those players a team just can't pass up is they are available. But, the secondary reason for drafting him, I believe, is that the Raiders don't see Fargas as the future due to the injury problems. No one questions his toughness or his heart. Yet Fargas still hasn't been able to carry the full load without a serious injury. Michael Bush may or may not have similar problems, that remains to be seen. For those reasons as well as many others, McFadden was the only choice in the 1st round. As much as I want Fargas to succeed, I won't be surprised to see him on the sidelines in street clothes on crutches by the latter part of the season with McFadden elevated to #1 on the depth chart.

Posted by Crunch-n-Munch, May 19, 2008 7:13 AM

To think that Fargas is anything other than a 2nd string backup is to doom Oakland to a mediocre finish in the coming season. Fargas only had success against weak defenses. Last year against tough run defenses he was less than stellar. His success came from the superior run blocking scheme Kiffin and Company implemented last year.

Raiders success hinges on McFadden and Michael Bush being the speed and power running combo nightmare for their opponents. Fargas will be lucky to be a 6-7 carry a game guy by mid-season.

Posted by OGKUSH, May 19, 2008 7:16 AM

very good article pat, couldn't have said it better myself! yes each of the monsters will relieve eachother... altho i would have to disagree with you when you say he's the sccret to success, the man is awesome no doubt and fits our style of running perfectly(i love the guy!), but like you said he's so injury prone it's uncanny. crash test dummy indeed, wether he carries it 30 times or once a game, all it takes is that one play where he lands weird or someone lands on his leg very awkward. i guess that goes for any back, but fargas is most likely to take that one bad hit... seeing as he is the crash dummy. He is the veteran back for the rookies, that helps A LOT!

Posted by Rob Calonge, May 19, 2008 7:36 AM

Great article Patrick! Can you believe that we are still two months out before the HOF Game? I can't wait to see how Coach Kiffin uses these guys this year! Fargas to set them up, McFadden to tire them, and Bush to clean them off the field sounds like a pretty good combo to me.

#10

Posted by sduran, May 19, 2008 7:46 AM

All I want for Christmas is the 32nd pick in next year's draft! Al Davis is the MAN! This years draft and free agents are the work of THE MASTER! Anyone who can't see the freight train coming down the tracks is stuck like a deer in the headlights. It only took two years but Davis had a plan and now he's about to take the rest of the NFL back to school. Davis is going for force teams to play to his strengths. For instance, who has the best running attack in the NFL? The Raiders, that's who. Who hits the hole fastest in the NFL? Justin Fargus, that's who. Who ran a 4.27 40? McFadden, that's who. Let's not even get started about Bush, who is a secret weapon all by himself. The line, don't worry about the line. Kiffin had these guys blocking at the number 6 level in the league with Rhodes and Jorden running as part time backs. Rhodes and Jordan were a little better than, OK, they were actually good backs. But without either of them staying healthy, Fargus got burned off quickly, because the other teams knew we had only one option. Without the other teams being able to keep pace with the Raiders on the ground, they will be forced to pass. Oh yea, who has the best pass defense in the land? The Raiders do! One time DeAngelo Hall actually was clocked running a 4.15 40! In case anyone doesn't know how fast that is, over the years, they have handed out lots and lots of little pieces of gold tied to ribbons for running slower than that. Ok so a more football related example would be, Deion Sanders would look slow in the same backfield as this guy. Oh, did I forget to mention the guy on the other side. Asomugha is just a top ten shut-down Corner-back. The defense is coming along great this year with more strengths, everyone else, is hoping don't work out. The talking heads have actually run out of reasons to complain and are reduced to commenting, "How come they picked a running back number four, they looked good there?" Bo Jackson came one time in all of NFL history. Remember, he made all the other teams look like high school players trying to catch the Pro guy! He was head and shoulders above the rest. If McFadden has any moves to go along with that 4.27 speed...Fargus and Bush are also going to have very good years. Oh yea, did I forget to mention the new number one pick in the nation at Quarterback we selected last year? The one who has all the skills and now the tools. I bet he can't wait for the first time the other team blitzes, or the first time they bring 8 to stop the run. Did I mention our new All-Pro receiver and his new 4.3 buddies? This is truly a work of THE MASTER. Al Davis is the MAN! All I want for Christmas is the 32nd Pick in next year's draft!

