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Thoughts from the Dark Side
Oakland Raiders: The pros and cons of running with Darren McFadden
D-DAWG has much to live up to in order to justify the Raiders 2008 first round pick
Runningbacks have many responsibilities. They need to follow their blockers on runs, follow routes when asked to be a receiver, make as a good decoy on most plays, and take on defenders when it’s necessary for them to block. It’s a large job, but what makes a runningback a household name is his ability to run. That’s why we’re breaking them down by running ability only. We know that there are other assets that a runningback needs to posses, but we’ll do an overall grade on that at a later date.
While starting this series with the two oldest heads of Ghidorah, we first discussed the pros and cons of Justin Fargas and then Michael Bush. Now we’ll discuss the highly anticipated and greatly hyped Darren McFadden. Is he over-hyped? Only time will tell, but anyone carrying the monikers of DMAC, Run DMC, and D-DAWG amongst others, has much to live up to.
As we’ve stated before, a runningback like Jim Brown or Bo Jackson comes along rarely. There are other great backs that deserve mention when talking about the greatest, but when you can bring size, strength, speed, and agility at those levels you must be considered ‘ideal.’
You may remember that we’re judging only the back’s ability to pound the rock and that all grades are from 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. I’ll begin each section with a reset about what it is that we’re looking for followed by my assessment and grade of each attribute.
ANKLES
“Let’s start from the ground up. You would think that a runningback’s greatest attribute would be his feet, but since that’s pretty much true for every position on the field, let’s just say that feet are negligible, but his footwork isn’t. That footwork really isn’t attributed to feet, but instead the ankles. Players like Marcus Allen, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders had ankles that would help them to practically dislocate the defender’s knees while trying to keep up.
The ankles allow that quick start and stop action that many runners and receivers possess, but the great ones cause defenders to lose their jobs, while the not so great get tackled quickly. A runner that can pull off a juke on a defender is at least a 3 in this attribute, while a back that can do the juke and a spin quickly enough to elude several defenders rates a 5.“
With that being said, I watched a good amount of film on McFadden and was rather shocked at what I found. When seeing highlights of games during his Heisman push, you never quite see the running that has created the highlight reel. I even was able to find some highlight film of his high school games. In every bit of film that I saw, I found that it was an incomplete picture into how good his ankles are.
Simply put, he doesn’t use them much. I was able to find a few instances where he did, and when he did, he was effective in pulling off the juke. His grade gets pushed down in this attribute due to an incomplete overall picture. He just wasn’t challenged enough in college where he had to pull off any moves. When he did, it was a move at full speed so the overall move was stunted by the physics of him moving in another direction, i.e. running forward while pulling a slight juke side to side.
Where DMAC excels is his speed. His speed is his downgrade in a few areas and it should be noted that were it not for his speed, I would’ve seen a better picture as a whole. He starts and stops cleanly and quickly, it doesn’t take long for him to be at full speed after a break, and his plant happens so quickly that he’s by opposing defenders before they’ve had a chance to be faked by the original move. For this reason, I have to give him an above average grade on this attribute. Grade: 4
HIPS
““Hips? Are you kidding? This isn’t dancing with the stars!” Yeah, that’s true, but there’s a reason that Emmitt Smith was able to do so well on that show, and it’s not because he’s a famous Cowboy. As a tackler, you are taught to watch the hips, because wherever they, the hips, face is the direction the ball carrier is going.
“Yeah, so?” Since the runningback relies on quick moves and quick changes in direction to do his job, fluid hips are important in helping to make that all happen. The more fluid the hips, the faster the change in direction, and the more elusive the runningback becomes. This fluidity also adds to the last discussion about juke moves and spins, but the hips are basically an enhancement of those abilities and not a cause of them.“
With McFadden, I again found there to be inconclusive evidence when it comes to fluidity in his hips, but I did find enough evidence to conclude that he does have some. He moves fluidly through would-be tacklers and is able to change directions going at full speed, but again it’s that speed that prevents me from raising his score. Due to every bit of video I could obtain, once he makes the initial burst he needs very few moves to beat defenders and relies more on running through than around them when necessary. This definitely has to lower his grade, but not enough to handicap him much. Grade: 3
STRENGTH - LEGS
“Normally when the topic of strength comes up, it’s common to automatically get a picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger winning one of his Mr. Universe titles or gunning down some Rastafarian, Bob Marley look-alike, alien in some South American jungle. With a runningback, that’s not the case. There are two attributes to runningback strength, one being the arms, and the other being the legs. In retrospect, maybe looking like the Terminator does help.
