I Want The Raiders' Backfield: Part 1

Not that I don't love Beastmode and Forsett.  I do.  But if Leon Washington leaves I'd love to see the Hawks bring in a solid third RB, and the first guy that comes to my mind is Free-Agent Michael Bush.

He was just busted for DUI, which means he'll likely come at a cheaper price than he was originally hoping for going into his offseason of free-agency.  This could be key, considering the Hawks will most likely not spend much on a RB at this point.  Because of his arrest, he may have to serve a suspension, which may make him less desirable to other teams as well. It remains to be seen, but with Lynch and Forsett in the backfield already, the Seahawks have the luxury of having their 3rd running back miss a few games if need be.



Another bruising back at 6'1", 245, and young, only 26 years old, Bush could provide another potent option in the backfield for the Hawks. Backing up Darren McFadden last year, he rushed for 655 yrds with a 4.1 YPC average, and found the endzone 8 times.  He proved to be a more than capable lead-back when McFadden went down with injuries, and would provide the Hawks with tremendous depth at the position.  He's a great between-the-tackles running back with the ability to make tacklers miss once he's past the line, with decent breakaway speed (4.5-4.6 40 times).  Of course, everyone remembers what Bush did against the Hawks last year, catching a deflected pass and lumbering for 55 yards in Week 8.  

Though Al Davis indicated in his most recent press conference that he wants Bush back, he is an unrestricted free-agent and is free to sign wherever he wants.  Perhaps he will want to reunite with his former head coach and current Offensive Line/Assistant Head Coach of the Seahawks, Tom Cable.  Running behind a line coached by Cable has proven to be a successful venture for Bush (Raiders were 2nd in total rushing last year), something that will undoubtedly be a factor in any free-agent running back's mind.

Speaking of Al Davis.

More than likely, though, Bush will prefer to play for a team as a starter or even a 2nd option.  If the Seahawks can't give him that opportunity, it may be tough to sign him.

Bush, to me, would be a luxury signing.  It would work if it came at the right price.  More important to the Seahawks' success, in my mind, is bringing in an excellent Fullback to complement, or take the place of Robinson, as I mentioned in the Le'Ron McClain dissection.  For this, I think the Seahawks should take a long look at Restricted Free-agent FB Marcel Reese.

Stay tuned for a full write up on Reese...