Player Spotlight: Darren McFadden (1 Viewer)

[cstu]

10 combined TDs plus 2 more TDs passing

I don't think your numbers are overly unreasonable but 2 passing td's???

He did that a lot in college, weird thing to project though.

14/22 - 205 yards - 7 TD/1 INT at AKWhile I doubt Oak brings out the Wild Hog formation, I'm pretty confident he will throw the ball this year. The halfback-pass is a great play to get a big play from if you've got a back that can execute it.

I think the odds are pretty good that he throws a TD this year, but projecting 2 is a little much. LT is a very good passer and he's only thrown 7 TD's in 7 years. I like the halfback pass play but it's a little much to expect a rookie to do it twice.

 

[sholditch]

For a guy with as impressive a resume as McFadden has there really seems to be an awful high amount of detractors around. We're talking about a prospect who put up elite numbers from the 1st moment he step onto a college football field in the best conference in the land. A guy who was graded by nearly every scout as a can't miss and no worse than #2 overall talent in the NFL draft.

...yet wasn't as hyped as Bush. So?

He finds himself fortunate enough to be drafted by a team that is not only committed to running the football, but has proven success with average at best talent doing so.

??? OAK has traditionally been a vertical passing game type team, not a "smashmouth" PIT type. And RB performance by OAK RBs has been traditionally spotty. Yeah Fargas did well last year - and they have so much confidence in him doing it again they spent their top pick on McFadden. You can't be serious using the team as a justification of why he'll do well-?

Furthermore, this team seems open and optimistic about moving McFadden all over the field to better capitalize on his immense abilities.

Coachspeak is cheap and totally irrelevant.

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, he is already signed sealed and delivered.

That's nice but IMO not all that big of a deal for RBs - far more so for QBs and such.

1. He did it for three years in a conference that is heads and shoulders above every other conference. Bush did it for one year in a complete joke of a conference, on the only team really worth a crap in that conference. Do some homework for crissakes.2. 6th in rushing last year with the addition of a OC known for improving running games.

3. ...when it doesn't back up your argument

4. Right, tell that to Cedric Benson, or Reggie Bush. It's very important for their rookie year, especially if they have signifcant competition.

 

[BigRed]

For a guy with as impressive a resume as McFadden has there really seems to be an awful high amount of detractors around. We're talking about a prospect who put up elite numbers from the 1st moment he step onto a college football field in the best conference in the land. A guy who was graded by nearly every scout as a can't miss and no worse than #2 overall talent in the NFL draft.

...yet wasn't as hyped as Bush. So?

He finds himself fortunate enough to be drafted by a team that is not only committed to running the football, but has proven success with average at best talent doing so.

??? OAK has traditionally been a vertical passing game type team, not a "smashmouth" PIT type. And RB performance by OAK RBs has been traditionally spotty. Yeah Fargas did well last year - and they have so much confidence in him doing it again they spent their top pick on McFadden. You can't be serious using the team as a justification of why he'll do well-?

Furthermore, this team seems open and optimistic about moving McFadden all over the field to better capitalize on his immense abilities.

Coachspeak is cheap and totally irrelevant.

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, he is already signed sealed and delivered.

That's nice but IMO not all that big of a deal for RBs - far more so for QBs and such.

1. He did it for three years in a conference that is heads and shoulders above every other conference. Bush did it for one year in a complete joke of a conference, on the only team really worth a crap in that conference. Do some homework for crissakes.2. 6th in rushing last year with the addition of a OC known for improving running games.

3. ...when it doesn't back up your argument

4. Right, tell that to Cedric Benson, or Reggie Bush. It's very important for their rookie year, especially if they have signifcant competition.

1 - Conference homerism aside, it's still college. I could provide other examples if it makes you happy, but would have hoped that point was obvious.2 - You said OAK had "proven success with average at best talent doing so." If all you mean is last year, yeah. I thought you were talking in general.

3 - No, whether it "backs up my argument" or not. lol @ not getting that.

4 - Yeah Benson sucking and Bush being unable to be a between-the-tackles guy was due to holding out; good point. PS you sure went from "average talent" to "signifcant competition" pretty fast.



Drool over McFadden all you want but he's no lock to be another AP. Get over it.

 

[Burning Sensation]

For a guy with as impressive a resume as McFadden has there really seems to be an awful high amount of detractors around. We're talking about a prospect who put up elite numbers from the 1st moment he step onto a college football field in the best conference in the land. A guy who was graded by nearly every scout as a can't miss and no worse than #2 overall talent in the NFL draft.

...yet wasn't as hyped as Bush. So?

He finds himself fortunate enough to be drafted by a team that is not only committed to running the football, but has proven success with average at best talent doing so.