Leg strength helps in many areas, such as speed, cuts, and tackle breaking. The main focus of leg strength is the runner’s ability to move a pile and break tackles. Sure, you want speed and the ability to cut on a dime, but many thousand yard rushers have dispelled the myth that those two skills are necessary for success.
Three questions must be asked when grading this attribute: 1) Can you tackle him with an arm tackle? 2) Can he move the pile when there isn’t a hole? 3) Does he go down easily? Alright, so the last question can also be attributed to balance, but for the purpose of strength we’re talking about the difference between being tackled when touched or needing to be tackled decisively by the defender.“
I mentioned before that I caught game tape of D-DAWG in high school didn’t I? After watching the tape, I was left scratching my head wondering, “What made them turn him into a runningback?” He played defensive back in high school and he showed that he could lay a hit, make open field tackles, pick the ball, rush the passer, and cover receivers. He was quite impressive to say the least.
Can he make life miserable for the players that play his former position? Oh yeah, he’s not soft at all. Maybe it’s because he’s been on the giving end of those hits, but he runs as if he’s a defender. So the correct answers to the three questions above are NO, YES, NO and McFadden answers them that way as well. I was quite surprised after all of the scouting that was done that I got a different analysis of him. I seen several plays where he just tore through two or more defenders and ran to daylight. I guess those ‘chicken legs’ are stronger than they look.
Of the few times that it took a defender to tackle him with one arm, it was a shoestring tackle which basically can be considered a trip. He has great balance and, as I’ve said, plays with a reckless abandon. You could compare him to another guy playing runningback on the Raiders and has an iconic father. He doesn’t go down easily, and even though he can be tackled, the tackle nearly every time must be very decisive. For this reason, he gets a great grade in this area. Grade: 4
STRENGTH - ARMS
“This attribute really is less about strength and more about form and technique. In order to rate players, you have to make form and technique a given since runningbacks are all taught these things. Only when someone is remarkably good or bad, can you turn to form/technique as an answer or reason.
Two things to think about are fumbling and stiff arming. Of course, in order not to fumble and still stiff arm well, a runner needs to be able to strike a balance between the two. Strength of arms not only helps do this, but they also serve as a last resort when all of the form and technique training have been thrown out of the window.“
The major issue that ALL of McFadden’s detractors have mentioned is his ability to hold on to the ball. I think that Rathman was right about McFadden’s fumble woes being about his technique rather than his arm strength. That being said, his fumbles as a runningback (5 in 325 attempts) is at a rate of 1 fumble every 65 carries or 1 every 3 games for 1.5% chance of a fumble every time he touches the ball. This is before getting the tutelage of Rathman who will help DMAC get even better.
In my assessment of McFadden, he can certainly stiff arm and seems more than willing to pop a defender in the mouth so that he can move by. What I like most about his stiff arm technique is that he’s above average when using it and it works well enough to keep defenders off of him. He doesn’t knock guys out with it, but he uses it well enough to at least gain a few more extra yards.
Although I’d like to grade McFadden higher, without any true professional playing experience, I’m going to hedge my grade a little. This grade could improve if his fumbling is truly an aberration. Grade: 3
EYES AND BRAIN
“This is not an indication of how smart a runner is. Though it’s always helpful to have smart players on the field, in the case of running, the eyes and brain need to be efficient and work quickly. “Eyes? Serious? Of course a player needs to see!” Yes, vision is important, but more importantly the runner needs to be able to scan the field rapidly. Having the ability to see the field and do that quickly is imperative in finding the holes in which to run through.
