Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders (2 Viewers)

[az_prof]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

 

[mcintyre1]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

I know that az_prof isn't a Raider Hater, and I believe him when he says he has watched a lot of DMC last year. And it puzzles me that he can come to the conclusion that DMC is not on par with ADP and CJ.

 

[squistion]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups.

McFadden = STUD

Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

I know that az_prof isn't a Raider Hater, and I believe him when he says he has watched a lot of DMC last year. And it puzzles me that he can come to the conclusion that DMC is not on par with ADP and CJ.

Doesn't puzzle me, EBF is the same way - people see what they want to see. If you have a preconception that DMC is a mediocre RB, you will probably see a mediocre RB when viewed through that prism.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

Agreed, what did it for me was the Jax game.
this run says to me he has everything.....speed, power, running between the tackles and seeing a hole when the run wasnt suppose to even go there. Darren you are the apple of my eye

 

[LawFitz]

Agreed, what did it for me was the Jax game.

You must've missed the Denver game. http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=589390&st=0&p=13072016&hl=+2010%20+highlights&fromsearch=1entry13072016ETA: Den game aside, I think that the Jax run you posted was the best run of his entire career, and that's saying a lot. That stiff arm at the end was awesome. When DMC has been healthy, he's been outstanding in the NFL.

 

[az_prof]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

I know that az_prof isn't a Raider Hater, and I believe him when he says he has watched a lot of DMC last year. And it puzzles me that he can come to the conclusion that DMC is not on par with ADP and CJ.

Last season, when he played, he played very well. But I think he is a soft player. I don't think he can play well while dinged up. And the great backs all do that. They can play and still play at a high level even with being dinged up. I don't think McFadden has proven he is that kind of a player. That kind of tough. And so, the NFL being what it is, he will get hurt. They all do. The difference between the great ones and the ones who couldabeen, is durability. He hasn't shown me that he has that. Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.The other thing is that he has been in the league three years now. You guys who love him all remember last season, when he played, and that is your FLOOR of what he can do. I remember the first two years. And so I wonder if last year wasn't the ceiling.

 

[Vision6]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

I know that az_prof isn't a Raider Hater, and I believe him when he says he has watched a lot of DMC last year. And it puzzles me that he can come to the conclusion that DMC is not on par with ADP and CJ.

Last season, when he played, he played very well. But I think he is a soft player. I don't think he can play well while dinged up. And the great backs all do that. They can play and still play at a high level even with being dinged up. I don't think McFadden has proven he is that kind of a player. That kind of tough. And so, the NFL being what it is, he will get hurt. They all do. The difference between the great ones and the ones who couldabeen, is durability. He hasn't shown me that he has that. Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.The other thing is that he has been in the league three years now. You guys who love him all remember last season, when he played, and that is your FLOOR of what he can do. I remember the first two years. And so I wonder if last year wasn't the ceiling.

McFadden's weak points aren't as good as AD's strong points?ya better bump him down

 

[golfguy]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

I know that az_prof isn't a Raider Hater, and I believe him when he says he has watched a lot of DMC last year. And it puzzles me that he can come to the conclusion that DMC is not on par with ADP and CJ.

Last season, when he played, he played very well. But I think he is a soft player. I don't think he can play well while dinged up. And the great backs all do that. They can play and still play at a high level even with being dinged up. I don't think McFadden has proven he is that kind of a player. That kind of tough. And so, the NFL being what it is, he will get hurt. They all do. The difference between the great ones and the ones who couldabeen, is durability. He hasn't shown me that he has that. Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.The other thing is that he has been in the league three years now. You guys who love him all remember last season, when he played, and that is your FLOOR of what he can do. I remember the first two years. And so I wonder if last year wasn't the ceiling.

I personally think he builds on last season. you can't predict things happening like injuires, especially a thing like turf toe. turf toe ended jack lambert's career for crying out loud. It may end up being a good thing that he doesn't play through certain issues, because it may allow him to have a longer career. he showed what he could do last year when healthy. al saunders and hue jackson will make him the focal point of that offense. eventually the cream rises to the top.

