Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden's Chances for an Injury-Free 2012

[Hawaiian Raider]

The running back position is brutal, more so at the NFL level.

I consider it a blessing that he's still around.

[Jiu Jitsu Jon]

This is why we need Goodson and probably Benson. As previously stated, DMC can't do it all. Rotate the guys in and out.

[lukede112]

The article didn't really say anything I didn't know. The thing that interested me the most was the picture on the article. Am I seeing things or was McFadden sporting a dark nike visor?

Im pretty sure it was last years training camp but there was an article or interview posted that Mcfadden was wanting to wear the tinted visor during games. Lst training camp he was wearing to determine if he liked it and he did. heres a link to a video posted by frf discussing it http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oakl...gutierrez.html
Apparently per nfl regulations you need to have a statement from a dr stating the reasoning behind needing a tinted visor ie sensitivity to light. He was wearing it during training camp to determine if he liked it and he did.

[Da Swami]

I strongly feel we need to not overuse McFadden. Get him plenty of rest, use our other weapons, use the passing game, etc.

I'm worried it will be the McFadden show and we'll break our favorite toy, so to speak.

It will only be the D Mac show until we establish the run and at that point, its deep off of the play fake.

There is no way we don't take advantage of our speed outside.

[Devilspawn]

I'll settle for 14. 13 is pushing it.

[signal]

Not being a Debbie Downer but the chances of McFadden playing all 16 regular season games is 0.0%. Even the best most durable backs in the league usually miss a game or two and McFadden is about 50 notches below them on the durability scale. I would be ecstatic if he could play 14 games but honestly expect anywhere from 6 - 12 games given his history.

0%? Are you really suggesting that there is NO chance whatsoever that he plays in all 16 games - no chance at all. I realize his history suggests that his chances are slim - especially with the position that he plays and the style of runner that he is - but I would never state that he has NO chance whatsoever. Hell, far more stranger things have happened in the NFL than a player suiting up for all 16 games.

My fingers are crossed that at the end of this upcoming season and into the next offseason - DMC's injury issues are not even a topic for discussion. Well, | can dream can't I?

[KrimzonR8R]

I agree with the concensus of others here. It's up to the coaches to limit his touches per game. He's a hard runner and he's not gonna change that. Problem is he doesn't have the durability to keep up his running style. If they can get Benson to come in for 10-15 touches per game and have Goodson come in for another maybe 5-7 touches, DMC will have a great year. Lot less wear and tear on him. He also needs to improve his conditioning. I played tailback in HS and college and it was usually when I didn't prepare myself to go long stretches in games is when I got hurt or made mistakes. His nutrition and the way he prepares his body is gonna be what makes all the difference.

[signal]

I agree with the concensus of others here. It's up to the coaches to limit his touches per game. He's a hard runner and he's not gonna change that. Problem is he doesn't have the durability to keep up his running style. If they can get Benson to come in for 10-15 touches per game and have Goodson come in for another maybe 5-7 touches, DMC will have a great year. Lot less wear and tear on him. He also needs to improve his conditioning. I played tailback in HS and college and it was usually when I didn't prepare myself to go long stretches in games is when I got hurt or made mistakes. His nutrition and the way he prepares his body is gonna be what makes all the difference.

I really do not think that DMC's injuries have anything to do with conditioning or nutrition. I could be wrong. But unlike let's say Bush - the man looks pretty ripped.

I just think some of it has been bad luck - and some of it has been a result that he is such a violent runner. I think he might be the most violent in the game. If there is another back who runs more violent - please let me know who it is. For a guy who is not that large he does punish tacklers. Frankly I would do nothing to change his style of running. I love seeing him bring it.

That said, when you have a player like him, you do need reliable depth - because his violent running style does take its toll. I think we are all in agreement that the Raiders still need to bring in one more back to make certain there is a lot of depth behind him.

[KrimzonR8R]

I really do not think that DMC's injuries have anything to do with conditioning or nutrition. I could be wrong. But unlike let's say Bush - the man looks pretty ripped.

I just think some of it has been bad luck - and some of it has been a result that he is such a violent runner. I think he might be the most violent in the game. If there is another back who runs more violent - please let me know who it is. For a guy who is not that large he does punish tacklers. Frankly I would do nothing to change his style of running. I love seeing him bring it.

That said, when you have a player like him, you do need reliable depth - because his violent running style does take its tool. I think we are all in agreement that the Raiders still need to bring in one more back to make certain there is a lot of depth behind him.

I would have to say that nutrition and conditioning are paramount when you're an athlete expected to compete at the NFL level. Whether his injuries are from bad luck or from his running style, he needs to take better care of his body. Both Ray Lewis and Bill Romanowski lasted over 15 years in the league and that isn't by accident. Being obsessed with staying healthy in a game that forces impacts on your body similar to a car crash isn't just smart but necessary. And as ripped as he may be, doesn't mean he's not going to be injured without some better nutrition and conditioning. Ray Lewis said in an interview that these guys eating badly and not taking care of themselves can't possibly think they would be able to compete with him on the field. What you get out of your body all depends on what you put into it. If I was DMC, I would find out what I could do better in the season and offseason to limit my injuries. He hasn't lasted 16 games his whole NFL career. I sure hope he doesn't expect to land a huge contract after this one runs out. He's got to prove that he can stay healthy before that happens

[LINQ]

Not being a Debbie Downer but the chances of McFadden playing all 16 regular season games is 0.0%. Even the best most durable backs in the league usually miss a game or two and McFadden is about 50 notches below them on the durability scale. I would be ecstatic if he could play 14 games but honestly expect anywhere from 6 - 12 games given his history.

Yea if he does like 2010 then its easier to justify keeping him at the same salary and making him the focal point of the offense. But at 6-12 games we need to find someone else to be our main RB and only keep DMC at a part time players salary.

And you know he probably thinks he's worth a lot more than that. I won't be surprised if he doesn't stay in Oakland, sad to say.

[coogi]

And you know he probably thinks he's worth a lot more than that. I won't be surprised if he doesn't stay in Oakland, sad to say.

thing is though that if he cant prove he can stay healthy i dont see a team offering him huge money in FA...yes hes an elite player when hes on the field but a team would be making a huge gamble on him already knowing hes injury prone..basically i see it like this if DMC was a FA from another team and was never a raider would you bring him into the raiders on an arian foster/deangelo williams type deal??there is a chance he leaves but IMO it would be because reggie doesnt want him back to due injuries not due to him getting big money elsewhere

[coogi]

forgot to add i hope he just stays healthy and rips up the league this season that way this can all be moot and we can talk about his 1500+ yard season...

[ecnirp]