Why McFadden would be a great fit in Oakland

[ironstarks36]

Last season the Oakland Raiders experienced a rebirth of the ground game. The Raiders ground-attack finished sixth in the NFL averaging 130.4 YPG. This was good for a 35.5 YPG increase over the 29th ranked Oakland rushing attack of 2006. The most impressive aspect of this improvement is that it has to deal more with a change in philosophy than personnel. That being said, adding an elite talent to this system could drastically change the performance level of all offensive components.

Tom Cable took over as Oakland’s offensive line coach last season quickly discarding the man to man blocking scheme taught by former Raiders head coach Art Shell. Cable was confident that the Raider’s current offensive line talent could excel in the zone-blocking system. So much so that Cable only sought minor upgrades to a line that allowed a league-worst, 72 sacks, and provided a paltry 94.9 YPG rushing in 2006.

The running game in the zone-blocking scheme requires a running back to make quick decisions. The back must read the front seven to find the weak-spot, make one cut, and hit the hole quickly. This scheme actually favors backs who are more upright runners, as they reach their top speed quicker. Darren McFadden is a natural in the zone-blocking system. In addition to receiving hand-offs from the QB, McFadden also lined up as the QB in the shotgun formation. While you will never see the Raiders run this, it did serve to reinforce in McFadden some of the fundamentals of the ZBS. After receiving the snap, McFadden would determine the weakness and and hit the appropriate gap. In both Arkansas’ system and Oakland’s ZBS there is a predefined motion, but it is up to the back to determine the best gap to run through. When you combine the natural ZBS running skills that McFadden posses with his freakish speed, you get a threat that will give NFL defenses fits. McFadden is such an explosive athlete that he would be a threat to score on every play. This is the one thing the Raiders ground-game lacked last year.

With McFadden in silver and black, you not only get an upgrade to the running game, but also the passing game. McFadden is a decent pass blocker and would provide good protection for Jamarcus when he throws deep. Also, McFadden has good hands, a skill required by running backs in a west coast passing attack. McFadden would make the Raiders much tougher to defend as defenses would have to account for a receiving threat out of the backfield. This would effectively soften the under coverage of opponents deep zones, providing room for our wideouts to gain separation.

McFadden has the all-around skills necessary to become a star at the pro level. He would also be instrumental in the development of JaMarcus Russell. The days of every down backs in the NFL are coming to a close. With Fargas resigned and the potential addition of McFadden, the Raiders would posses the necessary components to posses the most dominant ground game in the NFL for years to come. Fargas has had durability concerns during his career. McFadden would allow the Raiders to maintain an elite rushing attack in the event of injury.


I will still tell you that if Chris Long is available, when the Raiders pick fourth, that he is the right choice. However, that is beginning to seem unlikely with Miami and St. Louis both in need of a dominant defensive end. With the addition of McFadden, the Raiders would become a dynamic offensive powerhouse for years to come.

[heavyweight_4u]

I agree with alot of your post. But i feel that he is going to want a huge contract and i wouldnt be suprised the least bit if come time to start the season he isnt holding out for some other team lets hope it isnt us. I feel he would excel alot in our ZBS. but at what cost to the cap and forward movment of the team?

[gdamac]

I am not against drafting McFadden. But if I was picking and the draft were tomorrow I wouldn't take him. I would add to our D or O line. But I agree with you, McFadden is an excellent fit for a zone blocking team.

[throwback420]

Originally Posted by ironstarks36

Last season the Oakland Raiders experienced a rebirth of the ground game. The Raiders ground-attack finished sixth in the NFL averaging 130.4 YPG. This was good for a 35.5 YPG increase over the 29th ranked Oakland rushing attack of 2006. The most impressive aspect of this improvement is that it has to deal more with a change in philosophy than personnel. That being said, adding an elite talent to this system could drastically change the performance level of all offensive components.

Tom Cable took over as Oakland’s offensive line coach last season quickly discarding the man to man blocking scheme taught by former Raiders head coach Art Shell. Cable was confident that the Raider’s current offensive line talent could excel in the zone-blocking system. So much so that Cable only sought minor upgrades to a line that allowed a league-worst, 72 sacks, and provided a paltry 94.9 YPG rushing in 2006.