??? OAK has traditionally been a vertical passing game type team, not a "smashmouth" PIT type. And RB performance by OAK RBs has been traditionally spotty. Yeah Fargas did well last year - and they have so much confidence in him doing it again they spent their top pick on McFadden. You can't be serious using the team as a justification of why he'll do well-?

Furthermore, this team seems open and optimistic about moving McFadden all over the field to better capitalize on his immense abilities.

Coachspeak is cheap and totally irrelevant.

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, he is already signed sealed and delivered.

That's nice but IMO not all that big of a deal for RBs - far more so for QBs and such.

1. He did it for three years in a conference that is heads and shoulders above every other conference. Bush did it for one year in a complete joke of a conference, on the only team really worth a crap in that conference. Do some homework for crissakes.2. 6th in rushing last year with the addition of a OC known for improving running games.

3. ...when it doesn't back up your argument

4. Right, tell that to Cedric Benson, or Reggie Bush. It's very important for their rookie year, especially if they have signifcant competition.

1 - Conference homerism aside, it's still college. I could provide other examples if it makes you happy, but would have hoped that point was obvious.2 - Not hard to rack up some garbage yards when you're behind a lot. Cmon, Fargas?

3 - No, whether it "backs up my argument" or not. lol @ not getting that.

4 - Yeah Benson sucking and Bush being unable to be a between-the-tackles guy was due to holding out; good point.



Drool over McFadden all you want but he's no lock to be another AP. Get over it.

Who is arguing that he is?

 

[cstu]

Drool over McFadden all you want but he's no lock to be another AP. Get over it.

Who is arguing that he is?

It seems McFadden is stuck with the "Peterson Curse", meaning every highly talented RB will have "he's no AP" thrown at him. Just to make it clear, NO ONE thinks *anyone* will be another AP. However, is he another Marshawn Lynch? I think he's at least that good.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Drool over McFadden all you want but he's no lock to be another AP. Get over it.

Who is arguing that he is?

It seems McFadden is stuck with the "Peterson Curse", meaning every highly talented RB will have "he's no AP" thrown at him. Just to make it clear, NO ONE thinks *anyone* will be another AP. However, is he another Marshawn Lynch? I think he's at least that good.

I have experienced this countless times on this board. I have argued for Mcfadden, and right away people are telling me he is no Peterson. I dont get it, do people think it makes them sound smart to point out the obvious?

 

[sholditch]

For a guy with as impressive a resume as McFadden has there really seems to be an awful high amount of detractors around. We're talking about a prospect who put up elite numbers from the 1st moment he step onto a college football field in the best conference in the land. A guy who was graded by nearly every scout as a can't miss and no worse than #2 overall talent in the NFL draft.

...yet wasn't as hyped as Bush. So?

He finds himself fortunate enough to be drafted by a team that is not only committed to running the football, but has proven success with average at best talent doing so.

??? OAK has traditionally been a vertical passing game type team, not a "smashmouth" PIT type. And RB performance by OAK RBs has been traditionally spotty. Yeah Fargas did well last year - and they have so much confidence in him doing it again they spent their top pick on McFadden. You can't be serious using the team as a justification of why he'll do well-?

Furthermore, this team seems open and optimistic about moving McFadden all over the field to better capitalize on his immense abilities.

Coachspeak is cheap and totally irrelevant.

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, he is already signed sealed and delivered.

That's nice but IMO not all that big of a deal for RBs - far more so for QBs and such.

1. He did it for three years in a conference that is heads and shoulders above every other conference. Bush did it for one year in a complete joke of a conference, on the only team really worth a crap in that conference. Do some homework for crissakes.2. 6th in rushing last year with the addition of a OC known for improving running games.

3. ...when it doesn't back up your argument

4. Right, tell that to Cedric Benson, or Reggie Bush. It's very important for their rookie year, especially if they have signifcant competition.

1 - Conference homerism aside, it's still college. I could provide other examples if it makes you happy, but would have hoped that point was obvious.2 - You said OAK had "proven success with average at best talent doing so." If all you mean is last year, yeah. I thought you were talking in general.

3 - No, whether it "backs up my argument" or not. lol @ not getting that.

4 - Yeah Benson sucking and Bush being unable to be a between-the-tackles guy was due to holding out; good point. PS you sure went from "average talent" to "signifcant competition" pretty fast.



Drool over McFadden all you want but he's no lock to be another AP. Get over it.