#11

Posted by flyguyone, May 19, 2008 7:49 AM

Of the three headed monster, not getting enough carries, it won't be the veteran Fargas, to compain , He will set the example of team success over personal, I hope Dmac can deal with NFL adversities, Fumbles missed blocks, ect..on his way to becoming the GUY, Fargas major injury freshman year Michigan, Problem hyper speed, upright slasher style,Dmac super hyper speed, even more upright style more wiggle , also taller 6ft 2in 211lb , loves contact , is this another recipe for injury at nfl level?

#12

Posted by Matt, May 19, 2008 8:27 AM

fargas will not complain he has worked his ass off even when he didnt start he is the ultimate team player,

bush wont complain because for him the raiders were the team that gave him a chance and he wont want to fuck it up

from what i have heard of dmac he does not seem like the type to complain about splitting carries and he did it in college

i think these 3 have the potential to work very well together although i do think that at some point one of the 3 probably bush or dmac as i think fargas is at the top of his game will break out and take a larger majority

either way everything is begging to come together for the raiders

#13

Posted by Lurker88, May 19, 2008 8:49 AM

I agree completely with Crunch-n-munch. Fargas has been injury prone since becoming a Raider and it's doesn't make sense to assume this trend will not continue. As much as I like him I cannot overlook the fact that last years three starters are not much better than average RBs, and two of them have been prone to injury. You can plug any average RB into this run scheme and he will look good and get his numbers. For example, Echemandu led the team in pre-season last year and looked very good.

I would be happy if they could trade Fargas for a 2nd or 3rd rounder for next year and free up more cap space. By the time the season starts some team will be hurting for RBs. My fear is that Kiffin will feel loyalty to him and give him the lion's share - until he gets hurt again that is.

#14

Posted by OGKUSH, May 19, 2008 8:57 AM

flyguy, no more injury prone than most RBs... DMAC will be fine, if you youtube highlight reels of him, you'll see how tough the man is, he takes those hits like a champ and keeps on fightin until hes down. fumbles wont be an issue, tom rathman already addressed the issue in the rookie mini-camp, he'll be an excellent ball handler.

#15

Posted by mildog, May 19, 2008 9:10 AM

Where have you been? Dominic Rhodes is long gone. One of the biggest things this year for the Raiders is Kiffin's orchestration of the running back situation, bring McFadden and Bush into the mix along with Echemandu. It is rookie year for MacFadden and Bush and they have to show that they can withstand the rigors of an NFL season. There is enough talent to succeed and we neeed them all at the end of the regular season and into the playoffs.

#16

Posted by OGKUSH, May 19, 2008 9:44 AM

i wouldn't be concerned about playoffs man, that will hopefully be the talk next season, but theres a few key holes to fill still and there's going to be quite a few rookies starting... so i wouldn't even get anny hopes up for a pplayoff run this year, hey if it happens oh my wow that would be amazing... but I don't count it on it in the least this season

#17

Posted by ALLEN, May 19, 2008 9:45 AM

YEA WE GOT D- MAC AND IM SO HAPPY WITH THAT AND IM NOT A BIG FAN OF FARGAS IN A WORLD WHERE EVERY THING GOES RIGHT MY BOY CHARLES ROBERTS WOULD BE A RAIDER PICTURE THIS 2 BACKS WITH OVER 1500 YARDS AND 10 TD EACH HERE IS HIS STATS AND LET ME KNOW WHAT U THINK

Roberts attended Sacramento State, where he set numerous DI-AA rushing records for the Sac State Hornets football team, including total rushing yards and most yards in a game (an amazing 409 yards vs Idaho State in 1999). His nickname while with the Hornets was "Choo-Choo Charlie", in reference to the train that would often come by behind the stadium during games and practices. Upon graduation, he went to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to play for the Canadian Football League team, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Blue Bombers

In his 6-year tenure to date, he has established himself as one of the premier running backs in the Canadian Football League. He lead the league in rushing yards again in 2006 with 1609 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning a nomination as the East's Most Outstanding Player.