 

[FFFIEND]

I love Bush as much as the next guy. Who doesn't love Bush. Even some women love Bush. However, I don't see Bush as a threat to McFadden's numbers. McFadden can't handle all the carries over the season nor do he need to. McFadden is explosive enough to be highly productive on few carries. I believe the best plans for McFadden in 2011 is to draft him early and pick up Bush later. I mean. You need to take care of business right out of the gate in your draft and get someone capable of being the number 1 player in the game. Once you have your essentials taken care of then you can make plans to acquire Bush. Bush shouldn't cost you too much. Just make sure no one else in your league gets Bush before you do.

McFadden: 1300 yd rush / 55 rec for 550 yards / 11 TDs total

Just add Bush. Then you will have Bush on hand when you have a need.

 

[Tau837]

Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.

This is flat wrong. 2010 Broken Tackles:McFadden was #6 among RBs in broken tackles (37)

Peterson was tied for #8 among RBs in broken tackles (35)

McFadden was #7 among RBs in broken tackle rate (13.7%)

Peterson was #18 among RBs in broken tackle rate (10.9%)

Furthermore, using splits, we can see what each of them averaged running between the tackles last season: Peterson 4.39 ypc; McFadden 5.45 ypc.

 

[Tau837]

And so I wonder if last year wasn't the ceiling.

This doesn't make much sense. He was 23 years old last year. He only had 270 touches. He is very likely to be better this year IMO, and he is also likely to get more touches per game. The only possible reason for concern is his propensity to miss time due to injury, but that is completely unpredictable.IMO you have staked out a position and you are stubbornly refusing to back off of it despite the fact that all evidence opposes your position.

 

[FGITLOTR]

Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.

This is flat wrong. 2010 Broken Tackles:McFadden was #6 among RBs in broken tackles (37)

Peterson was tied for #8 among RBs in broken tackles (35)

McFadden was #7 among RBs in broken tackle rate (13.7%)

Peterson was #18 among RBs in broken tackle rate (10.9%)

Furthermore, using splits, we can see what each of them averaged running between the tackles last season: Peterson 4.39 ypc; McFadden 5.45 ypc.

good stuff!

 

[golfguy]

Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.

This is flat wrong. 2010 Broken Tackles:McFadden was #6 among RBs in broken tackles (37)

Peterson was tied for #8 among RBs in broken tackles (35)

McFadden was #7 among RBs in broken tackle rate (13.7%)

Peterson was #18 among RBs in broken tackle rate (10.9%)

Furthermore, using splits, we can see what each of them averaged running between the tackles last season: Peterson 4.39 ypc; McFadden 5.45 ypc.

some interesting stuff in there.

 

[jurb26]

Wow, I feel like I just time warped into the DMAC threads from 2 years ago. Same silly and inaccurate arguments being used against him in this thread today. You would think people would have learned by now. The dude is an elite talent. His health has been an issue over the course of his career, no doubt. Ability is not. So long as McFadden is on the field he will put up top 5 numbers. The guy is a beast and is playing in a good offense to capitalize on his abilities.

 

[az_prof]

Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.

This is flat wrong. 2010 Broken Tackles:McFadden was #6 among RBs in broken tackles (37)

Peterson was tied for #8 among RBs in broken tackles (35)

McFadden was #7 among RBs in broken tackle rate (13.7%)

Peterson was #18 among RBs in broken tackle rate (10.9%)

Furthermore, using splits, we can see what each of them averaged running between the tackles last season: Peterson 4.39 ypc; McFadden 5.45 ypc.

good stuff!

Interesting stats but I wonder who compiled them and what their method was?

 

[Jersey35]

Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.

