Not true about DMAC getting garbage stats in week one. The runs were not in trash time. Someone claims the Raiders "Destroyed" the Rams by 2 whole points? What? Please explain?McFadden is running with great vision and power and is bulldozing defenders left and right. He is showing some outstanding cutback ability and gets better as the game goes into the 4th quarter. Not going to trash Bush, who I really liked, but you are seriously miscalculating McFadden’s growth in his 3rd (and I would add, “breakout”) season. He is the best receiver on the Raiders, tough as nails, and I don’t see what expanded role that Bush would have if all things stay the same. I could see Bush get more GL looks and that isn’t any real news since McFadden only has one TD so far. McFadden is proving the doubters wrong, and I count myself as one of them. I am a McFadden owner who couldn’t help passing on him in the 10th round, and I think it’s a good time to buy low on M. Bush. He would solidify an incredibly effective ground game. Going forward, I plan on using McFadden as my RB #3, behind Peterson and Best. Some other random related notes: McFadden was 10/38 at halftime with Jason Campbell as an incredibly predictable checkdown passing game. When Bruce Gradkowski came into the game in the 2nd half, and pressed the defense with downfield passes (with Louis Murphy and Darius Heyward Bey), the offense really opened up. No longer could they stack the box, and the corresponding 2nd half stat line for McFadden looked like this: 20/107.
Not to veer off topic, but when does the Gradkowski era begin and would you agree that he's an improvement over Campbell? I agree with the thought that Gradkowski helps the offense and it's a matter of time before he is given his shot. That said, management brought in Campbell and I'm sure they want to give him a shot to prove themselves right...I'm just curious - are you predicting a Ray Rice / McGahee type of breakdown once Bush returns? NOT comparing value/production, just roles.
Oh, I have catalogued a group of postings vehemently supporting the change of QB move from JC to Grads in the Raider thread. If you want to know ad nausea details, go check that thread. I think that Grads is what this team needs, and it wont go far without him. I am skeptical if the Raiders shaky O line can keep him upright for the next 14 games. That’s why it is vital to keep JC’s focus and his head in the game. We are going to need him to get back in there on a moment’s notice. To be fair, he is new and is getting acclimated with his umpteenth offensive coordinator, so it’s a learning curve even for a vet. But observing him, I see that it’s a matter of game speed. He is too slow out of the snap to recognize and react. After his primary and secondary targets are covered, he gets happy feet or throws the ball away. He is easily solved by hounding defensive schemes. He can’t put pressure downfield so the defense cheats toward the LOS. Still, he’s needed as a capable backup, and he might develop…but he needs to ride the pine and learn. Game speed of the NFL is like 90 mph, Grads plays at 100 mph, and Campbell plays at 60 mph. It’s night and day.But to your question comparing the situation to Rice/McGahee…I think that Bush is a lot more talented than McGahee, although not as good a GL back. It all really depends on the QB play, and if it stays Grads as the starter, I think next week’s game at Arizona is a must start for McFadden owners.
I guess an injury could always happen, but it doesn't look good for Bush. The only thing keeping him on my roster now is that there's isn't a compelling alternative on my waiver wire.
I guess an injury could always happen, but it doesn't look good for Bush. The only thing keeping him on my roster now is that there's isn't a compelling alternative on my waiver wire.