The running game in the zone-blocking scheme requires a running back to make quick decisions. The back must read the front seven to find the weak-spot, make one cut, and hit the hole quickly. This scheme actually favors backs who are more upright runners, as they reach their top speed quicker. Darren McFadden is a natural in the zone-blocking system. In addition to receiving hand-offs from the QB, McFadden also lined up as the QB in the shotgun formation. While you will never see the Raiders run this, it did serve to reinforce in McFadden some of the fundamentals of the ZBS. After receiving the snap, McFadden would determine the weakness and and hit the appropriate gap. In both Arkansas’ system and Oakland’s ZBS there is a predefined motion, but it is up to the back to determine the best gap to run through. When you combine the natural ZBS running skills that McFadden posses with his freakish speed, you get a threat that will give NFL defenses fits. McFadden is such an explosive athlete that he would be a threat to score on every play. This is the one thing the Raiders ground-game lacked last year.

With McFadden in silver and black, you not only get an upgrade to the running game, but also the passing game. McFadden is a decent pass blocker and would provide good protection for Jamarcus when he throws deep. Also, McFadden has good hands, a skill required by running backs in a west coast passing attack. McFadden would make the Raiders much tougher to defend as defenses would have to account for a receiving threat out of the backfield. This would effectively soften the under coverage of opponents deep zones, providing room for our wideouts to gain separation.

McFadden has the all-around skills necessary to become a star at the pro level. He would also be instrumental in the development of JaMarcus Russell. The days of every down backs in the NFL are coming to a close. With Fargas resigned and the potential addition of McFadden, the Raiders would posses the necessary components to posses the most dominant ground game in the NFL for years to come. Fargas has had durability concerns during his career. McFadden would allow the Raiders to maintain an elite rushing attack in the event of injury.


I will still tell you that if Chris Long is available, when the Raiders pick fourth, that he is the right choice. However, that is beginning to seem unlikely with Miami and St. Louis both in need of a dominant defensive end. With the addition of McFadden, the Raiders would become a dynamic offensive powerhouse for years to come.

very well said I agree with everything

[RaiderSithLord]

We need to stop the run

[Midwest Raider]

My thoughts are that we need to solidify the skilled positions on offense and allow them to get in and gel as a YOUNG unit. Russell, possibly McFadden and a top tier WR could all have 5-6 years together as a unit to get things rolling b/f having to worry about contract issues.

Imagine an in tune Russell, a ZBS back like DMAC and a sppedy wide out like Manningham and Walker with Curry in the slot and a huge Miller over the middle. I dunno about you guys, but I'M excited!

[milo_s_thomas]

Why do many feel that it is logical to draft a running back when we have three good backs (not great) on the roster. Last year the raiders d-line could not get to the QB. If Vernon Gholston is available that is who we need to draft. He made Jake Long (The best tackle in the draft) give up his only sacks last season. We were ranked sixth in the NFL last season in rushing and that is not to bad considering the condition of our o-line the year before. I think DMC would we a wasted draft pick for us, especially when there is great talent at other positions, such as d-end, that we have a bigger need to fill. Also, with Bush on the roster we need to to give him the opportunity to show his talent as well. Super Bowl teams, especially of late are not about the freak athletes but solid teams.

[Midwest Raider]

Originally Posted by milo_s_thomas

Why do many feel that it is logical to draft a running back when we have three good backs (not great) on the roster. Last year the raiders d-line could not get to the QB. If Vernon Gholston is available that is who we need to draft. He made Jake Long (The best tackle in the draft) give up his only sacks last season. We were ranked sixth in the NFL last season in rushing and that is not to bad considering the condition of our o-line the year before. I think DMC would we a wasted draft pick for us, especially when there is great talent at other positions, such as d-end, that we have a bigger need to fill. Also, with Bush on the roster we need to to give him the opportunity to show his talent as well. Super Bowl teams, especially of late are not about the freak athletes but solid teams.