The ability for the runner to see things developing, his brain being able to decipher the code the eyes transmit to it, and to have the two work quickly is the difference between being a half step faster through the hole to daylight or just simply seeing nothing but the numbers on the backs of your offensive linemen.“
When watching this guy run, it’s eye popping to see how well he sees the hole and is able to make that split second decision to move through it. McFadden’s most hyped attribute is his speed, but this is the one that makes him superior to most backs. It’s difficult to convey just how good he is in this area without making him sound bad in others.
Let me give it a try. He may very well be the most perfect back ever, but due to the fact that he’s so good at read and recognition of the running lane, we may never know. I watched him and I have to tell you that I was disappointed that many of his runs were straight races to the sidelines and up the field because when he went off tackle or guard he was much more impressive.
Many times, I saw him sliver through a curvy hole that wasn’t much wider than he was and end up on the other end untouched. It was incredible! For a back his size to be able to do this was something I’m just not used to seeing. I’ve seen some of the smaller backs pull this off, but never one of his size and running style. When going through a hole in the offensive line, normally a back wants to get low, but McFadden doesn’t crouch much. Due to this ability to see the hole before it’s noticeable, nearly every run he makes looks too easy. You couldn’t do it, and very few ever could either. Grade: 5
BALANCE AND AGILITY
“Balance is the ability to be pushed, pulled, hit, or even tripped and maintain your feet well enough to continue the run. Agility is the ability to not only avoid big hits, but also be able to twist and turn in order to be a difficult target to line up for a hit.“
As is the case with most of these ratings for runningbacks, the attribute nearly cancels itself for runners being graded. For this attribute, it’s very possible to have both great balance and agility and be on your way to a stellar career in the NFL, but it’s not necessary to be stellar here either.
When it comes to balance, McFadden is just as good as anyone. He doesn’t fall when first hit, and on many occasions the first hit only propelled him further down the field. I couldn’t find too many jaw dropping hits on him, but that may be because he runs the ball like a defensive back too.
Since he wasn’t very big about getting out of the way, his agility was actually a detriment to him for this grade. I can see that there is plenty of opportunity for a defensive back or linebacker with sub 4.5″ 40 yard time to lay a pretty good hit on him. Grade: 3
HEART (PRIDE)
“I know, I know. I know that I promised to work from the ground up, but I had to save the best for last. I just had the feeling my analysis was still missing something. What really makes a runner stand out from the rest is the heart that he plays with. How do you gauge heart? It’s difficult, because it’s like judging the perfect home. You might start looking without knowing what makes a home perfect, but when you finally see it, you know that you’ve found it.“
As I’ve stated before with Michael Bush, not ever seeing a guy play in the NFL makes it difficult to judge what type of runner that he’ll be when he’s getting paid. A runner that plays with a lot of heart is going to lay it all on the line every play. While in college, I saw no indication of this guy ever letting up on a play. Every time he held the ball it was an all out sprint to the end zone and that includes the tough plays where he either dragged defenders or fought them off for a few extra yards.
If he plays that way in the pros, he’s going to be as much of a monster pro as he was as a Razorback. That being said, it’s still months away before he gets laid out for the first time by a professional defensive player and as we’ve all seen with many players in the past, that has a way of changing someone. Based on the hype, his demeanor thus far, and the way he’s run since high school, we’ll go ahead and give him the same score that we gave Michael Bush. Grade: 4
I’m on record as saying that the Raiders didn’t need McFadden. I’m also on record as saying that they should’ve drafted Adrian Peterson the year before, but I’m not too prideful to admit that I may have been wrong on both accounts. After watching McFadden’s game tapes, I’m completely and utterly humbled to admit now that I was wrong. This guy is amazing! You can now pencil me in as a believer.