This is flat wrong. 2010 Broken Tackles:McFadden was #6 among RBs in broken tackles (37)

Peterson was tied for #8 among RBs in broken tackles (35)

McFadden was #7 among RBs in broken tackle rate (13.7%)

Peterson was #18 among RBs in broken tackle rate (10.9%)

Furthermore, using splits, we can see what each of them averaged running between the tackles last season: Peterson 4.39 ypc; McFadden 5.45 ypc.

good stuff!

Interesting stats but I wonder who compiled them and what their method was?

Really? Did you read the article?

 

[mcintyre1]

Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.

This is flat wrong. 2010 Broken Tackles:McFadden was #6 among RBs in broken tackles (37)

Peterson was tied for #8 among RBs in broken tackles (35)

McFadden was #7 among RBs in broken tackle rate (13.7%)

Peterson was #18 among RBs in broken tackle rate (10.9%)

Furthermore, using splits, we can see what each of them averaged running between the tackles last season: Peterson 4.39 ypc; McFadden 5.45 ypc.

good stuff!

Interesting stats but I wonder who compiled them and what their method was?

Really? Did you read the article?

No kidding. From the article's 2nd paragraph:

As I noted last week, broken tackles are a stat from game charting, not from the standard play-by-play. We defined a "broken tackle" as one of two events: either the ballcarrier escapes from the grasp of the defender, or the defender is in good position for a tackle but the ballcarrier jukes him out of his shoes. If the ballcarrier sped by a slow defender who dived and missed, that didn't count as a broken tackle. We only measured broken tackles for standard plays; volunteers didn't have the time to track them for all special teams plays.

The resulting numbers are subjective, obviously, but there were over two dozen charters involved, so no team's numbers could be overly slanted because of the bias of a single specific charter.

 

[az_prof]

I didn't see the link. This line is key: "The resulting numbers are subjective, obviously..." I wouldn't put too much faith in this. And the way they defined broken tackles isn't really indicative of ability to run inside because it includes jukes and fakes. Those aren't going to help you much when running between the tackles.

 

[Tau837]

I didn't see the link. This line is key: "The resulting numbers are subjective, obviously..." I wouldn't put too much faith in this. And the way they defined broken tackles isn't really indicative of ability to run inside because it includes jukes and fakes. Those aren't going to help you much when running between the tackles.

Yeah, they didn't help him when he ran for 5.45 ypc between the tackles last year. ETA: McFadden ran 153 times between the tackles last year for 5.45 ypc. He ran 68 times to the outside last year for 4.68 ypc.

 

[mcintyre1]

I didn't see the link. This line is key: "The resulting numbers are subjective, obviously..." I wouldn't put too much faith in this. And the way they defined broken tackles isn't really indicative of ability to run inside because it includes jukes and fakes. Those aren't going to help you much when running between the tackles.

So we shouldn't put much faith in your own analysis as well, I take it? That's just as subjective, is it not?

This is a pointless argument, though. You've obviously got your pre-determined opinion on him and will not be changing it.

 

[Manster]

Im still not sure about McFadden. I'll admit i havent watched him a ton, but this is what i've observed.

The dude is a beast of an athlete. No one can deny that.

Give him a full head of steam and an open lane , one cut, and he'll take it to the house.

What I'm still not sure about is his ability to read the holes consistently. And of course he seems to get dinged up a lot.

If he can stay on the field, he's gonna have quite a few big plays and put together a nice season. He just makes me nervous. sometimes that full head of steam has a 265 lb. LB at the end of it.

 

[theglorydays]

Hes the prototype, i'm a believer. As long as he stays healthy he will produce.

 

[Sabertooth]

Two words make me love Darren McFadden.

Al Saunders.

 

[The Dynasty]

Two words make me love Darren McFadden.Al Saunders.

He's not calling plays FWIW

 

[Raiderfan32904]

PSA:

Darren McFadden looks like the stud we all saw last year in the first two practices. He has mentioned some lofty goals to his teammates, but is keeping those goals private, playing with a chip on his shoulder with something to prove.

