The Case for McFadden
I agree that we should draft the player who fits our most glaring need. However, my opinion is that our most glaring need isn’t a pass rusher or an offensive lineman, but rather a sense of identity. Hence, I’m leaning toward Darren McFadden as our top pick.
Think about it—when is the last time the Raiders had a sense of identity on either side of the ball? What, or rather who, is this team?
It’s time to light things up. It’s time to score some freakin’ touchdowns. It’s time to get the fans excited. It’s time to win some games by plowing through the red zone and putting points on the board.
I disagree with this notion that we’re “stacked” at running back. LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes could barely crack our starting lineup last year. What does that tell you? Michael Bush remains an unproven commodity who was unable to earn activation last year. As for Justin Fargas, don’t get me wrong, I love the guy, but I’m not totally sold on him as a long-term feature back.
Fargas scored four rushing touchdowns last year, the same amount that LaDainian Tomlinson scored against us on October 14. It’s easy to forget that Fargas is not entering his prime, but rather his sixth season. He has rushed for a grand total of six touchdowns during his tenure with the Raiders.
Again, no disrespect to Justin Fargas. I love his attitude, his toughness and what he brings to our offense. He’s a true Raider. I’m just not convinced that he’s a game breaker or a game changer. He’ll move the chains, but will he blow them up? Will he change the game, like an L.T. or an Adrian Peterson?
It’s been too long since we’ve seen fireworks on offense. We’ve shored up our defense, so let’s light up our offense.
Which brings me to the topic of identity. With a promising new quarterback at the helm, fresh talent at wide receiver and an improving offensive line under Tom Cable, I would like to see us field a dynamic, multifaceted rushing attack that will not only torment our opponents, but take some pressure off of the passing game, fire up our fans (and our defense), and ultimately win games. A tandem of Russell and McFadden would go a long way toward achieving an identity on offense.
Here’s how Scott Wright’s web site scouts McFadden in terms of strengths: “An outstanding natural athlete...Has very good size...Excellent timed speed with a burst...Has great vision and instincts...Big play threat who can take it the distance at any time..Elusive with nice feet..Quick and agile...Real strong...Tough and loves contact...Runs hard and does not go down easy...Has decent hands and can be a weapon in the passing game..Plays with a nasty demeanor..Extremely productive… Pure football player with all the physical tools who is as good or perhaps an even better prospect than Adrian Peterson was coming out...A rare talent who should rank amongst the top running backs in the NFL very early in his pro career.”
When was the last time the Raiders took a running back in the third round or higher? That would be Justin Fargas in 2003 in the third round. When was the last time the Raiders took a running back in the second round or higher? That would be Napoleon Kaufman in 1995 in the first round. Since then, we’ve drafted seven DBs in the second round or higher, as well as a kicker and two tight ends in the second round or higher.
It’s time to explore a new priority. It’s time to try something different. It’s time to establish an identity. So if McFadden is still there at number four, he’s my pick.
posted by Raider Take at 12:07 AM
64 Comments:
Angelic Raider:
Every time you write RT I'm blown away with your insight. Great take, I too wouldnt be upset with Run DMC. I think of this last superbowl and cant help but think that it was that D-Line getting at Tom Brady that helped them win the game(David Tyree catch didnt hurt either)
I just read an article regarding Kiffin talking about trading back a few spots ant getting some extra picks that would be freaking sweet!
Go Raiders
I was wondering where you stand, RT. That's pretty resounding, and tough to argue.
But don't overlook the fact that the Raiders may already have a new identity with Kiffin and Russell... both coming off their Rookie year as Raiders (mediocre at that) and both hungry. It will be up to these guys to set the tone. McFadden, however, could be the icing on the cake, no doubt.
I like Run DMc. But what bothers me most about picking him is that it leaves us very fat at RB and thin at other critical positions. Plus, I want to believe that Michael Bush can do more than "move the chains." Although, a huge “?” surrounds him and whether he can come back from a severely broken leg (100% comeback is rare).
I have to say, it is funny how many pundits seem to ride a bogus criticism of McFadden that he goes down too easy. I have yet to see evidence of that, and I've watched a considerable amount of video on YouTube, etc.