That doesn’t mean that he will be a perennial All-Pro or even have a great career, there are just too many question marks to address before any of that can be said with any certainty. He is definitely the most talented back on the team in regards to speed and overall ability. He’s so fast that it may be a hindrance to him in the NFL if he hasn’t developed the rest of his skills a la Reggie Bush. I think that Kiffin and Rathman won’t allow that to happen, but only time will tell. OVERALL GRADE: 4
Just making the grade here at TFDS
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on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 at 11:41 am and is filed under Raider News, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, 2008, 2008 Raiders Preseason, Oakland Raiders Current Player Analysis, Oakland Raiders Analysis, 2008 NFL Draft, Darren McFadden, NFL Draft.
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28 Responses to “Oakland Raiders: The pros and cons of running with Darren McFadden”
June 26th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I’m a little worried about D-Mac. True, he’s very versatile and fast, but he just doesn’t seem like a full-time back that most believe him to be. I think D-Mac will be used to make a big play on a defense that’s been worn down by Fargas and Bush. McFadden is a playmaking back, not like Fargas and Bush. Both lack the speed and ability to be one. I know I’m not being very clear. I’m not doubting D-Mac, but he’s just not going to be a full-time back like everyone has him out to be.
Waiting for the season to roll around.
KA1Z3R
June 26th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Lets hope it carries over.
June 26th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I agree, Run DMC should be used sparingly on runs when the defense is not yet worn down. Maybe for a change of pace or for his receiving capabilities. he’ll burn people when they’re tired enough to collapse. Kiff & Co. will ensure he fully develops concepts before moving on. Besides, we were in most games until the 4th, which is when D-Mac should come out to play. McFadden will help us in that regard.
GO RAIDERS!!!
June 26th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I don’t think McFadden is as good as you guys grade him and I think Bush is better than what you gave him.
Neither would be the best by themselves, but together, they could be awesome.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I think Bush is actually the best back on the Raiders roster. He has good power, and contrary to what was stated above, he has VERY GOOD speed. If healthy, Bush can be the every down back Oakland needs. He can punish defenders and has break-away speed. Once training camp begins, if given the chance, Bush is going to open some eyes and shock a lot of people. The mas IS THAT GOOD.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
He is the best back on roster. He’s the most complete back. The only reason he isn’t going to start this season, is his lack of experience and the fact that Fargas had a good season last year and Davis wants to see what he can do if he starts an entire year. Bush will see plenty of carries and could be starting in 2010.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
What I like best about your article, especially compared to the others I’ve read about McFadden, is that you admit that in many aspects we still don’t know what McFadden is capable of and how he will adapt to new situations. In most instances, a player’s ability to adapt is so important to a successful career at the pro level. Yet this is one of the hardest attributes to assess. Although there’s so much we don’t know about Darren, I’d say it’s promising that he played multiple sports (football, baseball, and basketball) in high school, that Houston Nutt thought he could play most positions on the field, and that Kiffin has been surprised at how fast DMac is executing new strategies.
There are two important aspects that I think you’re leaving out of your analysis - injury-proneness and mental strength. McFadden always believes he’s 100%, even when he’s far from it, and like you’ve said, he often smashes into defenders like he’s trying to tackle them. I worry that he’ll push his body past his max. In each of his last two seasons at Arkansas he was hampered by injuries (hamstrings, ribs, and shoulder). As a coach, I’m quite familiar with those players that seem like studs, but then disappear when the going gets tough. McFadden excels at showing up in the big moments, and this is what you need to contend for championships.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
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June 26th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
dmarsh27 - thanks for the kind words and taking the time to read through the article and comment. I wanted to address your comment about the injuries and mental toughness. Those are definitely qualities that you’d grade any football player and would hope that your RB is great in both areas. I wanted to limit what we graded in these articles for now due to how intricate it can get and these grades are based on ‘ability’ alone. In college, many players look quite different than they do in the pros, so we’ll have to wait on McFadden and Bush to see where they stand on those two issues (injuries and mental toughness).
K-Rock - You could very well be right about your assessment on the backs. I don’t pretend to be an expert, I can’t really say many people are in this regard, but the grades are my opinion. I hope that all of the Raiders backs are superior to those on the other teams.