 

[Ace08]

What's the word on the goal line situation here? Is Bush a threat to be a vulture?

 

[Ace08]

What's the word on the goal line situation here? Is Bush a threat to be a vulture?

Bump...anyone?

 

[We Tigers]

Probably, but he had that role last year as well, and McFadden still scored 10 times in 13 games. I think Bush was inactive for only 3 of those games. As an owner, I'm not that worried about it.

 

[Badgers Fan]

Darren McFadden is reportedly making defenders miss "on a routine basis" early in Raiders camp and blowing by tacklers "with ease."

McFadden reported to camp looking like a chiseled specimen, and it's translated to practices. Beat writer Steve Corkran "wouldn't be surprised" if McFadden improved upon his breakout 2010 season. He's a late first-round fantasy pick.

-rotoworld.com

Gotta like the sound of that...all tho we hear these stories often, the fact that he's dedicated and looks primed to continue his breakout can be a scary thought

 

[FF Ninja]

Hes the prototype, i'm a believer. As long as he stays healthy he will produce.

Tall guy with chicken legs is a running back prototype now?

 

[SWC]

this guy is a total beast who will be one of the best running bs in the league this year and for many to come and will probably end up setting several record marks for the raiders team if they can keep him healthy and i would not be surprised to see him get more than a few votes for the all pro team and take his talents to honolulu beach only without a tv show about it and no involvement from chris bosch take it to the bank 1200 yards rushing and 10 tds with a lot of them from 20 yards out or more but unfortunately probably no gaget plays although he should try to do a statue of liberty maneuver involving a fake field goal

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Two words make me love Darren McFadden.Al Saunders.

My thoughts exactly. What's Saunders' role though if he supposedly isn't calling the plays? What's the O-Line situation like? I know they lost Gallery. How bad does that hurt McFadden's game?

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Two words make me love Darren McFadden.Al Saunders.

My thoughts exactly. What's Saunders' role though if he supposedly isn't calling the plays? What's the O-Line situation like? I know they lost Gallery. How bad does that hurt McFadden's game?

Just because Hue Jackson is calling the plays doesn't mean that Saunders doesn't bring his War and Peace size playbook with him to implement. One early change in Saunders system is getting the receivers to break long instead of breaking low and inside (back to the QB). The O-line was to get a shot in the arm with the signing of Jarred Gaither from Baltimore, but he failed his physical. Now it looks like we have a line of Veldheer, Loper, Wiz II, Carlisle, Barksdale, with Barnes and Bruce Campbell competing. Early reports are very promising for Barksdale, and Wiz II is holding his own but is getting schooled by the best in Big Rich Seymour. Bruce Campbell has a knee issue. It's a short time frame to gel as a line, so there is some concern, but this line was responsible for one of the best rushing attacks last year, and I don't think that Gallery had that much to do with it. They should continue to excel in run blocking, (pass blocking is another matter). Darren McFadden is using not making the Pro-Bowl his personal vendetta, and he's going in as clear cut starter this January, or whenever they have the ProBowl. I believe him.

 

[De Novo]

Hes the prototype, i'm a believer. As long as he stays healthy he will produce.

Tall guy with chicken legs is a running back prototype now?

Chicken legs? LOL. Watch this chicken run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYmj2NGjBnwMy personal favorites are: 0:41, 1:40, 2:27, 3:40

There really isn't a rebuttal. He has a rare combination of size, speed, and agility. I worry he will be a top 10 pick by the time my draft rolls around.

 

[The Dynasty]

Does the loss of Gallery and Miller concern anyone?

 

[LawFitz]

Does the loss of Gallery and Miller concern anyone?

Miller more than Gallery (b/c he seems harder to replace), but yeah, I'm at least a bit concerned. Truthfully, my bigger concern is with the overall team morale and locker room health. They developed confidence last season and losing big dollar free agents (incl. Nnamdi) will either bring the remaining guys closer together or will seed renewed doubt about the organization.I do like the energy and aura head coach Hue Jackson brings. He has a tough task ahead. While a lot of talent remains on this roster, it is unpolished and inexperienced at a lot of positions, including now at TE, which could factor into the running game on multiple levels, if the replacement TEs don't cut it.

