Oakland Raiders: Mike Goodson, Taiwan Jones Will Likely Battle for Backup Position Behind Darren McFadden Once Healthy

By Andrew Sarmiento
NFL Writer

Lonyae Miller isn’t Michael Bush, but he did enter Monday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys as Darren McFadden‘s backup.

Despite the fact Miller entered the game shortly after McFadden made his exit, don’t expect that to last. Mike Goodson and Taiwan Jones will battle to be the No. 2 running back spot, once both are healthy.

Even with a good effort, Miller was only able to gain 39 yards on 15 carries in Monday’s contest. He wasn’t as consistent or as explosive as you would like to see in your backup running back, as he averaged just 2.6 yards a carry and his longest run was only seven yards.

The Raiders will rely on a split rotation between Jones and Goodson once they’re both available. Raiders will rely on Jones for a change of pace, working with the third down offense more often than not. Goodson will be used to get the tough yards and punch it into the end zone when McFadden needs a break.

This in theory, is the best option for the Raiders, especially with the injury problems McFadden has been faced with over the years. A back rotation, obviously with McFadden receiving a large majority of the carries, might be the best thing for the Raiders in 2012.

Jones is a small school (Eastern Washington University) running back, that didn’t get many opportunities during his rookie season in 2011, but possesses the speed and skill set to be a very capable backup. He recorded only 73 yards on 16 carries with no touchdowns last year but should see a major boost in carries.

Goodson is a bit different than Jones, as he has tasted success in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. In 2010 he gained 452 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 103 carries, and caught 40 passes for 310 yards receiving. He came to Oakland in the hopes of getting more opportunities to make an impact and he should get those opportunities this season.

If everything goes right and McFadden as well as Goodson and Jones stay healthy, look for the Raiders to be one of the top rushing teams in the NFL. In a division with multiple Pro Bowl quarterbacks, a strong running game that keeps the Raiders’ offense on the field and the opposing quarterback off it, could prove to be the difference between a playoff spot and an early vacation.

Look to the remaining preseason games to help determine who the backup running back(s) will ultimately be. At this point the depth chart behind McFadden is wide open and could be one of the most interesting position battles the team has to offer.

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