Thanks to everyone for stopping by and taking the time out of your day to check us out here at TFDS.
June 26th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Darren McFadden is a great football player, period. I think people tend to over-analyse players, wich is exactly why some “experts” had Ryan Leaf graded higher than Peyton Manning, LMAO. Look at what the kid has done on the field, he has got the job done, period. Darren McFadden can be as good as he wants to be, he has all the tools. There are a lot of haters out there that just tend to look for the negative in everything, they need to give it a rest. This guy is a rare talent and he proved that he’s a game breaker in the toughest confrence in the NCAA, with the defense totally focused on stopping him. How many games would Arkansas have won in the SEC without Darren McFadden? Probably not very many. Now he is in a situation where he doesn’t have to be “THE GUY” right now or maybe not ever, he is just a piece of a bigger puzzle. I believe he will flourish in the NFL and be better than ever. This kid is tough, he has heart, he is hungry, and he wants to be the best. What more do you want from him?
June 26th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
First off, I am going to start with the negatives. Ball security should be at or near the top. You claim he only had 5 fumbles. If you wanna sugar coat that stat and make it out to be something that tricks you into believing that he is going to be a great runner, have at it. The fact is, a fumble is a fumble. I don’t care if it’s on Special Teams or if he is playing DB and picks off a pass. Hold onto the ball, period. He had over 20 fumbles, stop trying to earn points online by selling the guy to us, cause when you come up against someone who knows what the hell their talking about,
we are going to make you look like a fool.
Onto the positives parts of you post, you brought up an interesting point, your mention of the fact that D-Mac played DB in high school. After hearing this, I am actually a bit excited. Maybe, just maybe D-Mac is only still learning how to be an Offensive football player. I have heard his coaches speak a few times, his OC at Arkansas and to tell ya the truth, he didn’t really have a clue. Kinda reminded me of the OC and Head Coach on our team, what are their names again? Nonetheless, assuming we hire some credible coaches to this organization we may be able to help to instill further improvement from this kid, who know’s?
What this all boils down to right now is potential. In my personal opinion none of this will matter as long as we have kid Kiffin running the show, even if the strings are attached. This guy instills no confidence whatsoever into a team which desperately needs an attitude adjustment. We have no swagger, no belief system, and that stems from a direct lack of motivation from our Head Coach.
In closing, running the football, or Offensive football in general is all about visualization and anticipation. The speed and quickness you speak of is all based upon the players and/or team’s belief system in themselves and one another. This mental projection has to carry over to the physical in order to have success. The NY Giants had an opportunity to win the Super Bowl last season first and foremost because the BELIEVED they could win it. Without this fact, first and foremost, it would not have been possible. Breaking 3 or 4 tackles, outrunning the defense for a score in a game is no different from this example, as the player must first believe he has the ability to achieve this level of accomplishment. Darren MacFadden speaks with the confidence of a great player, no doubt. Hopefully, his owner will recognize this fact and surround him with some men of high expectations for themselves and their team.
In my estimation, under the current staff, DMAC will fail and that failure will snowball into what may be an unfortanute ending to a very talented group of men.
June 26th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Michael Bush is fast, but he isn’t Darren McFadden fast, there is a BIG difference. Darren McFadden is one of the fastest players in the NFL, up there with Devin Hester and DeAngelo Hall, that’s a whole different level of fast. Michael Bush is a great player but it is ludicrous for people to be making bets on who is better or the more “COMPLETE” player when no one has seen them play in a single NFL game. But at the end of the day, they are totally different players with different skill sets, and they are TEAMMATES. That means they both play for the Raiders and the ultimate goal is for them both to help us win games.
June 26th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Comparing him to most running backs is ridiculous from the standpoint that Arkansas quarterbacks have been pitiful…they couldn’t pass at all. Thus, teams like LSU who was supposed to be the best, were able to ignore the passing game and focus on McFadden. Regardless, he did well, very well. Many backs like Bush had the running game opened up to them and made them look good because their quarterback and team had the passing threat. McFadden will kick tail, or….due to him being a threat will open the passing game up significantly for the Raiders. UA could only run the ball folks…and everyone knew it and prepared for it. Don’t overlook that fact and the fact that it didnt matter because he still put up jaw dropping numbers. Why dont we hear the so called sports writer pros pointing this out?