In this respect, I believe some have underestimated his intelligence. IMO, a great RB (ala Marcus Allen) has to be smart and know when and how to go down in order to prevent injury and sustain a long season/career. This is clearly the problem that many see in Fargus; hence, his nickname, “crash test dummy.”
That said, I could certainly live with McFadden and Bush as our 1-2 punch.
Kiffin talks trading #4:
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807f38d3
Then gives biggest praise to Chris Long
RT,
Great Take. Of everything I've seen on McFadden you came the closest to selling me on him. Outside of maybe the highlight reels.
I've said already that I wouldn't be surprised and I'd welcome him as our pick if it happens.
I still have a few big concerns. Mainly his durability because he strikes me as one of those RB's who gets off to a great start and can't quite string together a full career. Just a hunch, hopefully he proves me wrong and produces 10/12 years.
As far as character I'm not worried about his past issues. I am however worried about his future. I just plain don't like how he interviews. He seems to be getting a big head already speaking about himself in the 3rd person & stuff. It's probably nothing, and again I hope he proves to be a solid guy.
That's what the draft is all about though. Taking educated risks and hoping you hit that home run.
I suppose McF might just be the "face" of the Raiders afterall. He entertains if nothing else. At least we'll be interesting to watch, love us or hate us, just as it's always been.
Psycho
"Psycho - Beef up front = championships"
No, Psycho. Houshyomama = "Championship!"
(;^)
(That's gotta' be one of my fave commercials...)
---Jeff
Can't help but agree with a lot of what you say, and the drafting of McFadden wouldn't be a bad thing to me.But,with the length of career that a RB has in the NFL I would like to see Chris Long in a RAIDER uniform for many more years.Of course he may well be gone, and if so your case for McFadden is a good one.I agree that the RB position in Alameda is less set than a lot of people suggest, and a threat like McFadden would add something we haven't had for a while.Ideal scenario for me is get Long, and M Bush turns out to be a great back.
Kiffin's comments were very interesting. Especially the trade talks and the fact that our O-Line list is much different from other teams because of the ZB scheme.
1) This shows a strong commitment to the ZB scheme and Kiffin's system. Al wouldn't invest is "smallish" O-linemen if he didn't think Kiffin would be here long.
2) We must be borderline desperate to get some extra picks. We have all this O-line help sitting there which other teams rank lower, and for us they may be "steals". It won't happen if we're sitting there waiting for the 4th round to hurry up. Still, I think we're targetting a really good lineman between rounds 4-6 (Jeremy Zuttah?).
We have quite a decision to make with #4. Ahhhhh, the pressure! Tomorrow is the day. Can't wait!
Psycho
Arkansas,
Yeah I like that one. We walk around at work says "championshiiiip!"
I'm still a strong believer in beef up front, but there are some valid points in getting a game breaker.
BTW after hearing Kiffin say Kelly will play the 3-tech and NOT move again, Dosey is out of the picture. So at least that "beef" is dead. One more reason to look at home run hitters.
Psycho
A BUNCH OF BALONEY....
However, my opinion is that our most glaring need isn’t a pass rusher or an offensive lineman, but rather a sense of identity.
If this is the case.....you must be happy with being a loser or mediocre at best.
This is the AFC West ....if you dont stop the run you lose.....thats 6 games a season.
Defense wins championships....a flashy Offense gets you on Sports Center and home in January to watch the playoffs.
Why would anybody who claims to be a Raider Fan want to emulate the Coryell Chargers or Vermeil Chiefs??? Is that the "Identity" you want for the Raiders?
I prefer the "Fear and Intimidation" identity.
Time of Possession is where its at! Keep their offense on the bench! Put their quarterbacks down hard and often....make them "try" and run.
Anon:
If you don't score touchdowns, you lose, too.
In 2006, only once did one
of our divisional rivals score more than 21 points on us. We didn't win a single one of those games.
How does me wanting to have an explosive offense suddenly make me hostile to stopping the run?
This is a process. We're not going to win a championship overnight. A single pick doesn't turn us into a Super Bowl contender. A single pick, however, might get us there faster as we start to fill other holes.