2nd overall, 4th overall, both suck. No one is ever a lock to be anything. It's all feeling. Pac 10 and SEC are not even in remotely the same class defensively. Neither are NFL class, but on is 100 miles away and one is 10,000 miles away. Also, I didn't make those arguments, but sixth in rushing is nothing to scoff at, especially given the meager talent at RB.None of us ever know if a back will pan out in the NFL, and Bush's ypc proves that. But we can look at some factors:

Consistency

Strength of collegiate opponents

Whether teams gameplanned against them

Overall success

Opinion of NFL scouts/talent evaluators

If you go back and check just the college numbers, McFadden beats the snot outta Bush and AP's COLLEGE NUMBERS in all those cats. Check the McFadden in a redraft thread for a more complete breakdown using their numbers.

 

[IndyHavoc]

Ok, got a chance to fly through the NFL replay of the Oak v SF preseason#1 game. McFadden runs hard, runs fast, has good lean. But I swear the kid NEVER even looks at his blocks/gaps/LBs filling or pursuing. He just puts his head down and runs as fast as humanly possible toward the line of scrimage (or edge if by design). It's funny, because the guys calling the game just seemed to be heaping praise on him. I didn't see it, or "it" if you'd prefer.

I'll keep my eye on him, but with his top-heavy build there's no way he can continue to run with next-to-NO lateral movement, or vision to slide in the hole like he did vs. the Niners. I'd rate the Niners 1st and 2nd D squad as pretty average, maybe a smidge above average vs. the run. Anyone disagree with that? We'll see how he does when he plays a top rush D, and alternately vs. a weak rush D. Gun-to-my-head prediction is that if given the opps vs. a weak rush D he can put up eye-popping stats. Alternatively I think he will put up absolutely abysmal # vs a tough rush D. All this is based off this first preseason game, and it's definitely possible he was just nervous and shut down any "smarts" and went 100% autopilot just to prove he could run hard....cuz he certainly did that.

Other's thoughts?

 

[LawFitz]

Ok, got a chance to fly through the NFL replay of the Oak v SF preseason#1 game. McFadden runs hard, runs fast, has good lean. But I swear the kid NEVER even looks at his blocks/gaps/LBs filling or pursuing. He just puts his head down and runs as fast as humanly possible toward the line of scrimage (or edge if by design). It's funny, because the guys calling the game just seemed to be heaping praise on him. I didn't see it, or "it" if you'd prefer.I'll keep my eye on him, but with his top-heavy build there's no way he can continue to run with next-to-NO lateral movement, or vision to slide in the hole like he did vs. the Niners. I'd rate the Niners 1st and 2nd D squad as pretty average, maybe a smidge above average vs. the run. Anyone disagree with that? We'll see how he does when he plays a top rush D, and alternately vs. a weak rush D. Gun-to-my-head prediction is that if given the opps vs. a weak rush D he can put up eye-popping stats. Alternatively I think he will put up absolutely abysmal # vs a tough rush D. All this is based off this first preseason game, and it's definitely possible he was just nervous and shut down any "smarts" and went 100% autopilot just to prove he could run hard....cuz he certainly did that.Other's thoughts?

I'd say that's a pretty good observation about that single performance but keep in mind that Kiffin is just slowly unshackling this kid's talents. Did you notice that he wasn't once featured in the passing game? I don't think this was by accident. He wants DMac to practice individual responsibilities without throwing too much at him. And I'd say as far as running hard between the tackles he showed that he's willing and able to do that.Next step will be screens and plays with Fargas or Bush (both of whom looked good) in the backfield with DMac in the slot. I see a MJD- or Reggie Bush-like approach to DMac from Kiffin except for the goal line carries. Let his other two effective bruisers bear the brunt of the D's they face while finding mismatches all over the place for DMac... Including mismatches as a passer.Of course if DMac proves that he is leaps and bounds above the other two, or if injuries occur he could even take a huge role. It's hard to keep talent off the field no matter how much you want to when games are on the line. Of course it's way to early to tell how this will unfold based on just one preseason game.

 

[I Am Rick James]

I agree with most of the above. He definitely seemed nervous and unpolished. Kid is only 20, can't even have a drink to calm his nerves.

 

[sholditch]

Ok, got a chance to fly through the NFL replay of the Oak v SF preseason#1 game. McFadden runs hard, runs fast, has good lean. But I swear the kid NEVER even looks at his blocks/gaps/LBs filling or pursuing. He just puts his head down and runs as fast as humanly possible toward the line of scrimage (or edge if by design). It's funny, because the guys calling the game just seemed to be heaping praise on him. I didn't see it, or "it" if you'd prefer.