June 26th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
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June 26th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I loved the anaylsis, thought it was pretty much dead on.
I’ve seen every game Darren played in college and I can tell you I have worried about his transition to the next level for one simple reason, I can’t compare him to anyone else.
Usually you look at a back coming out of college and say, he looks like this guy, or that guy, and you at least have something to draw comparisons on and make projections with. I’ve just not been able to do that with Darren.
The closet comparison I could draw is a combination, an Eric Dickerson body with an Earl Campbell mentality.
Problems is, Darren is just one guy, and those two played in an era far enough back it makes the comparison even tougher.
Absolute reckless abandon runnning, tough as nails, and that has worried me if he is used the wrong way. The toughness level is upped a lot in the pros I know, but I don’t think DMac is going to back up an inch. The idea of using his versitility and sharing the load is a good one, but if he rips off a few 80 yarders early on, it’s going to be real tempting to start handing him the ball 25-30 times a game.
I can’t project how well he’ll do, but I can say I think if he is used the right way, the potential is through the roof.
In college he was a slab of iron just daring someone to try and put a chink in him, with rocket blaster speed. A great and exciting combo for Oakland to have.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
One last point and I’ll shut up.
I really think sharing the load is the best idea for Dmac, but you DON’T always have to take him off the field. He can line up in the slot or even out wide, again, it’s that speed and quite adequate hands, plus toughness that makes that doable.
Just the knack for big plays was such an attribute for him, even when the opposition expected it, he relished the challenged and pulled it off anyways, against the best. I think he threw roughly 20 times, and over half went for TD’s, and they weren’t easy throws either.
Spare him punishment becuase he will punish himself, ala Campbell, but get the ball in his hands any way possible.
June 26th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
First off i would like to say great anlysis Rob, and to some of the comments above that talked about him being injured multiple times because of the way he runs… That should change in the NFL, because the coaching will help him as well as the first time he tries to deliver a hit and instead gets PUNISHED for it…
I also wonder how many carries Kiffin will give him the first couple of games? But i really dont think he’ll be able to carry the ball 20 times a game… I think he’ll be used as a decoy alot of the time as well as JaMarcus’s checkdown when pressure is in his face… And i think coming in to get the first couple of carries in the first and second quater will be Fargas, then i think Dmac and Bush will be used when the defense has been softened and is tired and slower… But i agree with arkie that Dmac is extremly TOUGH and i dont know why people multiple SO CALLED EXPERTS try to compare him to Reggie Bush… Dmac is bigger and tougher… And i also think that Kiffin will know how to use these three backs, with his experience at USC… And like Rob said coaching should help Dmac’s ball carrying… I dont really think he’ll have to much trouble with fumbling this year…
GO RAIDERS!!!
June 27th, 2008 at 4:09 am
I’m utterly amazed when I look at his highlights that a vast majority of his big runs are off guard and off tackle. Right up the gut, he is flat out amazing at the rate that he is able to get up to full speed. I had to actually “try” counting the times he got to the “edge”. How many times do we see someone “takin it to the house” time and time again by running up the middle. To be honest I’m salivating.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:08 am
[…] A very, very deep look at Oakland rookie runningback Darren McFadden. [MVN] […]
June 27th, 2008 at 6:16 am
pdxjoe - Your words ring true with me also. I was thinking the same thing while I was watching him, and at first it bothered me that I kept seeing him going around the corner. Finally, I was able to see some very exciting runs where he went through the line. Big or small, he was able to find the hole and that is exciting.
Lonnie - I agree. I went into my analysis thinking I’d be comparing him to a faster Fargas or Dickerson (wasn’t sure which one), but after watching the film, I can’t compare him really to anyone.