I'm tired of this crap about defense winning championships. No side of the ball wins championships. For every '86 Bears, I can point to a '99 Rams, teams that won because of some extreme performance on one side of the ball.
So we have to stop the run because the Chargers, Chiefs and Broncos have (or had) strong rushing attacks? What do you call that? Identity. Those teams have an identity.
Denver and Kansas City are finally struggling with those identities as their rushing talent is starting to dwindle. Not surprisingly, their win totals are dwindling, too.
It's a perfect time to turn the tables on them.
Don't bother with the counter questions. He just likes to talk crap and not come back until the next time someone pee's in his cereal a week later.
I gotta' tell you. I was impressed with the K.Harris & D.Hall interviews. Both are very promising. I guess Cable has a lot of confidence in our new LT. If he proves to be solid we have 3 out of 5 minimum. Still worried about RT and Center.
Psycho
Chris Long or bust. Kiffin paid the biggest comment to Chris Long. He mostly was talking about trade in his press yesterday, he kept mentioning "other teams" below (not the Chiefs, he made that clear too, but starting with the Jets) trying to make a move to draft McFadden. When he talked trade, he talked McFadden, and when he talked McFadden, he talked trade.
So even if we do pick McFadden; we will be looking to trade him for later round picks. But if Chris Long is on the board, Chris Long will be our selection, take it to the bank.
I think the potential teams talking to us, other than the Jets, about moving up to draft McFadden are: Carolina, Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, Dallas, and Arizona. Cincinatti could be in the mix as well; but I'm not sure they are willing to part with Chad Johnson.
You're on.....name the offensive teams that won the Superbowl with a defenses in the lower tier of the NFL rankings.
It was DEFENSE that won the Superbowl this year. The Patsies Offense seemed nearly unstoppable....guess again.
Sports Center,,,,Madden Video Game Raider fans will never get it....
Bama7
Really nice take, RT. And I must add again that if the man that broke Emmitt Smith, Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson's rushing totals in the SEC falls into your lap... you really gotta think hard about taking the guy.
well said, RT. your take is interesting and thoughtful, but I am a bit surprised.
I too think it would be great fun to watch McFadden scoring touchdowns on the Donkos, and I agree that Fargas is not to be compared in this scenario... We might have a good running game in which anyone can become a 100 yd runner, but where is the breakout run?? I can't help but think about what our running game would become with an elite talent like McFadden running in this system - 200yd games?.
However, with not another pick on the first day, and fewer picks than this team has ever had in any draft - not to mention what many may call an unknown commodity, but one that most Raider fans were calling the steal of the draft last year, M. Bush ready to go - I just tend to think that we could better use the quantity of picks that can come with trading down. After all, let us not forget why we felt Bush was a steal. He was that elite runner in College.
A lot of people think that Russell is the "identity" that this team has been missing. Obviously, the NFL does or we wouldn't be playing on the opening Monday night. Let's just hope his receiving corps allows his "identity" to flow.
Chris Long - now that would be fun too, wouldn't it?
Got to say, I guess I'd be happy with any of these three scenarios. Gholston, on the other hand scares me. I had a dream about busts, and his bust was in the bust HOF. Of course, his upside has high potential, too.
Any way it goes, tomorrow will be fun.
Go Raiders!!!
Nice to see you're awake, Take. Regarding McFadden, part of the issue should remain that cut back blocking turns many seemingly average runners into good ones, but some runners aren't suited for it. We don't know for certain how the Raiders coaching staff feels about McFadden's capability in the system. The runner has to be able to spot his cut quickly, and explode through it. While I haven't seen evidence of it, if it is true that McFadden is fairly easily brought down, that would make him unsuitable, because in this scheme the runner, very often, needs to break an arm tackle at the line.
That said, I'm on board here whatever the Raiders do. We have 6 wins in the last two season. You'd think things would be pretty damn quiet and uninteresting around the Raider Nation.
But check the activity on Take's posting pages over the last many months. Al has displayed his single biggest talent - giving fans a reason to be excited and a reason for hope.
Take ended last season making demands for changes over the last five years. I think we've seen them. I have rarely witnessed more activity from this team during an off season. The last time I saw it was in Gruden's second year - but Al has topped his 1999 act, and he's partying like it's 2008.
