Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden hasn't played since suffering a mid-foot sprain early in Week 7's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
But despite being without their superstar, the Raiders beat the San Diego Chargers in Week 10, 24-17, in a pivotal matchup.
Backup running back Michael Bush has simply been outstanding. Against the Chiefs, he rushed for 99 yards on 17 carries. Against the Denver Broncos, he ran for 96 yards on 19 carries. And against the Chargers in the Raiders' big divisional victory, Bush rushed for a whopping 157 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries.
Bush has not only been exceptional with his opportunities, he's also proven he can carry the load after the Chargers game. His ability to keep the defense honest helped quarterback Carson Palmer to throw for 299 yards and two touchdowns while completing 70 percent of his passes.
Which brings us to another player who has stepped up.
I have to admit I wasn't very high on Palmer when the Raiders traded for him, and he still has issues with turnovers which need to be addressed, but he's still been a lot better in terms of moving the ball than I thought he would be.
Right now, the Raiders are ahead of the weak AFC West by one game with a 5-4 record. Even without McFadden in Week 10, they looked like the better AFC West squad.
They face the 2-7 Minnesota Vikings in Week 11, a team with a suspect secondary picked apart by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in Week 10, and they proved against the Broncos that they can beat good rush defenses.
McFadden was out on the practice field on Wednesday and out of his walking boot, but he only watched from the sidelines. It's likely that he'll be held out another week by the Raiders.
And don't think head coach Hue Jackson is overly concerned.
The Raiders have proved they have the quarterback and depth to win the AFC West.
Luis Scola Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes
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