RB Tandem: Bush and McFadden

With Bush coming back this week against the Cardinals after sitting out with a thumb injury he sustained in the preseason, I thought it would be a good time to discuss how both of these backs should be used in the game. First of all, let's discuss what we've got in Bush and McFadden.

Bush:
Michael Bush was a fourth round draft pick in 2007 out of Louisville, where he starred as a RB after being recruited as a QB. He has good speed but the name of his game is his power-running style. At 6-1 and 245 pounds, he's a bruising back that can really wear out a defense and is best running between the tackles. He also possesses great hands and is a weapon as a receiver out of the backfield.

McFadden:
Darren McFadden was a first round pick (fourth overall) in 2008 out of Arkansas. He was runner up to the Heisman Trophy twice in his college career. His reputation was for big plays and long runs, showing off his elite speed and elusiveness. He is best in the open field where he can make defenders miss and outrun everyone to the end zone. He also is a threat as a receiver and has been used in the slot on occasion.

Here are my thoughts on how the two should be used in a game:

Bush needs to be used on first and second downs on runs between the tackles. This helps to soften up the defense in the second half and wear them down. He also needs to be on the field on third downs for dump off passes over the middle or on third and short situations that call for a HB Dive.

McFadden should be used much like they use Reggie Bush in New Orleans. His speed and good hands should be utilized in the slot as a receiver and also as a two RB set with Bush, where he would get screen passes on the outside in space. He has also shown the ability to be an every down back this year, so I would also use him to spell Bush. Most of the time, both backs should be on the field at the same time. If Bush is in the backfield lined up in the I-formation, McFadden should be lined up in the slot. In the shotgun formation, put Bush on one side and McFadden on the other and have the option of a screen to either back.

What are your thoughts? How would you utilize each back? Post your comments here.