Coach Elkins - It’s good to see you back. If you ever want to do a break down for TFDS, email me. I’d be curious to see it. I think that you answered your own disgust with my analysis about his ball carrying ability though. Since he has just begun to focus primarily as a runner, he’s still learning. Even though we disagree about the coaching, I get the impression that you do have faith in Rathman to teach him the right way to play. That’s what I think also, so that coupled with him still being a little raw is why I didn’t grade him so harshly for the fumbles. Stats are still stats though, and when he’s a runningback, those stats are still acceptable.
To all the rest - Great comments! Thanks for stopping by and giving us a chance to help you through the summer doldrums of the NFL.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Just a thought and a hope I’m not overthinking it is… We all know and expect DMAC to turn on the jets in the fourth on a run down D but what if we went the other way??? What it the D had to run him down for 3 periods and one of our other backs ran with enough power to move the chains because he could overpower them in a yards after contact scenario? It would work with holes all game forcing the D to run around and make plays but that’s why we have coaches right???
June 27th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
DMAC claims “i can get those extra couple of yards” and you know what, where he may not be a big bruising running back … i do believe that he’s the upgraded version of reggie bush in the sense that he’s one tough mf(unlike reggie). he’s not afraid to take it up the middle and reach for that first down spot. especially when he gets at a top speed(which he can do in a blink of an eye) … he’ll punish defenders that step in his way while in top gear.
UNLEASH THE 3 HEADED MONSTER BABY!
June 27th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Just wanted to clarify that not only did Dmac play safety in high school, he was a RB, QB, kickoff and punt return guy & receiver. Here’s the stats from his prep career: 4,871 yards rushing on 497 attempts in his prep career and averaged 9.8 yards per carry. He rushed for 1,965 yards and 27 touchdowns on 184 carries as a senior. He averaged 10.7 yards per carry and scored three or more rushing touchdowns in six games during his senior season. He made three receptions for 67 yards and one score. He completed six-of-15 passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns as a quarterback. He also returned nine punts for 370 yards and three touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for a school-record 2,027 yards and 19 touchdowns on 204 carries. He averaged 9.9 yards per tote as a junior, plus he hauled in nine passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He also earned 103 yards on 12 punt returns. In his sophomore campaign, he rushed for 859 yards and 13 touchdowns on 109 carries. He hauled in 12 receptions for 333 yards and five scores. He also returned 10 punts for 82 yards and 14 kickoffs for 372 yards…..Simply put, the guy can do it all. On the comparison side, I would vote for Earl Campbell, except that EC was 5′11″, 244lbs and Dmac is listed as 6′1″, 211-215lbs but their running styles are very similiar. He is a BRUISER just like EC but taller & faster. My fear is that if he gets 300 carries a year like EC, his career will be short lived. I hope the coaching staff uses him wisely because he has the potential to be a true star if used correctly. GO HOGS & GO RAIDERS!
June 27th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Dude can flat out block too, you’ll see. Excellent read btw.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
With 4 RBs on the roster, the Raiders should look into moving either Fargas or Jordan. With the Bears releasing Cedric Benson, the Raiders should try to unload Fargas or Jordan to the Bears. Get a draft pick, possibly draft pick depending on the pick base on performance. (Wouldn’t that have been nice if they thought of that when they moved Moss to NE.)
June 27th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
No way!!! We let go of Fargas Daniel P… NO WAY IN HELL! Dmac and Bush are unproven, we need to keep Fargas at least for this season… And no one will take Jordan and his HUGE contract…
GO RAIDERS!!!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Snake13 - Great input! I think that with all of the positions that he’s been asked to play, when he finally focuses on the RB position, the sky is the limit.
Kelly - thanks
Daniel - I don’t think we have to worry about his workload, except possibly not enough. I agree with Pat though, no way do the Raiders trade Fargas unless the price is too good to pass up.
June 28th, 2008 at 7:34 am
No trade of Fargas and letting Moss go for nothing was the point!
Hey you lying BUM get out of here - we don’t want you!
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