I'll keep my eye on him, but with his top-heavy build there's no way he can continue to run with next-to-NO lateral movement, or vision to slide in the hole like he did vs. the Niners. I'd rate the Niners 1st and 2nd D squad as pretty average, maybe a smidge above average vs. the run. Anyone disagree with that? We'll see how he does when he plays a top rush D, and alternately vs. a weak rush D. Gun-to-my-head prediction is that if given the opps vs. a weak rush D he can put up eye-popping stats. Alternatively I think he will put up absolutely abysmal # vs a tough rush D. All this is based off this first preseason game, and it's definitely possible he was just nervous and shut down any "smarts" and went 100% autopilot just to prove he could run hard....cuz he certainly did that.

Other's thoughts?

Wow, this kid absolutely CAN NOT win with the crowd on this board. Before this game, the knock on him was that his game was all lateral movement, ie running outside and beating people with his speed. IN the preseason game he runs exclusively between the tackles and averages 4.0 ypc on his first action and he gets knocked for having no lateral movement. He hits the holes and keeps churning after contact, and despite hitting the holes he gets knocked for not "seeing" the holes he hit.

 

[sholditch]

Ok, got a chance to fly through the NFL replay of the Oak v SF preseason#1 game. McFadden runs hard, runs fast, has good lean. But I swear the kid NEVER even looks at his blocks/gaps/LBs filling or pursuing. He just puts his head down and runs as fast as humanly possible toward the line of scrimage (or edge if by design). It's funny, because the guys calling the game just seemed to be heaping praise on him. I didn't see it, or "it" if you'd prefer.

I'll keep my eye on him, but with his top-heavy build there's no way he can continue to run with next-to-NO lateral movement, or vision to slide in the hole like he did vs. the Niners. I'd rate the Niners 1st and 2nd D squad as pretty average, maybe a smidge above average vs. the run. Anyone disagree with that? We'll see how he does when he plays a top rush D, and alternately vs. a weak rush D. Gun-to-my-head prediction is that if given the opps vs. a weak rush D he can put up eye-popping stats. Alternatively I think he will put up absolutely abysmal # vs a tough rush D. All this is based off this first preseason game, and it's definitely possible he was just nervous and shut down any "smarts" and went 100% autopilot just to prove he could run hard....cuz he certainly did that.

Other's thoughts?

I'd say that's a pretty good observation about that single performance but keep in mind that Kiffin is just slowly unshackling this kid's talents. Did you notice that he wasn't once featured in the passing game? I don't think this was by accident. He wants DMac to practice individual responsibilities without throwing too much at him. And I'd say as far as running hard between the tackles he showed that he's willing and able to do that.Next step will be screens and plays with Fargas or Bush (both of whom looked good) in the backfield with DMac in the slot. I see a MJD- or Reggie Bush-like approach to DMac from Kiffin except for the goal line carries. Let his other two effective bruisers bear the brunt of the D's they face while finding mismatches all over the place for DMac... Including mismatches as a passer.

Of course if DMac proves that he is leaps and bounds above the other two, or if injuries occur he could even take a huge role. It's hard to keep talent off the field no matter how much you want to when games are on the line. Of course it's way to early to tell how this will unfold based on just one preseason game.

What have you read, anywhere, that suggests Kiffin or anyone else wants to keep him off the field? I can point to about a dozen articles that state the exact opposite. What would please you guys? Seriously? If he had run into the holes while "seeing them" he would be kn0ocked for not getting his head down and his pad level low.

 

[EBF]

Ok, got a chance to fly through the NFL replay of the Oak v SF preseason#1 game. McFadden runs hard, runs fast, has good lean. But I swear the kid NEVER even looks at his blocks/gaps/LBs filling or pursuing. He just puts his head down and runs as fast as humanly possible toward the line of scrimage (or edge if by design). It's funny, because the guys calling the game just seemed to be heaping praise on him. I didn't see it, or "it" if you'd prefer.

I'll keep my eye on him, but with his top-heavy build there's no way he can continue to run with next-to-NO lateral movement, or vision to slide in the hole like he did vs. the Niners. I'd rate the Niners 1st and 2nd D squad as pretty average, maybe a smidge above average vs. the run. Anyone disagree with that? We'll see how he does when he plays a top rush D, and alternately vs. a weak rush D. Gun-to-my-head prediction is that if given the opps vs. a weak rush D he can put up eye-popping stats. Alternatively I think he will put up absolutely abysmal # vs a tough rush D. All this is based off this first preseason game, and it's definitely possible he was just nervous and shut down any "smarts" and went 100% autopilot just to prove he could run hard....cuz he certainly did that.

Other's thoughts?

Wow, this kid absolutely CAN NOT win with the crowd on this board. Before this game, the knock on him was that his game was all lateral movement, ie running outside and beating people with his speed. IN the preseason game he runs exclusively between the tackles and averages 4.0 ypc on his first action and he gets knocked for having no lateral movement. He hits the holes and keeps churning after contact, and despite hitting the holes he gets knocked for not "seeing" the holes he hit.