Off the field he has experienced highs and lows. The enigmatic back has missed team flights, led the league in all-purpose yards, pondered retirement, led the league in rushing yards, publicly criticized some decisions, and signed a long-term big money deal to remain as the face of the Bombers.

Through the 2006 season, Roberts has rushed for 8,091 yards in just six seasons with the Blue Bombers. He has also tallied up 2,732 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns in his professional career so far.

On Sept. 2, 2007 Roberts passed Leo Lewis to become the Winnipeg Blue Bombers all-time leading rusher. He is also fifth all-time in CFL career rushing totals.

Despite being relatively early in his career, Roberts was selected in 2005 as one of the 20 All-Time Blue Bomber Greats.

Rushing Statistics

Year Team Attempts Yards Average Long TD Fumbles

2001 WPG 107 620 5.8 22 1 3

2002 WPG 216 1,162 5.4 70 5 5

2003 WPG 264 1,554 5.9 51 8 2

2004 WPG 300 1,522 5.1 49 8 11

2005 WPG 290 1,624 5.6 69 12 5

2006 WPG 303 1,609 5.3 - 10 5

2007 WPG 246 1,379 5.3 - 16 6

2008 WPG - - - - - -

Totals (to 2007) WPG 1742 9470 5.4 - 60 37

#18

Posted by pat T, May 19, 2008 10:57 AM

How can you not be a big Justin Fargas fan the guys done nothing but work hard since day one... and crunch-n-munch wtf he got yds against crappy defenses? huh? What games are you watching? SHIT i remember he got over a 100 yds against the Titans which is the best run stopping team in the league by far... You dudes wanna know why Fargas gets injured alot... well watch some of the Raider replays from last year, he dosent shy away from contact he's not the biggest dude but he will make you feel every pound, he likes to deliver the hit. Thats why if he can learn to sometimes go out of bounds then we would be good... I can name you 3 teams of the top of my head Fargas would start on right away, in this order #1 Chicago Bears, #2 Detroit Lions, and #3 Tampa Bay Bucaneers... And you know theres plenty of others as well... Also you know he's gonna be the veteran keeping these guys in line coming to practice every day working hard, I think Fargas should and will be the starter until someone beats him out, all this hype about Michael Bush and Dmac wont get them the starting job... hard work will... dont get me wrong i love the idea of Fargas as the starter tiring teams with his punishment running over guys and all that good stuff, then Michael Bush doing those similar things but a little bigger not as physical but bigger, and then when the 3rd and 4th quater roll around Dmac comes in and runs past everyone after those 2 dudes no one is gonna wanna tackle a speedy guy, quick, ankle breaking running back... shit also picture faking the run to Fargas or Bush in the 4th quater and getting the defenses to go one way and J.R throwing a 2-3yd screen pass to Dmac and him breaking one for 40 50 yds AWESOME HUH? The point to this comment is all 3 guys will compliment eachother perfectly and everyone talks about how coach Kiff worked with Reggie Bush and Lendale White at USC, cool but remember what Tom Cable did in Atlanta with Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett...

GO RAIDERS!!!

#19

Posted by Brass Monkey, May 19, 2008 11:00 AM

Good article on the Bush said that his season begins with the first rock he carries in pre-season. Look for Bush to give his best effort this pre-season because everything is on the line. Other teams are going to watch how the Raiders running backs perform and they will specifically focus on Bush and Fargas. Some of the comments above argue that this season will be the test ground for who will be the two lead backs for the Raiders, but I believe it will be decided this pre-season. Here is why: we have three potentially great backs, we don't need three great backs, we need other great players as well, thus, we have two great backs and trade the other one. The reasoning is too simple, but its potential for fulfillment will increase with Bush's level of performance this pre-season because the better Bush does the higher his trade value becomes. I know you guys love the three headed monster, but try to view this from the coach's perspective.

