Oakland Raiders: Top Ten Running Backs In Team History
No. 5: Pete Banaszak
Pete Banaszak was the typical whatever-the-team-needs type of running back the Raiders always had in their stable. The hard-charging runner played halfback and fullback, could block and catch the ball out of the backfield but helped the most in short yardage.
It was there that he got the Raiders’ drive-sustaining first downs and touchdowns from two yards in.
Why he’s this high
Banaszak is No. 7 on the Raiders all-time rushing list, No. 2 in rushing touchdowns and No. 6 in total touchdowns. He’s also No. 3 in career playoff touchdowns as his 3.9 career yards per carry average is skewed by all the short yardage plays he made.
Banaszak helped the Raiders win the AFL Championship in 1967 and the Super Bowl to close 1976 by scoring two touchdowns in the game.
Why he’s not higher
Even though he was given the short-yardage role, Banaszak was far from a 1-trick pony but wasn’t quite as versatile as the guys above him. He also wasn’t as explosive so while he’ll keep the chains moving for you, he’s not going to take it the distance on a long run.
The four in front of him all have more versatility and career accomplishments, as well as more hardware.