The knock on him is that he's a straight line runner with limited power. That's basically what he looked like during the game. That said, we need to see a lot more of him before we can definitively say what he is or isn't. Anyone expecting people to radically change their views on a player based on 12 preseason carries probably isn't being reasonable.

 

[sholditch]

you know as well as I do that everyone down on him was saying that he couldn't run between the tackles and that all he had was outside speed. So what, he runs a straight line to the sideline?

Sorry, but your credibility on this issue is really becoming suspect. It's one thing to be down on him for one reason or the other, but at least stick to those reasons. What I, the announcers, and basically everyone else saw during the game was a back that ran up the middle for positive yardage on every play. HE broke tackles and even managed to push forward after contact. If I thought it would do any good I would link you to the highlights that clearly show this but it's obvious you are seeing what you want to see.

 

[EBF]

you know as well as I do that everyone down on him was saying that he couldn't run between the tackles and that all he had was outside speed. So what, he runs a straight line to the sideline?

Sorry, but your credibility on this issue is really becoming suspect. It's one thing to be down on him for one reason or the other, but at least stick to those reasons. What I, the announcers, and basically everyone else saw during the game was a back that ran up the middle for positive yardage on every play. HE broke tackles and even managed to push forward after contact. If I thought it would do any good I would link you to the highlights that clearly show this but it's obvious you are seeing what you want to see.

I think you're making more of his runs that what's on the tape. http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d809de0b4

I don't see him "breaking tackles" or showing a lot of power. He does a nice job of keeping his feet moving, but he doesn't really push the pile and he's taken down by the first tackler on all of those runs. The closest thing I see to a powerful run is the play starting at about 0:16. It's hard for me to see exactly what's going on, but it looks like he either knocks down a stationary defender who's being blocked or knocks down one of his own linemen. He shows a willingness to be physical, but that's something we've always known about him. What I don't see in any of these clips is exceptional inside running or power. I don't think it's reasonable to expect people to be swayed by this set of runs. There's nothing really exceptional or definitive in those clips.

 

[IndyHavoc]

Shold, no one is saying he didn't run hard. Honestly I haven't followed all the board spin on the guy (other than the somewhat comedic "chicken legs" blah routine). What I'm trying to follow here is my concern from preseason week 1. If you didn't notice that he would take the handoff and run a straight line into the planned gap, never once looking up or watching/reading the movement/pursuit....well, maybe watch it again?? Again, I'm not condemning him, this was the very first week/game action. The guy was probably told to do EXACTLY what he did (as LawFitz pointed out)....and he did it well. He ran with much more conviction and force than I expected.

Again, not sure who you were reading, but as for myself I'm pretty sure that I've always said that he seemed to have very little "wiggle" or ability to NOT take a full hit when confronted by a good open field tackler. THAT criticism absolutely DID show itself.

I don't think EBF has been over-the-top with the criticism at all. If anything, I think the defense of the guy strikes as a bit over-the-top.

 

[sholditch]

If you had followed the board spin as I have you would have heard lots of people saying he couldn't run hard, and more specifically be anything but a stretch-the-field COP back that would just be used in the passing game and on stretch plays. Anyway, here are my notes:

1st run :09-:11

94 hits him before the five-yard hash and the play ends over 1 yards across it. +1 yard after contact. Head up until after he has hit the hole and is expecting contact.

2nd run :18-:23

hit at the 38 (92) and again at the 41, brought down on second contact by 52

3rd run :30-

Runs well to the outside following lead blocker, hit at 50 (38), goes down on 51

4th run :45-:51

Runs straight up the middle in a good hole, hit after five and goes down 2 yards after contact

5th run :54

Up the middle again, hit about the 39 and goes down about the 36, pushing the pile

This is what I saw. I don't expect it to change anyone's mind but I do think that no matter what he does people will come up with reasons why it wasn't any good or what's wrong with his running, and why he can't/won't be a force in the NFL.

 

[IndyHavoc]

Thanks for the notes. I guess I agree and I'm sure there will be people on either side of nearly every player that just will NOT have their opinions changed. Just know I'm not one of them. Just wanted to get some more discussion/eyes back on someoen that could very well be a huge "swing" player for anyone drafting him this season. I'm hoping he's awesome, because I think I can get him at value in a "free rookie keeper" league I'm in. BUT, I've got to see more vision and feel from him than he showed on his first chance.

 

[Dodge]

I didn't get time to check out this game, how was the Raider's 1st string O-line?

