Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

We already knew what we were losing when Michael Bush took his talents to Chicago. What we hoped was that the front office and the coaching staff were going to find some way to replace all the roles Bush played. Two preseason games in and we’re still waiting for someone to emerge as Oakland’s red zone and short yardage specialist.

Darren McFadden is a weapon unlike any other in the game. In his brief preseason showings we’ve seen a man poised to breakout as an MVP candidate if all goes according to plan. However part of that plan involves McFadden moving the chains on short yardage situations. Last night in Arizona McFadden failed twice to do just that and his replacement Mike Goodson didn’t fare any better.

Goodson’s fumble troubles are also alarming but for now we’re just going to concentrate on who should be getting the rock when the team needs tough yards.

There have been some rumblings amongst Raider Nation regarding Greg Knapp’s continued reliance on the zone blocking scheme in short yardage situations. Knapp isn’t going to change his approach so the offensive line and whoever is carrying the rock will just have to improve.

Another area where much more improvement must occur is red zone execution.

Carson Palmer and the Oakland offense haven’t put enough 6s on the board when they get to within the opponents’ 20 yard line. Part of the problem is that the Raiders don’t have an established tight end. That’s one position which is always a quarterback’s best friend in the red zone.

Another part of the problem is Palmer’s decision making combined with the Raiders’ inability to move the rock in tight quarters.

Nobody expected the Raider to be any better without Bush. But is it asking too much for them to find some formula to replace many of the roles he played for the team? Dennis Allen is going to have to find a way to get more out of his talent in crucial situations. Bringing in more discipline is one thing but poor results on critical downs are just as bad as penalties as they too equate to the Raiders being their own worst enemy.

It no longer matters what exactly it is that’s kept both sides from coming to terms. This falls squarely on the shoulders of Reggie McKenzie and his front office staffers to get this deal done.

McKenzie was the one who singled out Branch as his franchise player, choosing to let Michael Bush walk while severing ties with Stanford Routt and Kamerion Wimbley for salary reasons. Now the Raiders are in a position to free up a little more cash by getting Branch under contract yet the dragging of the feet continues.

Clearly McKenzie values Branch above all other Raiders he could have re-signed or traded away. And it’s not like we’re talking about a contentious situation that in any way resembles what’s going on with Drew Brees and the Saints.

Nope, as far as contract situations go this one is as close to a slam dunk as McKenzie is likely to encounter during his career as a GM.

Branch is a quality defender with a team-first mentality. Whatever the ever-changing coaching staff in Oakland has asked of him he’s done. His play has improved each year and he signed his tender without minimal delay.

Also, Branch plays a position that isn’t ever going to break the bank. No safety will ever be in a place where they can afford to holdout for mega-dollars. Tyvon and his representation knew this and that’s why they haven’t caused any commotion during this drawn out process.

So this falls on McKenzie and the Raiders to get a deal done. If behind the scenes Branch and his agent are asking for too much then that should have been vetted before he was ever given the tag.  The clock is ticking and the last thing McKenzie needs is to revisit this dilemma all over again when the stakes will be even higher in a year’s time.

Oct 9, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Tyvon Branch (33) wears pink gloves and shoes in observance of breast cancer awareness month during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Texans 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Certainly Oakland’s cap constraints have played a role in the delay in getting a deal done. Reggie McKenzie has dropped plenty of phat cat contracts but he’s still got plenty more work to do. So thinking long-term might not be the highest priority for McKenzie at the moment.

Of course it would be in McKenzie’s best interest to get Branch under contract. Not only would a long-term deal help to reduce Branch’s cap figure it will also provide some goodwill throughout the Raiders locker room.

No doubt there has got to be some angst amongst the Raiders that were rewarded with Al Davis specials. That McKenzie would quickly part ways with Stanford Routt and Kamerion Wimbley while choosing not even to pursue Michael Bush must have sent some feelings of unrest throughout the roster.

By keeping Branch around for the long haul, one of the most productive players on the roster, it says that McKenzie isn’t just looking at numbers on paper. It would reflect his understanding of the roster he inherited. It would also be the right thing to do. Guys like Branch don’t grow on trees and if Oakland’s defense is going to make a dramatic turnaround then Tyvon needs to be on board.

With San Diego’s Eric Weddle getting a respectable deal last year there is a precedent that has been established in the AFC West. Not saying Branch is owed Weddle money – at least not yet – but if Branch continues his upward trend he’ll be able to command more money than McKenzie might be able to offer and perhaps more than Weddle got. That’s another reason it’s in Oakland’s best interest to secure a deal for Branch now.

As it stands Branch has some leverage but not enough to warrant a contract with an average salary greater than his current tag number. Now should Tyvon make a Pro Bowl this season and get some All-Pro love then all bets are off and McKenzie will have to show him the money.

The clock is ticking and there is plenty at stake in 2012. Branch deserves a new deal having completely outplayed his rookie contract and McKenzie needs a foundation for the future of the defense. It’s time to get this done now so things won’t get awkward later.