Raiders’ Bush poised to break out in 2009

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Thursday, May 28, 2009  |  Comments( 21 )

Oakland Raiders
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Although the Oakland Raiders’ backfield is three deep with talented runners, Michael Bush may be on the verge of a breakout season. Along with Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas, the Raiders’ running backs corps is expected to carry the team in 2009. Bush should be a major part of that.

After making the transition from quarterback to running back at the University of Louisville, Bush developed into one of the top backs in the college ranks. Prior to a broken leg suffered early in his senior season, Bush was expected to be a surefire first-round pick. However, the injury caused teams to shy away from the bruising runner; that allowed the Raiders to secure his services in Round 4 of the 2007 NFL draft.

Now three years removed from the injury, Bush is poised to emerge in his third pro season. Upon his arrival in the Bay Area, Bush sat out the entire 2007 campaign but saw an expanded role on the offense a year ago. He compiled 421 yards rushing on 95 carries and chipped in with 19 receptions for 162 yards in the passing game. In what was essentially his rookie year, Bush showed outstanding promise and his output has a chance to skyrocket during the upcoming season.

Bush (6-foot-1, 245 pounds) has tremendous size but doesn’t lack agility or speed. He demonstrates elusiveness as a runner and can also plow through opposing defenders because of his powerful style. In addition, his experience as a former quarterback could be useful in the “Wildcat” formation.

The Raiders have been criticized for their recent drafts, but selecting Bush in the fourth round a couple years ago might prove to be quite a steal. Although Fargas received the bulk of the carries over the past three seasons, Bush and McFadden are clearly the future in Oakland. Both players complement each other and can be utilized several different ways.

With numerous teams around the league installing a two-back system, the combination of Bush and McFadden has a chance to be special. McFadden is a threat to score every time he touches the ball and Bush has the ability to run in between the tackles and excel near the goal line. With a developing quarterback in JaMarcus Russell and a young group of wide receivers, the future of the Raiders’ running game will be on full display in 2009.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To ...
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CommentsComments: 21  |  Sign Up  View all comments
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No.1
11:50 PM
05/28/2009
The Raiders need to develop a system that puts all three of their running backs to use. I’m thinking something similar to what ...
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No.2
El Tato		05:54 AM
05/29/2009
I would like to see us playing Darren McFadden as RB1, getting +20 carries per game. That's why we pay him 60 millions. The only ...
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No.3
neil b		06:22 AM
05/29/2009
We had the same conversation last year when we drafted Dmac.3 headed running game,Cerberus and all that,remember ? This year I ...
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