 

[Clifford]

Losing Gallery bothers me.

 

[Scooter71]

I think he is seriously under the radar at the moment. I have been targeting him in several mocks.

Ridiculous ability. Lethal combo of speed and power. Given the right situation (I don't think Oakland is it), he has the skills to be the best RB in the league, IMO.

 

[eoMMan]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

I know that az_prof isn't a Raider Hater, and I believe him when he says he has watched a lot of DMC last year. And it puzzles me that he can come to the conclusion that DMC is not on par with ADP and CJ.

Last season, when he played, he played very well. But I think he is a soft player. I don't think he can play well while dinged up. And the great backs all do that. They can play and still play at a high level even with being dinged up. I don't think McFadden has proven he is that kind of a player. That kind of tough. And so, the NFL being what it is, he will get hurt. They all do. The difference between the great ones and the ones who couldabeen, is durability. He hasn't shown me that he has that. Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.The other thing is that he has been in the league three years now. You guys who love him all remember last season, when he played, and that is your FLOOR of what he can do. I remember the first two years. And so I wonder if last year wasn't the ceiling.

I remember you were a big McFadden hater last year too while pimping Bush.http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=561516&st=50&p=12405494entry12405494What's the deal? Does McFadden have to break the rushing record to win you over?

 

[eefflrat]

Is Mike Bush 100% coming back?

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Is Mike Bush 100% coming back?

I hope he doesn't. That would mean some crazy team is going to give up their 1st and 3rd round picks. Be glad to take that ransom.So yes, he's 100% coming back, to answer your question.

 

[Teef]

This is exactly how I see it. Consistency matters.

You'd rather have an average RB that consistently produces 60-70 yards 0.4TD's per game every game? (which by the way doesn't really exist, but no matter...) Darren McFadden has the elite talent, moves, top flight speed, extra gear, and has demonstrated his ability on inside and outside rushes. He is also a superb receiver out of the backfield, and is just now being mentioned with the likes of ADP and Chris Johnson. The red flags of that report dial into old, stale fears that were valid up until the start of the 2010 season. But DMC has since erased that old reputation, and is an elite back. He's still young, and I am sure that he is looking to use 2010 as a launch pad to prove he is indeed the best RB in the NFL. There are a lot of other starting RB's that can get you consistent numbers. But the key to fantasy success is having explosive RB's over consistent RB's. Not that consistent RB's don't have room on your roster, just as backups. McFadden = STUD Consistency fears are for lesser backs.

Not all of us agree that McFadden is a stud talent. He certainly is not comparable to Chris Johnson or ADP.

Why is he not comparable? Speed? He's faster than ADP. Power? He's stronger than Chris Johnson.I don't really see how you could have watched him play last year and not come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, an elite talent at RB.

I know that az_prof isn't a Raider Hater, and I believe him when he says he has watched a lot of DMC last year. And it puzzles me that he can come to the conclusion that DMC is not on par with ADP and CJ.

Last season, when he played, he played very well. But I think he is a soft player. I don't think he can play well while dinged up. And the great backs all do that. They can play and still play at a high level even with being dinged up. I don't think McFadden has proven he is that kind of a player. That kind of tough. And so, the NFL being what it is, he will get hurt. They all do. The difference between the great ones and the ones who couldabeen, is durability. He hasn't shown me that he has that. Also, while he improved at his inside running, he is not nearly as strong an inside runner as ADP. Not even close. He rarely breaks tackles. ADP breaks them all game, every game.The other thing is that he has been in the league three years now. You guys who love him all remember last season, when he played, and that is your FLOOR of what he can do. I remember the first two years. And so I wonder if last year wasn't the ceiling.