#20

Posted by Brass Monkey, May 19, 2008 11:17 AM

Legendary monsters with three heads (names for our running back tandem just in case I am wrong)

The Nemean Lion � a lion often depicted with multiple heads.

Cerberus � a monstrous three-headed dog that guards the gate to Hades. (not really a really offense oriented dog)

The Lernaean Hydra � an ancient nameless serpent-like chthonic water beast that possessed numerous heads.

Balaur, a three headed dragon that represents evil in Romanian mythology. bel-, "strong", or *bhel-, "to swell".

Bune, a Great Duke of Hell, mighty and strong, is depicted as a three-headed dragon, being his heads like those of a dog, a griffin, and a man (although according to some grimoires he has two heads like a dragon and the third like a man). (I like this one because there is McFadden speed with the griffin, and the dogged resolve of Fargas. But I don't how the man bit fits the picture here.

#21

Posted by Whodat587, May 19, 2008 11:43 AM

pat T :

YOU ARE WRONG.

You are clearly one of those people who just throws out random facts w/out knowing what you are talking about because you are blinded by your love for a below average running back who just so happens to work hard, just like every other below average back trying to make a team.

Against the Titans:

12 atempts for 61 yards 0 TD's. NO where near "over a 100 yards" Idiot.

Againts a less than stellar Bears Defense:

23 atempts for 81 3.4 yrd avg and 0 TD's.

A good Viking Defense:

22 atempts for 60 yards and 2.7 yd avg. 0 TD's TERRIBLE.

Below average Packer Defense:

15 attemts for 57 yards and a 3.8 yd avg. 0 TD's In the snow in a running game. Look at Ryan Grant's #'s in the same game.

Fargas had only 4 100 yard games.

THREE of which were against the leagues 28th, 30th and Miami's 32nd ranked run Defense.

Justin put up pedestrian numbers behind a line that my grandmother could have run for a 1,000 behind. Not to mention she isn't as brittle as Fargas.

The people who say Fargas is a hard working back that is a 2nd or 3rd stringer couldn't be more RIGHT. In my mind he is worth maybe 8 carries a game at best. He will probably still manage to hurt himself much like he did over his entire career getting that many carries. I am not on the Fargas train and never will be. The only place it is leading is to the training room or to the bench.

#22

Posted by LDizzle, May 19, 2008 1:53 PM

Dev Duck I am glad you mentioned the concept of having three RB's will cause divisiveness over playing time. Because Fargas is the perfect back in this situation. He has been the seemingly forgotten man in the Raiders backfield every year and yet he always makes the team and always works hard. He is invaluable for that fact alone. I believe he will work hard and continue to be a team guy no matter what his role this year or in coming year. And after signing a cap friendly deal that also rewards him for his hard work and loyalty, he will be an easy choice to keep around even if he isn't the primary back. He is a workhorse and there is always room for those on any team. Bush and McFadden should buy him dinner every night because he will be the one solely responsible for any big runs and TDs they have after he worked the team down the field and wore down the defense for them. This arrangement will work out just fine.

#23

Posted by azraider37, May 19, 2008 2:16 PM

There is nothing to not like about Fargas, I think the dude has talent and has to be good in the lockerroom, with his great work ethic. With that being said, i think he makes a great backup. The only reason he will be starting the season is because the other two guys have no NFL experience. If anything he would benefit more from worn down defenses, maybe he wouldn't get blown up so often. I agree with whodat587. Fargas getting about 8 carries while giving our one/two punch a breather makes more sense. The only problem is that we gave Fargas a pretty stout contract. You just don't hear about 3 headed running backs or commities. Nobody wants to pay 3 rbs starter money. We need help at other positions as well.

