Hey, Oakland Raiders, Darren McFadden Just Needs the Right Play Calling!

Hello Nation!

Since Darren McFadden was first drafted #4 he has been under the microscope.  Everyone has really has expected him to succeed at a very high level.  I also think he should succeed, and I think he has the tools to do it.  Here's what I've been thinking from the very start.

McFadden is not a great blocking RB.  He's not put into the game to protect the QB on pass plays.  That is no huge secret so other teams know that too.  My point, when McFadden is in ther game, the focus is on him getting the ball and the opponent's D just target him.

Another thing that is no huge secret is that he's not built to take the punishment.  Getting tackled, sure.  Goal line situations, not so much.  So running McFadden up the middle has proven to be less successful than some other backs in the league.  No huge suprise and not really anything negative about him either.

As for his running style and strengths, he really is fast.  When he does chunk off a decent run, it is for 8-12 yards in the same time other backs would have run 4-6 yards.  When he breaks free he glides in the open field and really does move the chains. 

At the same time, he's not what we'd all consider a "finesse back" or a "downhill runner".  While he does need to get out into the open to break off chuncks of yardage, he doesn't have the running style that cuts back easily or bounces back through the hole and out maneuvers defenders.  Nor does he just put his head down and barrel stright forward to pick up yards.  He has a specific running style and a unique gift.

Lastly, the line, play calling, and quarterback play for his first few years in the league have been less than stellar.  While had those things been in place he may have had the opportunity to flourish and actually make plays, they weren't.  Instead, the QB stunk and everyone knew the Raiders had to run, the run plays called weren't best to utilize his talents, and the O line couldn't open any holes or seal off defenders to allow him to the outside.  I'm not saying that the entire problem is the system and the team, but those things have not helped him.

So, what does all this mean to me?  Several things, but the game yesterday showed me something that hasn't been focused on and looked to be a great starting point.

To recap-

A) Everyone knows the Raiders of the past few seasons can't pass.

B) Anytime he plays the spotlight is on him and the Defense just targets him.

C) Play calling that puts him between the tackles isn't right.

D) He needs the open field to shine.

This is what I think...

First, the team needs to put him in the game and not just focus the offense on him. 

It seems like every time he gets in the game, they hand off to him several times in a row, the D just jumps on him, and the team morale and momentum diminishes.  What if they put him in the game as a decoy for a few series?  He's the perfect guy for play action passing.  At the very least, it would show defenses and other teams watching tape that when he's in the game the offense may not be entirely focused on him every play.

Second, once the defense forgets about him, call run plays that work to his advantage. 

He should be getting quick pitches, counter plays, and off tackle runs when least expected.  McFadden needs to be able to get up and go on the outside when the Defense is not expecting it.  Put him in and call some pass plays or hand it to the FB until it makes sense to run it up the middle for short yardage, then pitch it to him on the outside.

Lastly, and most evident from what happened last night, focus on him as a check down receiver to get him the ball with one linebacker in coverage or against a zone defense.  Gradkowski did find this nitche for him.  It happened on pass plays when the D covered the recievers downfield and McFadden was the check down guy.  He got the ball, juked one guy and ran for several yards after the catch.  This is almost like a screen play, but actually set up like a true passing play.  McFadden is forgotten on pass plays, so throw to him out of the backfield.  Screen plays are also great for him until he gets comfortable and recognized in the league.  He can get us great yardage this way.

Many articles today are saying he should be a reciever, and that just isn't the case.  If he were a reciever, he'd only be in the game on the plays they were throwing to him, he'd get covered by the best in the league, he wouldn't catch anything because the D would already know the plan when he stepped on the field.

McFadden is a really big weapon for the franchise, he just needs to be utilized appropriately.  He can make the big run plays and he can catch out of the backfield too.  He is fast, and has the heart to make plays in the league.  At this point, he's got to be groomed correctly and utilized to his strengths to make the difference we need from him.

Thanks for reading.