I remember you were a big McFadden hater last year too while pimping Bush.http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=561516&st=50&p=12405494entry12405494What's the deal? Does McFadden have to break the rushing record to win you over?

You haven't seen funny until you've seen az_prof's work in the Donald Brown threads. He may not think McFadden is a stud talent, but he sure believes Donald Brown is one.

 

[jamil]

this is the one RB i absolutely have to have in all my leagues this year.

 

[UnknownCoach]

Is Mike Bush 100% coming back?

I hope he doesn't. That would mean some crazy team is going to give up their 1st and 3rd round picks. Be glad to take that ransom.So yes, he's 100% coming back, to answer your question.

Oakland could trade him and save some cap room if someone wanted him bad enough. I think they should offer him to Jax straight up for Zach Miller 2.0 but that's just me.

 

[elbowrm]

Aaaaand here we go again - out 2 weeks with a fractured orbital bone-

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/04/darren-mcfadden-out-two-weeks-with-fractured-orbital-bone/

 

[tdhartis]

Aaaaand here we go again - out 2 weeks with a fractured orbital bone- http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/04/darren-mcfadden-out-two-weeks-with-fractured-orbital-bone/

 

[cvnpoka]

this is great news for mcfadden fans as it greatly decreases his chances of exacerbating his turf toe.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I've recently become intrigued by McFadden. While alot of people seems to be limiting his ceiling due to the presence of Bush, I'll point out that in the 11 games that McFadden/Bush played together in during 2010, their carry distribution was:

McFadden: 175

Bush: 81

...while this is not overwhelmingly in McFadden's favor, it's a 2.16:1 ratio and would have put McFadden on pace for 254 carries. Using the same logic, it would also have given McFadden 57 receptions. So 311 touches with a presence like Bush in the backfield sharing some portion of the workload should not scare people away from McFadden.

Staying healthy: This is something that McFadden has yet to prove and should be considered when drafting him. If you are looking at him at the end of Rd. 1/early Rd. 2, you should probably be prepared to draft 2 more RB's in the next 4 rounds. As much as I like McFadden's upside, his ability to stay healthy, in addition to his ability to play while nicked up is still a question mark. He put some of those concerns to rest last season, showing a toughness in running style, he didn't in his first two seasons. But on this point, I'm not completely sold.

As far as his production, McFadden averaged a 20 yard run on 6.23% of his carries, good for 3rd in the NFL behind Michael Vick & Brandon Jacobs (Ahmad Bradshaw was 6th though...). For RB's with at least 200 carries, this pace was better than any RB in the last 9 seasons. So the question you have to ask yourself is "is he THAT elite? Or was this an aberration?"

McFadden has as good of a pedigree as you could hope for in terms of how people viewed his talent coming into the NFL. He started to put that together last year and is the exact type of RB you can build your offense around. Think about this:

McFadden is a #4 overall pick in 2008

Arian Foster is an undrafted free agent in 2009...both had their breakout years in 2010.

McFadden's breakout year included a 5.2 YPC and 10.8 YPR

Foster's breakout year included a 4.9 YPC and a 9.2 YPR

Usually in FF, the trend I notice is that when all things are equal, we will look to pedigree as a tie-breaker of sorts. How a player was viewed coming into the league still holds some weight. However, according to FF Calculator.

McFadden: 12th overall selection; 9th overall RB

Foster: 2nd overall selection; 2nd overall RB

Perhaps their situations are different...Foster had 393 touches last year, McFadden's were more than 100 less (in 3 fewer games). But as noted above - only 5 fewer/game than Foster. And Foster has last years 2nd round pick, Ben Tate, who Texans seem to like (much better than Slaton anyway). Foster is still the horse, but I could seen those touch numbers going down at least 10% in the interest of conservation. Especially given his revelation of playing with a torn meniscus.

Anyway - I like McFadden and given how he played last year, I'm surprised that he's not cracked the top half of Round 1. He isn't without risk, but his upside is as good as any RB in the NFL.