 

[sholditch]

Thanks for the notes. I guess I agree and I'm sure there will be people on either side of nearly every player that just will NOT have their opinions changed. Just know I'm not one of them. Just wanted to get some more discussion/eyes back on someoen that could very well be a huge "swing" player for anyone drafting him this season. I'm hoping he's awesome, because I think I can get him at value in a "free rookie keeper" league I'm in. BUT, I've got to see more vision and feel from him than he showed on his first chance.

If you go back and look you will see that he has his helmet up looking at the field until he gets into the thick of it, when he puts his head down to lower his pad level for contact. Anyway, we've got three more preseason games to figure it out.

 

[LawFitz]

I didn't get time to check out this game, how was the Raider's 1st string O-line?

Their run blocking was excellent. Their pass blocking average.

 

[IndyHavoc]

OK, didn't do a slow eval look at the 2nd game, but did a quick "fan" once over. He looked MUCH better to me. He had several runs with the slight lateral movement/shift in the hole. He bounced off and broke several weaker tackles and picked up nice yardage after. Seriously looked like a different guy to me....a much better RB. Going back to my notes, I'm seriously wondering if they asked him to run hard and right at the hole in the first game.

Anyone else want to share crib notes from game #2. I thought all the Raiders RB's looked great, but McFadden looked the best. I'll give the game another closer look after I get through the once overs from all the NFLN Replays.

 

[sholditch]

Sure. Glad you have seen the light.

First, I wanna say I was amazed by Russell. He showed much better poise than I anticipated and looks like he could throw a 30-yard pass with a flick of the wrist. He needs to learn some touch, but I am feeling much better about him.

RBs: I agree with everything you said about McFadden. Of course, I wasn't seeing anything new, just confirmations of everything I have beleived about the kid since his freshman year. What did surprise me a little was how much better he looked than Fargas and Bush. Fargas looked absolutely average and I find myself wondering how he ever amassed 1k yards last year. Bush looks like a competent short-yardage back but nothing close to what Bus was, meaning he has the build and the nose but I could see him getting stuffed easily just because he seems so one-dimensional. Basically, if he goes in, opposing DCs know to stack the middle and ignore the outside since he doesn't have the speed to beat anyone. I think Fargas might start week 1 but I'll be very surprised if he starts week 3. Once the season starts it will be very apparent where all the talent lies.

As I said, McFadden displayed the speed, vision, decisiveness, and toughness I have come to expect. His decisiveness is one thing that really gets lost in the shuffle: he sees a hole and hits it, no dancing or stutter steps. Some people try to turn this into a fault, saying he has no moves, but anyone who looks at his runs with an unbiased eye knows what a load that is. As I said before, I'm glad he doesn't have all the fancy little creampuff moves, because when backs like Bush are dancing trying to make people miss, he's already through the hole and gaining positive yards. He also continued to impress on his pass-protection and blitz pickups. If he is already that good in preseason there is no doubt in my mind he will be an every-down back by week 3.

 

[jurb26]

Sure. Glad you have seen the light.First, I wanna say I was amazed by Russell. He showed much better poise than I anticipated and looks like he could throw a 30-yard pass with a flick of the wrist. He needs to learn some touch, but I am feeling much better about him.RBs: I agree with everything you said about McFadden. Of course, I wasn't seeing anything new, just confirmations of everything I have beleived about the kid since his freshman year. What did surprise me a little was how much better he looked than Fargas and Bush. Fargas looked absolutely average and I find myself wondering how he ever amassed 1k yards last year. Bush looks like a competent short-yardage back but nothing close to what Bus was, meaning he has the build and the nose but I could see him getting stuffed easily just because he seems so one-dimensional. Basically, if he goes in, opposing DCs know to stack the middle and ignore the outside since he doesn't have the speed to beat anyone. I think Fargas might start week 1 but I'll be very surprised if he starts week 3. Once the season starts it will be very apparent where all the talent lies.As I said, McFadden displayed the speed, vision, decisiveness, and toughness I have come to expect. His decisiveness is one thing that really gets lost in the shuffle: he sees a hole and hits it, no dancing or stutter steps. Some people try to turn this into a fault, saying he has no moves, but anyone who looks at his runs with an unbiased eye knows what a load that is. As I said before, I'm glad he doesn't have all the fancy little creampuff moves, because when backs like Bush are dancing trying to make people miss, he's already through the hole and gaining positive yards. He also continued to impress on his pass-protection and blitz pickups. If he is already that good in preseason there is no doubt in my mind he will be an every-down back by week 3.