Because hopefully we can trade Rhodes and or Jordan for some third round picks and get replacement players in other rounds. Guys like McFadden (See ADP) are special and offenses are built around them. Even with mediocre defenses, teams make the playoff's (Note - See Indy b/f Bob Sanders, Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden).

[ironstarks36]

Originally Posted by milo_s_thomas

Why do many feel that it is logical to draft a running back when we have three good backs (not great) on the roster. Last year the raiders d-line could not get to the QB. If Vernon Gholston is available that is who we need to draft. He made Jake Long (The best tackle in the draft) give up his only sacks last season. We were ranked sixth in the NFL last season in rushing and that is not to bad considering the condition of our o-line the year before. I think DMC would we a wasted draft pick for us, especially when there is great talent at other positions, such as d-end, that we have a bigger need to fill. Also, with Bush on the roster we need to to give him the opportunity to show his talent as well. Super Bowl teams, especially of late are not about the freak athletes but solid teams.

As I said in my post, if Chris Long is available at when we pick at #4 then he is the choice, no doubt. Long would be a great fit because he can play both the run and the pass. However, as it is, that scenario seems unlikely. I'm not sure Gholston is a solid enough all-around player at this point in his career. I think he will definitely struggle for a couple of years against NFL offensive tackles when playing the run. He would most likely be a situational pass rusher to start, which he is extremely talented at. We need a defensive lineman who can step in and play both run and pass right now though. Another area of concern is the health of our stable of running backs. Fargas has always had durability concerns. Michael Bush is coming off a severe injury, he may be fine, but we won't know if he's the same back he used to be until the preseason starts. As for Rhodes, he's playing on a one year deal. It's pretty safe to say Jordan won't be back too.

Outside of C. Long, I believe McFadden gives us the best value at #4.

[RaiderInNY]

I agree with some points, but yet again, like it happens with all these arguments for any particular player, you fail to really drive home points that are without bias, and that leave a lot of holes, such as assuming certain things will happen...

"That being said, adding an elite talent to this system could drastically change the performance level of all offensive components."

Ok? HOW? Hearsay and just assumptions. That still doesnt address the lack of talent at WR, the lack of explosiveness and moreover, the lack of ability on that unit to match the attributes that our QB possesses. SO NO -- adding an elite RB to an already 5th ranked rushing offense, does NOT guarantee that the level of "ALL" offensive components get better. Especially when you are searching for a LT, and still more consistent cohesive play along the OL.

"With McFadden in silver and black, you not only get an upgrade to the running game, but also the passing game. McFadden is a decent pass blocker and would provide good protection for Jamarcus when he throws deep. Also, McFadden has good hands, a skill required by running backs in a west coast passing attack. McFadden would make the Raiders much tougher to defend as defenses would have to account for a receiving threat out of the backfield. This would effectively soften the under coverage of opponents deep zones, providing room for our wideouts to gain separation."

OK...AND? Rhodes is very, very adept at the screen game, catching the ball out of the backfield, as evidenced by his play in the INDY offe. over the years.


LOOK -- I don't mind if you are making a case for one particular player, whether D-Mac, The Longs, etc. in the draft.

But base your arguments on more tangible stuff...

Plus, its not like we dont have holes elsewhere...

And there is not ONE solution in the draft that is the ONLY cure.

[milo_s_thomas]

To my understanding Gholston is known as a every down player (could be wrong). I do understand the potential of DMC, but I do not think that he gives us the best chance to be successful next year. The only reason analyst are saying that we will pick DMC is because of the past tendencies of Al Davis. Most if not all agree that we need a d-end. Long will not be available at four, but it would nice if he was. And we still need to address the WR issue. I am not sold on Walker, but I hope he comes to ball next year.

[richnutt]

How many rushing td's did the raiders score last year?
What im saying is if theres no home run threat, why stack the box?
If defenses dont stack, walker will be obsolete.
what did fargas have in miami? almost 200 yards but no scores....
mcfadden might not play defense, but he'll help out all phases imo