Prediction: 276 Rushes, 1344 Rushing Yards, 9 TD's - 55 Receptions, 490 Receiving Yards, 2 TD's.

 

[Bayhawks]

I've recently become intrigued by McFadden. While alot of people seems to be limiting his ceiling due to the presence of Bush, I'll point out that in the 11 games that McFadden/Bush played together in during 2010, their carry distribution was:

McFadden: 175

Bush: 81

...while this is not overwhelmingly in McFadden's favor, it's a 2.16:1 ratio and would have put McFadden on pace for 254 carries. Using the same logic, it would also have given McFadden 57 receptions. So 311 touches with a presence like Bush in the backfield sharing some portion of the workload should not scare people away from McFadden.

Staying healthy: This is something that McFadden has yet to prove and should be considered when drafting him. If you are looking at him at the end of Rd. 1/early Rd. 2, you should probably be prepared to draft 2 more RB's in the next 4 rounds. As much as I like McFadden's upside, his ability to stay healthy, in addition to his ability to play while nicked up is still a question mark. He put some of those concerns to rest last season, showing a toughness in running style, he didn't in his first two seasons. But on this point, I'm not completely sold.

As far as his production, McFadden averaged a 20 yard run on 6.23% of his carries, good for 3rd in the NFL behind Michael Vick & Brandon Jacobs (Ahmad Bradshaw was 6th though...). For RB's with at least 200 carries, this pace was better than any RB in the last 9 seasons. So the question you have to ask yourself is "is he THAT elite? Or was this an aberration?"

McFadden has as good of a pedigree as you could hope for in terms of how people viewed his talent coming into the NFL. He started to put that together last year and is the exact type of RB you can build your offense around. Think about this:

McFadden is a #4 overall pick in 2008

Arian Foster is an undrafted free agent in 2009...both had their breakout years in 2010.

McFadden's breakout year included a 5.2 YPC and 10.8 YPR

Foster's breakout year included a 4.9 YPC and a 9.2 YPR

Usually in FF, the trend I notice is that when all things are equal, we will look to pedigree as a tie-breaker of sorts. How a player was viewed coming into the league still holds some weight. However, according to FF Calculator.

McFadden: 12th overall selection; 9th overall RB

Foster: 2nd overall selection; 2nd overall RB

Perhaps their situations are different...Foster had 393 touches last year, McFadden's were more than 100 less (in 3 fewer games). But as noted above - only 5 fewer/game than Foster. And Foster has last years 2nd round pick, Ben Tate, who Texans seem to like (much better than Slaton anyway). Foster is still the horse, but I could seen those touch numbers going down at least 10% in the interest of conservation. Especially given his revelation of playing with a torn meniscus.

Anyway - I like McFadden and given how he played last year, I'm surprised that he's not cracked the top half of Round 1. He isn't without risk, but his upside is as good as any RB in the NFL.

Prediction: 276 Rushes, 1344 Rushing Yards, 9 TD's - 55 Receptions, 490 Receiving Yards, 2 TD's.

I'm assuming those projections are based on him playing fully, in all 16 games, correct? If so, I think they are pretty good. The problem with McFadden, is that he has shown a tendency to get nicked up. The other problem is that Bush is a very capable back-up, and makes it more likely that if McFadden gets dinged, he may get "eased" back into a full workload, for a game or two. If you assume that McFadden misses 2 games, and is limited in 2 others (one where he gets hurt, and one in the game after he returns), you have, essentially, 3 missed games. That would equal about 51 carries, almost 250 rushing yards, 10 receptions, almost 90 receiving yards, and 2 less total TDs (based on TD/touch ratio). So if you try to account for his injury risk/history, you get 270 touches instead of 332, 1500 total yards instead of 1800+, and 9 TDs instead of 11. Still good numbers, but that is probably why Foster is going in the top few picks, while McFadden is going at the end of Rd 1, beginning of Rd 2.