What was most impressive to me about McFadden was his great pass blocking. I noticed 2 particular occasions where he read the blitz and one time stoned the LB in his tracks and the other time (off PA) cartwheeled the blitzer to the ground. Like you, the other stuff was nothing but further confirmation of what I've believe this kid was capable of for years. Being able to come in and pass block like that is a very good sign for his PT IMO. Looks like signing early and getting to the off-season camps helped. I just hope it becomes a consistent thing. More complex blitz packages may confuse him still.

 

[Qtip Callahan]

Sure. Glad you have seen the light.First, I wanna say I was amazed by Russell. He showed much better poise than I anticipated and looks like he could throw a 30-yard pass with a flick of the wrist. He needs to learn some touch, but I am feeling much better about him.RBs: I agree with everything you said about McFadden. Of course, I wasn't seeing anything new, just confirmations of everything I have beleived about the kid since his freshman year. What did surprise me a little was how much better he looked than Fargas and Bush. Fargas looked absolutely average and I find myself wondering how he ever amassed 1k yards last year. Bush looks like a competent short-yardage back but nothing close to what Bus was, meaning he has the build and the nose but I could see him getting stuffed easily just because he seems so one-dimensional. Basically, if he goes in, opposing DCs know to stack the middle and ignore the outside since he doesn't have the speed to beat anyone. I think Fargas might start week 1 but I'll be very surprised if he starts week 3. Once the season starts it will be very apparent where all the talent lies.As I said, McFadden displayed the speed, vision, decisiveness, and toughness I have come to expect. His decisiveness is one thing that really gets lost in the shuffle: he sees a hole and hits it, no dancing or stutter steps. Some people try to turn this into a fault, saying he has no moves, but anyone who looks at his runs with an unbiased eye knows what a load that is. As I said before, I'm glad he doesn't have all the fancy little creampuff moves, because when backs like Bush are dancing trying to make people miss, he's already through the hole and gaining positive yards. He also continued to impress on his pass-protection and blitz pickups. If he is already that good in preseason there is no doubt in my mind he will be an every-down back by week 3.

What was most impressive to me about McFadden was his great pass blocking. I noticed 2 particular occasions where he read the blitz and one time stoned the LB in his tracks and the other time (off PA) cartwheeled the blitzer to the ground. Like you, the other stuff was nothing but further confirmation of what I've believe this kid was capable of for years. Being able to come in and pass block like that is a very good sign for his PT IMO. Looks like signing early and getting to the off-season camps helped. I just hope it becomes a consistent thing. More complex blitz packages may confuse him still.

My two cents on McFadden FWIW after reading this thread. Watched him a lot in college. Not sure why everyone is so hype on his WR skills. That is not something he did a lot of at Arkansas, and I think 30 catches is a pretty reasonable prediction. Yes, he has good hands, but he is not polished at running routes and I don't expect a lot of success for him here, at least immediately. He will run hard and I think he'll be a good between the tackles back. He'll have to learn that he can't run over folks like in college and learn how to conserve energy by not always trying to always overpower defenders.I think he'll be ROY..

 

[One]

Sure. Glad you have seen the light.

First, I wanna say I was amazed by Russell. He showed much better poise than I anticipated and looks like he could throw a 30-yard pass with a flick of the wrist. He needs to learn some touch, but I am feeling much better about him.

RBs: I agree with everything you said about McFadden. Of course, I wasn't seeing anything new, just confirmations of everything I have beleived about the kid since his freshman year. What did surprise me a little was how much better he looked than Fargas and Bush. Fargas looked absolutely average and I find myself wondering how he ever amassed 1k yards last year. Bush looks like a competent short-yardage back but nothing close to what Bus was, meaning he has the build and the nose but I could see him getting stuffed easily just because he seems so one-dimensional. Basically, if he goes in, opposing DCs know to stack the middle and ignore the outside since he doesn't have the speed to beat anyone. I think Fargas might start week 1 but I'll be very surprised if he starts week 3. Once the season starts it will be very apparent where all the talent lies.

As I said, McFadden displayed the speed, vision, decisiveness, and toughness I have come to expect. His decisiveness is one thing that really gets lost in the shuffle: he sees a hole and hits it, no dancing or stutter steps. Some people try to turn this into a fault, saying he has no moves, but anyone who looks at his runs with an unbiased eye knows what a load that is. As I said before, I'm glad he doesn't have all the fancy little creampuff moves, because when backs like Bush are dancing trying to make people miss, he's already through the hole and gaining positive yards. He also continued to impress on his pass-protection and blitz pickups. If he is already that good in preseason there is no doubt in my mind he will be an every-down back by week 3.

