FARGAS WILL REMAIN A RAIDER
After breakout campaign, Oakland locks up RB
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
By Victor Cotto Raiderfans.net Staff Columnist
On Wednesday, the Oakland Raiders announced on their official web site that Justin Fargas would remain with the organization.
Fargas is coming off a career campaign, rushing for 1,009 yards on 222 carries with four touchdowns and a 4.5-yards per rushing attempt average in 2007. In 2006, he was one of the few bright spots on an offense that ranked last in the NFL, compiling 659 rushing yards on 178 carries.
After a slow start to his career – highlighted by injuries and glimpses of his potential primarily during pre-season games – Fargas has emerged as one of the team’s most productive players. His work ethic, fierce running style and team first attitude are attributes that Raider fans have embraced.
The former third round draft choice in 2003 out of the University of Southern California has totaled 2,025 yards and six touchdowns in five NFL seasons and has added 50 receptions for 358 yards receiving.
Fargas spearheaded the resurgence of the Raider rush attack in 2007, as they ended the year ranked 6th in the NFL (130.4 yards per game). He exploded onto the scene during a road victory in Miami when he came into the game for an injured LaMont Jordan and rushed for 179-yards. In back-to-back divisional victories in week’s 12 and 13, Fargas paced the Raiders with a total of 285 rushing yards, defeating the Chiefs at Arrowhead and the Broncos in front of the Black Hole.
He missed the final two games of the regular season with a sprain to the MCL in his right knee, which will not require surgery.
"I've always been confident in my abilities, even going back to my rookie year," Fargas said after his injury .
"But good things, accomplishments and things like that, come with opportunity and being recognized when it comes. And that's been the difference this year”, Fargas stated knowing that his pending free-agent status was right around the corner.
OUTLOOK:
At 28, Oakland took no time in locking up a player in his prime that has been one of the pleasant surprises and a talent that has all the right traits for a team looking to turn things around.
Contract details were not disclosed, but considering the quick nature of the transaction, prior to the start of free agency, it is believed that his deal was not a ‘bank breaker’ for the organization. With questions still surrounding his capacity to stay healthy for an entire season, whether or not he can handle the load as a feature rusher and ability to sustain his success, Raider fans are hoping that the deal was a cap friendly one based on his achievements and body of work. In the open market, bidding wars could’ve forced Oakland to pay a tad more than what they feel he is worth. And since the deal came prior to him testing what is out there, that may be an indication that both parties were in agreement with the compensation.
With LaMont Jordan and his hefty contract seemingly gone, it appears that the Raiders are set at running back and ready to go into 2008 with Dominic Rhodes and Michael Bush.
If they don’t cut Rhodes, who has a pricey contract for a back-up, any of the Darren McFadden to Oakland draft talk could be derailed.
Rhodes proved to be a valuable commodity after Fargas went down and was not a malcontent after relegated to kickoff return duties for most the season. Bush has been told to get ready to compete in camp and will come in hungry after not seeing action on a football field since his leg injury in 2006.
Fargas, Rhodes and Bush can potentially be a very good trio at running back. And with more pressing needs along the defensive line and at wide receiver, expect the Raiders to attack those positions in the draft and in free-agency.
(Works Cited: Raiders.com)
Justin Fargas Re-Signs
great article Vic!
