The Oakland Raiders may not have a big quarterback competition headlining offseason workouts, but they do have one brewing at the running back spot. Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew differ in age, but both are at similar points in their career, meaning they are entering a make-or-break season for their value on a roster. Both running backs have disappointed in recent seasons and need the Raiders to help with resurgence.
The Raiders' backfield is not young by any means, but head coach Dennis Allen is banking on a little competition pushing both McFadden and Jones-Drew to improve off their down years. Jones-Drew to take the place of Rashad Jennings who led the team in rushing last season. The veteran has some success to his name, most recently leading the league in rushing back in 2011, but Jones-Drew has not looked like that running back since then. Both Jones-Drew and McFadden have combined an average of 3.54 yards per carry in the past two seasons.
According to NFL beat writer Vic Tafur, the Raiders are trying to expand the roles of both running backs in order to help with overall efficiency. Allen noted that both McFadden and Jones-Drew will see time as kick returners during camp in order to give some change of pace for offense. This seems a bit odd given both running backs history of injuries in recent years. Returning kicks is not easy on the body and considering McFadden has barely played a full season since entering the league.
The Raiders need both running backs healthy and improved in 2014. Right now, Matt Schaub is the quarterback and without premier wide receiver to throw to like he had back in Houston. According to Tafur, McFadden has the upper-hand in getting the starting job because of his knowledge with Greg Olson's offensive system. Jones-Drew is not going to let that play into his chances of getting the top spot.
"It's going to be a competition and that's really all I ask," Jones-Drew said, via the Contra Costa Times. "... I only wanted a chance to compete and play. The Raiders gave me that opportunity, and I'm going to take it and run with it."
The Raiders have a similar competition taking place at wide receiver. James Jones was signed in free agency to be a starter along with returning leading receiver Rod Streater. Denarius Moore and Andre Holmes are battling for a roster spot after Greg Little was added in free agency as well. The Raiders might not have uncertainty at the quarterback spot, but they have it in every other position.