What was most impressive to me about McFadden was his great pass blocking. I noticed 2 particular occasions where he read the blitz and one time stoned the LB in his tracks and the other time (off PA) cartwheeled the blitzer to the ground. Like you, the other stuff was nothing but further confirmation of what I've believe this kid was capable of for years. Being able to come in and pass block like that is a very good sign for his PT IMO. Looks like signing early and getting to the off-season camps helped. I just hope it becomes a consistent thing. More complex blitz packages may confuse him still.

My two cents on McFadden FWIW after reading this thread. Watched him a lot in college. Not sure why everyone is so hype on his WR skills. That is not something he did a lot of at Arkansas, and I think 30 catches is a pretty reasonable prediction. Yes, he has good hands, but he is not polished at running routes and I don't expect a lot of success for him here, at least immediately. He will run hard and I think he'll be a good between the tackles back. He'll have to learn that he can't run over folks like in college and learn how to conserve energy by not always trying to always overpower defenders.I think he'll be ROY..

Great point. I never understood the direct comparisons with Reggie Bush.

 

[Vykng]

251 carries (3 fumbles)

1108 yards (4.4 ypc)

10 TDs

36 receptions (3 drops)

304 yards (8.4 ypc)

2 TDs

1-2 passing

14 yards

0 TDs

 

[jurb26]

Sure. Glad you have seen the light.

First, I wanna say I was amazed by Russell. He showed much better poise than I anticipated and looks like he could throw a 30-yard pass with a flick of the wrist. He needs to learn some touch, but I am feeling much better about him.

RBs: I agree with everything you said about McFadden. Of course, I wasn't seeing anything new, just confirmations of everything I have beleived about the kid since his freshman year. What did surprise me a little was how much better he looked than Fargas and Bush. Fargas looked absolutely average and I find myself wondering how he ever amassed 1k yards last year. Bush looks like a competent short-yardage back but nothing close to what Bus was, meaning he has the build and the nose but I could see him getting stuffed easily just because he seems so one-dimensional. Basically, if he goes in, opposing DCs know to stack the middle and ignore the outside since he doesn't have the speed to beat anyone. I think Fargas might start week 1 but I'll be very surprised if he starts week 3. Once the season starts it will be very apparent where all the talent lies.

As I said, McFadden displayed the speed, vision, decisiveness, and toughness I have come to expect. His decisiveness is one thing that really gets lost in the shuffle: he sees a hole and hits it, no dancing or stutter steps. Some people try to turn this into a fault, saying he has no moves, but anyone who looks at his runs with an unbiased eye knows what a load that is. As I said before, I'm glad he doesn't have all the fancy little creampuff moves, because when backs like Bush are dancing trying to make people miss, he's already through the hole and gaining positive yards. He also continued to impress on his pass-protection and blitz pickups. If he is already that good in preseason there is no doubt in my mind he will be an every-down back by week 3.

What was most impressive to me about McFadden was his great pass blocking. I noticed 2 particular occasions where he read the blitz and one time stoned the LB in his tracks and the other time (off PA) cartwheeled the blitzer to the ground. Like you, the other stuff was nothing but further confirmation of what I've believe this kid was capable of for years. Being able to come in and pass block like that is a very good sign for his PT IMO. Looks like signing early and getting to the off-season camps helped. I just hope it becomes a consistent thing. More complex blitz packages may confuse him still.

My two cents on McFadden FWIW after reading this thread. Watched him a lot in college. Not sure why everyone is so hype on his WR skills. That is not something he did a lot of at Arkansas, and I think 30 catches is a pretty reasonable prediction. Yes, he has good hands, but he is not polished at running routes and I don't expect a lot of success for him here, at least immediately. He will run hard and I think he'll be a good between the tackles back. He'll have to learn that he can't run over folks like in college and learn how to conserve energy by not always trying to always overpower defenders.I think he'll be ROY..

Great point. I never understood the direct comparisons with Reggie Bush.

Nobody has ever said that he has receiving skill like Bush. Only that the team has made several indications to the fact that they will involve McFadden in a fashion similar to what Bush has seen. McFadden has more than adequate receiving skills to take advantage of opportunities if they are in fact presented.

 

[big0mar]

Reggie Bush is nothing more than a scatback. McFadden is huge in the upper body. A big knock on him coming out was his lack of size in the lower body, but I think his upper body makes up for it.

I drafted him tonight, he was the 25th RB taken.

 

[EBF]

Reggie Bush is nothing more than a scatback. McFadden is huge in the upper body. A big knock on him coming out was his lack of size in the lower body, but I think his upper body makes up for it.

Do you also feel that way about Bush? He's also ripped in the upper body. He benched pressed 225 pounds 24 times at his pro day. That's 11 more reps than McFadden did this year and only 4 reps less than Joe Thomas did last year.