Week after week we've seen posts on Raider Take exceeding 200, 300, 400, 500. What is Davis thinking? How big are the gambles he is willing to take? How much money can he possibly have left to spend? This season Al has gone from Owner and part time GM to full time GM.
I'm on board, and I'm anticipating that Al has saved the best for last. It is all in how you position yourself, and Al has been masterful. At #4 overall, we may be in the strongest position of any team.
Go for the glory, Al! Dare to be great! Raaiiiideerrrs... Raaiiideerrs...
Reading all about the Raiders' press conference, I believe that if the Raiders don't trade down (which I still think is likely), they will take McFadden at #4.
While I would not be upset with us taking McFadden, I would like to point out that if you just make a few minor changes in the analysis of McFadden your would have the same description of Michael Bush going into his senior year. Bush is a powerful punishing runner with good hands. In virtually the same number of games he has virtually the same number of touchdowns as McFadden, most of them in the red zone. His longest touchdown run is, in fact, three yards longer than McFadden’s.
As far as a team identity goes, I prefer a smothering, hard hitting, solid tackling defense. I hate the term “bend but don’t break” philosophy. I prefer the “you might score, but you will pay a heavy price for it, and you will wake up screaming from the nightmares.” That’s what Tom Brady did the week after the Super Bowl. Plus, as of this moment, the face of the franchise is Jamarcus Russell.
We need to stop the run and get to the quarterback. Chris Long can do both. He is not the fastest or the biggest. He is, if he is anything like his dad, the most relentless.
There are those who will point out the level of competition. But, if you are being constantly double, and many times triple teamed, it’s impressive. Even in the ACC, and I’m an SEC guy.
Am I being influenced by his lineage? Absolutely and proudly yes. And, least we forget, Howie came to us from that football powerhouse Villanova in that equally powerful Big East Conference.
Just my two cents.
H
Kiffin has now talked to the press twice since the end of the season, and twice said the team intends to trade down.
I can already hear all the McFaddenites explode in jubilation when we pick McFadden (if SOH is gone) only to be reduced to tears when he is traded for more draft picks.
I am still sticking by my original prediction... if SOH is gone, we either trade down or pick Gholston if nobody will trade with us.
To me, it's not an either/or equation.
I would love to have a hard-hitting, smothering defense as well as a potent offense. But when is the last time you saw us even try to blitz with any frequency? How may big hits did we deliver last year? We can get there, but we'd better start scoring some points in the meantime.
Every great Raiders team to date has been able to light up the scoreboard. Some folks act like this is some sort of anti-Raiders concept. Yet Al Davis himself is a godfather the "vertical game," and I can assure you that it's not because he wants to get into field goal position.
In the early 2000s, using a different style of offense, we still put up 41 points in the AFC Championship in 2002, vaulting us into the Super Bowl. Including the playoffs, we had 30 points or more in eight games that year. The Raiders have never been fashioned in the mold of the '85 Bears or the Ravens.
Lately, however, the red zone has turned into the dead zone. People talk about Raiders toughness as if it's all a matter defense. Sending Janikowski to try another field goal doesn't exactly scream toughness to me.
Now we essentially have a rookie quarterback at the helm, and one way to keep defenses from teeing off on him is to add a surefire game-changer to the running attack.
Bama7
H, the biggest difference to me in Bush and McFadden is that Bush had the benefit of the Petrino air attack. You can't ignore how that helped a RB (Bush). Mcfadden had no qb, no passing game and a high school offensive scheme to aid his cause... and still dominated.
I know this will be met with jeers, but I like what Lombardi had to say about our pic... and it kind of runs counter to Blanda's opinion on running in the ZBS:
http://cgi.cnnsi.com/2008/football/nfl/specials/draft/2008/04/24/lombardi.iwould/1.html
Bama7
I can never figure out the warpping on the links. Anyway, here's Lombardi's answer on what the raiders should do:
"If I worked for the Raiders, I would ...
