Post by TheShadow on Jul 2, 2009 7:50:10 GMT -5
www.examiner.com
by Patrick Patterson
Yesterday, was a look at the quarterbacks who are being considered for the Oakland Raiders 50th anniversary team. Today, the focus is going to be on the running backs. The Raiders have a long history of dominant running games, despite not have a plethora of super star running backs.
Clem Daniels: Daniels was known not only for his ability to run with the ball, but for being a feared deep threat receiver out of the backfield. In 1963 Daniels amassed over 1700 combined yards from scrimmage. He was the leading rusher for the Raiders from 1962-7.
Mark Van Eeghen: Van Eeghen was a running fullback who led the Raiders in rushing for five years from 1976-80. He was a big part in two of the three Raider Super Bowl wins.
Marv Hubbard: Hubbard was one of the unsung heroes of the Raiders dominance. He was the leading Raider rusher for four years.
Pete Banaszak: Back in the days before specialized players were the norm, Banaszak was a short yardage specialist for the Raiders.
Marcus Allen: Allen ran away with the Super Bowl XVIII MVP trophy, had a league MVP year, and holds all Raider career rushing marks. Allen was a threat as a runner, receiver, and he could also throw a pass on occasion. He was also one of the best backs ever when it came to short yardage situations.
Steve Smith: Steve Smith deserves to be considered for the All-50 team based on his blocking. He would open holes for Allen and Bo Jackson, and was an important piece of the Raiders rushing attack in the late 80s and early 90s.
Bo Jackson: Bo is probably the single greatest "could have been" in sports history. It is his legend, and not his production that gets him mentioned here. He only played for four years, and a total of 38 games. He never had a 1000 yard season because of his status as a part time player.
Jon Ritchie: Much like Steve Smith, Ritchie was a primal force as a blocking back. With him leading the way,the Raiders led the NFL in rushing in 2000 en route to their AFC West championship.
by Patrick Patterson
Yesterday, was a look at the quarterbacks who are being considered for the Oakland Raiders 50th anniversary team. Today, the focus is going to be on the running backs. The Raiders have a long history of dominant running games, despite not have a plethora of super star running backs.
Clem Daniels: Daniels was known not only for his ability to run with the ball, but for being a feared deep threat receiver out of the backfield. In 1963 Daniels amassed over 1700 combined yards from scrimmage. He was the leading rusher for the Raiders from 1962-7.
Mark Van Eeghen: Van Eeghen was a running fullback who led the Raiders in rushing for five years from 1976-80. He was a big part in two of the three Raider Super Bowl wins.
Marv Hubbard: Hubbard was one of the unsung heroes of the Raiders dominance. He was the leading Raider rusher for four years.
Pete Banaszak: Back in the days before specialized players were the norm, Banaszak was a short yardage specialist for the Raiders.
Marcus Allen: Allen ran away with the Super Bowl XVIII MVP trophy, had a league MVP year, and holds all Raider career rushing marks. Allen was a threat as a runner, receiver, and he could also throw a pass on occasion. He was also one of the best backs ever when it came to short yardage situations.
Steve Smith: Steve Smith deserves to be considered for the All-50 team based on his blocking. He would open holes for Allen and Bo Jackson, and was an important piece of the Raiders rushing attack in the late 80s and early 90s.
Bo Jackson: Bo is probably the single greatest "could have been" in sports history. It is his legend, and not his production that gets him mentioned here. He only played for four years, and a total of 38 games. He never had a 1000 yard season because of his status as a part time player.
Jon Ritchie: Much like Steve Smith, Ritchie was a primal force as a blocking back. With him leading the way,the Raiders led the NFL in rushing in 2000 en route to their AFC West championship.