LaMont Jordan Justin Fargas "Rushing Duo"

The idea seems almost laughable, when you consider that the currently sit at 1-5 and have a total of two rushing touchdowns through six games. Yet the duo of LaMont Jordan and Justin Fargas is, in fact, one of the more productive running back tandems in the NFL.What's ironic is that Jordan 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
was expected to once again be the workhorse, after getting the majority of the team's snaps in 2005. Meanwhile, the oft-injured Fargas was considered more of an afterthought. On the contrary, Fargas has become a key cog in the Raiders' rushing attack, even getting the bulk of the carries llast week in place of an injured Jordan. These extensive reps have allowed Fargas to establish himself as an effective runner, and have given Oakland a much-needed injection of speed in the backfield. And as a result, the Raiders now possess a well-balanced ground attack.Don't believe me? Consider that Oakland is now ranked 10th overall in rushing offense. And despite a horrid start overall for the offense as a whole, Jordan and Fargas are on pace to combine for over 1,400 yards and roughly 4.5 yards per carry. In Week 4 against the Browns, the pair rushed for a staggering 182 yards. They followed up that performance with a 134-yard effort against the 49ers. Finally, in Week 6, the Broncos put a stop to Oakland's rushing bonanza. Then again, they seem to do that to every team they play.Regardless, the duo does have one major Achilles' heel that keeps it from achieving true elite status -- the inability to get into the end zone. Combined, the two backs have just one rushing touchdown between them. That's simply unacceptable in a league where most teams have four rushing touchdowns or more. And, unfortunately, the Raiders are likely to continue to struggle to cross the goal line on the ground in Week 8. They are up against a Pittsburgh defense that is currently ranked ninth in the league against the run, allowing only 94.2 yards per game and having given up only four rushing TDs in six contests.Jordan has not fully recovered from a lingering back injury, 43 Polamalu white jersey
and Fargas does not appear to be the type of back capable of grinding down a spectacularly physical Steelers defensive front. However, if this unlikely duo is to take the next step toward legitimacy, these are the kinds of games where the pair must find ways to make an impact.And the last time I checked, rumbling into the end zone for a score is the best way to do that.Daily analysis, courtesy of Anthony Carroll returns Monday. (23)