Draft Darren McFadden. The alternative, likely Ohio State LB/DE Vernon Gholston, has too many questions marks. Gholston might work out like a demon, but his physical play is very inconsistent. Once he arrives in the NFL, the pass protection schemes he will face won't have him dealing with smaller running backs; he will have to defeat big offensive lineman to get to the quarterback. That will cause some adjustments in his style of play.
The Raiders may have been the slowest offensive team in football last year. They finished 29th in the NFL in plays over 20 yards. They have no one on their offensive team that their opponents would worry about defending. McFadden's running style fits the style of the Raiders running game. It's a zone scheme with very little decision making involved, which would clearly highlight McFadden's big-play ability. Drafting McFadden allows the Raiders to take the burden off their young quarterback as they try to slowly find an offense that best suits the talents of JaMarcus Russell.
Beyond the draft, the Raiders greatest challenge will be trying to find the right system of offense that can utilize the skill set of Russell. The Raiders will have to go through the same process that Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid went through with a young Donovan McNabb. Reid attempted to work the west coast offense around McNabb, but as he learned more about the skill set of his quarterback, he was forced to modify and change to what McNabb did best. What Reid learned about McNabb was that he was clearly more accurate throwing the ball up the field than he was throwing short passes. So the Eagle offense stayed with its basic concepts of the west coast offense, but added dimensions that would showcase McNabb's tremendous talents.
It will take more than 20 games for the Raiders to get the right feel of what Russell does best. In the meantime, drafting McFadden allows them to have a home run threat in the back field and some much needed speed for their offense."
There some news nibbling around the edges of Bush that other people don't seem to have heard. When Bush was practicing with the team last season, Kiffin was very excited about him. They didn't activate him, but Kiffin was, none-the-less, excited by his presence.
When the season ended, Kiffin again discussed the addition of Bush this coming season. Both JMac and Jones have reported coaches talking under their breath about the yet undiscovered "steal of the draft."
It is a mistake to underestimate the way the Raiders feel about Bush, and he will be a major factor in the decision as to whether or not to take McFadden.
Every great Raiders team to date has been able to light up the scoreboard.
Au contraire, mon frère ...
I guess the 1980 Superbowl,first ever Wild Card team to win the big one wasn't a great team (by your standards/ not mine), but they hardly lit up the scoreboard.
But it's obvious you were probably still wetting your pants, or not even born yet.
Funny how the 1980 Raiders managed to put up 27, 27 and 34 points among their four games spanning the playoffs and Super Bowl, all against good teams.
In 1980, four of the Raiders' five losses in the regular season occurred when they scored less than 20 points. Eight of the 11 regular season victories came when they scored 24 or more points. They put up 45 on the Steelers and 38 on the Chargers (the division winner).
Apparently, scoring touchdowns helped quite a bit.
Don't disrespect Plunkett, Chandler, Branch, King and Van Eeghen on this site. They won just as many games as our defense did that year.
Eight of the 11 regular season victories came when they scored 24 or more points
27 vs. KC...8-8
24 vs. Wash...6-10
45 vs, Pitt...9=7
33 vs. Sea...4-12
28 vs. Cinn...6-10
24 vs. Den 8-8
33 vs. NYG...4-12
They lit it up on one team with a winning record....amazing....once again it Defense that got the Raiders to the Playoffs and Superbowl that year.....ignore the facts.
OK here it is! I think other elluded to something similar but I'm adding my own twist.
Tomorrow we will hopefully draft both C.Long and McFadden!
The coach pointed at the Jets first as a possible trade partner, who want McFadden.
So we draft McFadden at #4 and wait to see what the Chefs do. Cross your fingers they pass on Long and BOOM! Trade McFadden to the Jets for their #6 pick, thier 2nd rounder, hell see if you can get the kitchen sink from Jets HQ!
"And with the #6 pick in the 2008 NFL draft the Raiders select......Chris Long, Virginia."
We get our man. We get our extra picks. The NY fans are happy as hell, screaming "Run DMC". Raider Nation rejoices.
And plan B is to shop McFadden to the highest bidder for the next two hours if the Chefs take Long. If not, McF scores many TD's for us and we use 2009 picks to get our 2008 picks.
