Fargas led the Raiders in carries, and was tied for most rushing touchdowns. Greg Ellis was the starting defensive end, and was tied for the team lead in sacks. Cornell Green was the starting tackle, and Javon Walker was, well nobody knew where he was.
In most cases when you lose players that contribute that many minutes or lead the team in production, it isn't a good thing. In this case, it is a great thing for the Raiders.
The NFL is a business, more than it is a game, and the reality of the business can be pretty hard to handle for most fans. This offseason is a prime example of just how harsh a business the NFL can be.
Many long time fan favorites of many teams have been released due to financial reasons. Fargas joins running backs, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Thomas Jones, and Chester Taylor in the "30 is too old to carry the load club."
You can add Ellis in the too old to keep on the roster club. Losing Green to the Bills, was like your wife losing her cat Whiskers, you won't miss him too much. Losing Walker, is like losing your favorite remote controlled Sham Wow. Wait, I guess you can't lose what you never really had or ever existed for that matter.
The Raiders have a very young team, and by not having these players on the roster, these young players will gain valuable playing time. The youth movement in Oakland has officially begun.
Darren Mcfadden and Michael Bush will benefit greatly from a two back system. It will be easy for these guys to get in the groove of the season, knowing they will have their carries every game.
Matt Shaughnessy should be very excited, though I'm ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