#24

Posted by BUZZ, May 19, 2008 3:55 PM

Start with the experience of Fargas, burn up the defeneses with D-Mac and let Bush control game clockl at the end with tired defenses on the field. If D-MAc & Bush show they can be the two headed moster Kiffin had at USC, Fargas is great trade bait before next year's draft.

#25

Posted by pat. T, May 19, 2008 5:56 PM

Hey whodat your a fucking bum... and your the one with the boner for Dmac... PUSSYS

#26

Posted by pat. T, May 19, 2008 6:07 PM

Ask anyonoe who actually watches Raider games, like Ldizzle said he's still the only guy in our roster that can be a work horse... pedestrian numbers maybe your grandma could run behind that line but hey do you even know why our line was so successful last season im gonna say it slowly so even you can understand zone-blocking you know what that is... its allways good to have 3 good RB's on a roster...

#27

Posted by RaiderDon73, May 19, 2008 6:10 PM

This three headed monster everyone is talking about is just that, "all talk", and nothing more. Do you people really think Al Davis is going to have the 4th pick of the draft (the best RB to come out of College in a couple years) sitting on the sidelines when the Donks come to Oaktown? Hell no, he is going to showcase his new "Dynamic Duo" in Bush, & Mcfadden. Sorry Fargas, you have been a great back for the Silver & Black, but all things must come to an end. And for you Vikings fans, yes I am including Adrian Peterson in that bunch. McFadden will be better than Peterson in his rookie year ! Go Raiders - RaiderDon

#28

Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Justin Fargas key to Oakland Raiders offensive success | The RaiderCast, May 19, 2008 6:59 PM

[...] Read more. Posted in Commentary, Oakland Raiders | [...]

#29

Posted by Sharpe, May 19, 2008 8:12 PM

Watch, it'll mostly be McFadden and Bush. Fargas can't catch. I love all three of them though.

#30

Posted by Sharpe, May 19, 2008 8:13 PM

Been a Raider fan since, '69'. Devout!

#31

Posted by Joe, May 20, 2008 10:12 AM

I don't know if anyone noticed but most of Dmacs big runs came OFF TACKLE, some were straight UP THE MIDDLE. Only a few were to the outside, and in space he was just flat gone...And he went looking for contact by the appearances of it he dished it out. Don't forget him throwing a 40 yd touchdown off his back foot.

#32

Posted by pat T, May 20, 2008 10:25 AM

Hey RaiderDon73 i cant say that Dmac will be better than Peterson his first year... I highly doubt that it would be nice but not highly likely...

#33

Posted by Dan, May 20, 2008 3:20 PM

I love to hear the chatter. Bush and Dmac are going to be the future, and I'm sure even the Fargas lovers know this in the back of there mind. The one thing that has been said and I will reitterate the same thing is Fargas is a true team player with a hardnosed work ethic, and quite simply needs to be on the team for support both in the lockerroom and on the field. He probably won't be the starter fo long, but to have a guy who bleeds S&B as your backup is fantastic.

Another myth is that Bush is injury prone. If you look at the play it will send chills down your spine. If he recovered from that full force I don't think we are going to have to worry about him holding up. The jury is still out on wether Dmac can be a workhorse, but with what he can do he may not need to be. I read someone wants to trade Fargas if Bush and Dmac work out, and I really believe this would be a mistake. Let us not forget this is the NFL and we have defensive players that can run and hit like Trains. Give Fargas 5-10 carries a game to keep him in playing shape and let him get the money he earned last year. He is a great insurance policy.

#34

Posted by kienan, May 20, 2008 4:35 PM

joe raider forgot something when he said dmac is the best running back out of college since tomlinson. He forgot Adrian Peterson.

#35

Posted by Coach Elkins, May 21, 2008 4:20 AM

Patrick, you are a wise man!

Keep up the good work!