Psycho
RT... this entire take is predicated on Bush not being able to be the "identity" and scoring points at will (because it is an unknown)... and McF being able to (which is a wild guess).
I reject both points out of hand until I see both play in the NFL with my own eyes.
Also, what if you are wrong about McF, and he struggles in the NFL? That would mean we not only don't score more points, but our defense is also left short-handed... and we are back to 4-12, and I get to hear everyone bellyache about how this team is broken (and its all Als fault.)
[shrug]
I really don't get this McF hoopla at all. Not one iota.
You conveniently forgot 38 on the Chargers (winning record) in the regular season, as well as scores of 27, 27, and 34 during the playoffs.
Looks like the 1980 Raiders knew how to put points on the board to me.
Anon:
You conveniently forgot 38 on the Chargers (winning record) in the regular season, as well as scores of 27, 27, and 34 during the playoffs.
27 vs. KC...8-8
24 vs. Wash...6-10
38 vs. SD
45 vs, Pitt...9=7
33 vs. Sea...4-12
28 vs. Cinn...6-10
24 vs. Den 8-8
33 vs. NYG...4-12
27, 27, and 34 in playoffs/Super Bowl.
Yeah, that sure looks like a mediocre offense to me.
Okay, the Saints want Dorsey. They want him so bad that they are offering their #10 pick and Jamaal Brown, their pro bowl LT (under contract for the next 8 years).
Now, if the Lambs refuse that offer, and don't take Dorsey, and the deal slides down to us - how do we say no? We'd get a pro bowl left tackle under contract for longer than JRuss to protect JRuss, and could probably get Keith Rivers at #10.
Take,
I'm not saying you are wrong. I'm stating my preference. All of those great Raider teams were able to light up the scoreboard. They also got good field position from a strong defense. Down the stretch in 2002 the defense was the best in the AFC over the last half of the season.
Now, you can argue both ways. They were tops because we controlled the ball or we controlled the ball because the defense made stops and gave the offense good field position.
I just look at the vast majority of Super Bowl winners have had very good to great defenses.
Bama,
All of what you said is true, but consider this. Bush was just coming into his own as a running back. His primary position in high school was quarterback. In the state championship game he threw for over 450 yards and six touchdowns. He changed to running back permanently in college.
Blanda,
Local rumor is the Parakeets have Dorsey on their board at #1 and Ryan #2. Could be interesting tomorrow.
H
Anno 8:13...
Now look at the stats and explain why the "Patsy-Cheatsters" Lost....
Regular Season...
"NE" #1 "O" -n- #4 "D" #1 Passing "O"
"NYG" #16 "O" -n- #7 "D" #4 Rushing "O"
In the 4th quarter the "Midget"s "D" could NOT stop the "Patsy-Cheatster"s "O" and their "D" could NOT stop the "Midget"s "O"....The last "O" to have the ball won the damn game...Now how the hell do you say it was "D" that won when the LOSER had the letter "D" all freakin year....
Anno 12:16...
If we scored points against weak teams and won the game that does not count as the "O" winning....But if our "D" stopped those same weak teams from scoring too many points that counts as the "D" winning the game....What the FUCK have you been smoking....That's worse Hypocrisy than I see from the Religious Fanatics like "BushWacker" who claim "Brotherly Love" -n- "Kill-em-All" at the same freakin time....Or "Give up some FREEDOM to preserve your LIBERTY"....Dumb-n-Dumber...
Damn...If your going to argue something at least show some consistency....And get a name so we know who you are...Ya don't have to be shy around us and hide like some "Key-Jerk" behind your "Tube"
PantyRaider....Pimping "McFabulous"!!!
H, I hear you. I don't want to be the 1999 Rams, nor do I think that the Ravens are the best model, either. We need to be great on both sides of the ball. But there's only one first-round pick.
Our record of drafting on defense isn't stellar. Look at the previous four drafts prior to last year.
Six of our eight total top two picks over that span were on the defensive side of the ball (the remaining being Gallery and Grove!). Now look at our defensive stats for 2007 and our win-loss records since 2003 and see how far that got us.
I just think that McFadden is more of a sure thing who can be an immediate game changer. Meanwhile, we can fill other holes later in the draft. Picking up proven vets like Wilson and Hall will go a long way toward establishing a stout defense, too.
