Written by Legacy Also posted on Bleacher Report The Oakland Raiders have been the joke of the NFL for the past few seasons. With horrid records and Al Davis running the show, what can you expect? This season the Raiders have a chance to be better than they were in previous years on the offensive side of the field. They drafted speedy receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who many so called experts are saying was picked way too early, tight end Zach Miller who has improved in each year he has played in, the infamous JaMarcus Russell who has heard some unneeded criticism for a while now, and they got two studs at the running back spot: Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. Fargas and McFadden play one of the most important positions on offense: running back. But which of these players will start for Oakland in the 2009 NFL season? Fargas has started for the Raiders the past few seasons, but speculation was that his starting spot would belong to McFadden after he was drafted last season. Fargas started for the most part during the season with McFadden also coming in numerous times during the game, most notably for his presence in the wildcat formation. Despite being the starter for most of the season, Fargas only had one rushing touchdown. He struggled in the goal line when the Raiders chose to run the ball in those situations. On the other hand, McFadden had four rushing touchdowns last season. McFadden also beats Fargas in catching. He had 29 receptions compared to Fargas' ten receptions. Neither of them great blockers for Russell when they are in that spot. Both McFadden and Fargas each had three fumbles in the season. McFadden seemed to be a little injury prone during the season. He had toe problems during the course of the season which he never seemed to get over. It should be fine though during this upcoming season. McFadden is more of a speedy back while Fargas is a scrambler who will attempt to get as much yards as he can and work hard. While Fargas may have been the better player, McFadden will clearly be the better player and the face of this franchise along with Russell if he ever comes along. He needs to start to get a chance to develop. We might see a switch this season with McFadden starting and Fargas coming off the bench, but we will not know until coach Tom Cable makes his decision.
McFadden should start. With him, Fargas and Bush we've got great depth all around. Fargas is terrible in the red zones but pretty good between the 20s. Hes still useful but McFadden and Bush are both a lot more dynamic and capable of braking off big plays.