"RT"....
I love your take...Couldn't agree more with everything you said...
Just to add to it...
We don't lose Bush when we have "McFab"....They can play together in the same back-field...They are both Multi-Dimensional to a point but where one is strongest the other is weaker....So now look at their differences and how they complement each other....
Speed....
Bush has great top-end speed but takes longer to get there...
"McFab" has instant acceleration and a great burst of extra speed during his run....
Power...
Bush at 245#s is a bruising runner who can move the pile and likes to lay the wood...
"McFab" at 215#s has a great stiff-arm and likes to lay the wood as his speed knocks a defender off his feet and his momentum carries the play for extra yardage...
Feet...
Both have very good feet and can be illusive if not trying to take someones head off....
Hands....
Both are good but "McFab" display more break-away speed after the catch...
Arm...
Both were "QB"s early on and both understand the game better than a typical "RB" just like Curry at "WR"...
Versatility...
With these 2 "Slash" players in our backfield it's bound to drive "D"s crazy trying to cover everything....And than there is also the "WR"s to worry about and JaMarcus's "Long-Arm"...
Wow!...What a great time we could have with all that in one freakin "O"....
PantyRaider...Pimping-"McFabulous"!!!!
I have to say that I find the idea of potentially 4 QBs on the field for any given play is rather intriguing. Think about it. A two back set with Curry on the outside. Russell, Bush, McFadden and Curry would all be able to throw the ball. Think we might discover a new offensive twist with that personnel on the field?
The more i see Run DMC, the more i flashback to Marcus Allen from the 82-85 seasons. Apart from Charlie Garner, we haven't had a RB that can catch and run the ball, and have the potential to take it all the way.
Bush and Mcfadden could be the next Bo/Marcus combo. I can only dream about the possibilities.
BlandaRocked...
Now you are beginning to get the excitement that I have been having for the last 2 months....Kiffin is very inventive and has talked about using his players like they used R Bush at USC....With all this versatility in his back-field anything is possible....
Hell...I can even see us going to a "Hog-Wild" play on 4th-n-3 as were about to kick a 50+ yd Field-Goal...The team comes out and huddles but looks confused as time is running down...They appear to be walking back off the field but at the last moment stop and line up in the "Wild-Hog" Formation...."SeaBass" Hikes the ball laterally to "McFab" who now has the option-play...Throw to a streaking "WR" or run for the 1st dn or...."TD" "McFabulous"....
Now wont that piss on the "Donko"s on "MonDayNight".....
Raider Nate 75 said...
You are scarring me with all that "Trade McFab" talk....Stop it right now......Please...
PantyRaider...Just-Pimping-Baby!!!
Blanda,
That's interesting. How 'bout this.
If we draft (and keep) McFab. Does anyone know if Bush is good at run blocking, or blocking in general? I know we already have 2 good FB's but we could go old school and try him there.
That combo would be deadly in the I formation with them going oppisite directions at times with either of them getting the ball. Bush would look like a 1970's FB smashing heads, and McFab would look like M.Allen but faster.
Psycho
Dallas Cowboys 4/24 Pacman Jones (CB) traded (for a 4th round pick in 2008 draft).
This may make it difficult to sell Fabian for very much if all Dallas had to give up was a 4th rd pick...
The best backfield the Raiders ever had was Jackson at RB and Allen at FB. During those couple of years the FB was much more than a blocker. He was also a runner and a receiver. Over the years since, the Raiders have followed the trend of the rest of the NFL and limited FBs to being backfield blockers, only occasionally allowing them to be ball handlers.
With Bush's size and speed we could do that again. Maybe even better. Or, as a friend of mine says, "line 'em up in the Wishbone, and the center can snap the ball to anyone."
Psycho...
McFadden is known for his blocking ability and he likes being physical...I believe I read the same thing about M Bush but that he may miss his blocks....That may have already been corrected by the coaches but who knows...
The thing is we can line "McFab" up in the slot or wide and bush at "TB"...or line both "RB"s up in the "I" or any other formation...Reverses and options could all be possibilities...
So could you imagine "McFab" is slotted left with Bush behind "JRus"...."McFab" goes in motion right as "JRus" gets the ball and fakes a Hand-Off to Bush who heads left towards the line as "JRus" sprints right with "McFab" at his right side...The "D" attacks "JRus" as he tips the ball out to "McFab" who turns the corner and gets loose in the secondary....The "D" is in hot pursuit buy "McFab" Kicks with a Great Burst of speed and out-runs the "DB"s for the End-Zone"..."TD"..."TD Raiders"...Is the Cry on MonDayNight....
Oh! The Horror!!!!
Panty Raider "just semi illiterate baby"
I could see Kiff doing a lot of diversion plays with McFadden just being present. Like what NO does with R.Bush except he'd probably run better. Not to mention Kiff got better play out of Bush at USC.
OK now I'm getting a little too excited {breathing in a bag}. I'll wait until they call a name...
Hey anon, you're an ass. Is it possibly to respectfully give your opinions without alienating all the regulars? I think you've just about hit every one of us. Hell, we can't all be morons, considering we disagree all the time. BTW, I still didn't "Get the F outta' here" as you can see.
Psycho
Those who can talk football do. Those who can't, hurl insults.
I think that's an old football saying.
Psycho....
It's just that little "FatKid" with the "Snot" dripping from his nose again who never got to play with the toys and was always left out so now he is just trying to sneak in with the "Men-in-Black" but still dosent know how...Ya know the type....Throw a couple slanderous and pretend like he really knows something...."NOT"...
Hay Anno....I asked a question....Just try to answer it...At least give it a shot....You already look stupid so ya don't have to worry about looken "Stupider"....
NEW YORK — Roger Goodell is fully prepared to crack down again on the New England Patriots if his meeting with Matt Walsh uncovers a tape made of the Rams' final walk-through practice before the 2002 Super Bowl.
"Taping a walk-through is much different from what I punished them for," the commissioner said Thursday at a meeting of a group representing the Associated Press Sports Editors.
The commissioner said he has no idea what Walsh, who spent six years as a New England employee, has to offer than what the league already knows: Belichick had been taping defensive signals since first becoming Patriots coach in 2000. He noted, however, that the league had spoken to 50 people in connection with the case and that Walsh was the only one who asked for legal protection.
Can someone please put a beatdown on this sorry ass excuse for a "journalist" Please!!!
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;
_ylt=AnMB6yD8ynbjPZ__U_sLnrBDubYF?
slug=jc-draftraiders042408&prov=
yhoo&type=lgns
if the link does not work, go to yahoo sports and read Jason Cole's "who wants to be a raider" piece of shit article.
raider rick, I saw that earlier today. It was so pathetic I didn't even bother bringing any note to it.
Basically Cole tells us what the top draft prospects are thinking without ever asking them what they think. It ignores McFadden's OWN BLOG which offered that he loved his visit here and would love to play for the Raiders. Of course Cole knows different. He's very likely "called around." And when a journalist tells us he's "called around," we have to expect that his sources are definite, they are accurate, indisputable. So there you have it. Players that play for the Raiders are only in it for the money, because Davis is footloose and fancy free with his money, even though he's never learned a thing about football.
Thank God for people like Cole. Without reporters like him, we'd never know what a piece of crap the media has turned into.
Oh, and Anthony Carroll (of all people) already did a beat down of Cole, here:
http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/raiders/10993
Well, anyway, just go to Raidernews.com today and look for the article "Who wants to read nonsense?"
Thanks Blandarocked! good link.
BlandaRocked...
Their poll question was "Will the Raiders trade down their #4 pick"...I voted "NO" and it came up 68% agree with me...."NO TRADE DOWN"..
"TRADE UP" is a possibility...We trade Fabian and our "09" 1st rd pick for the "Patsy-Cheatster"s #7 pick and our 3rd rd pick that we gave them last year in a trade...They need the "CB" and there isn't a worthy pick in this draft at #7 where they select...The other player they reportedly want is Glostom but need the "CB" more than the "DE"...
We get "RB" McFadden at #4 and at #7 "OLB"-"DE"-"DT"-"OT" are all possibilities....See who slides down to us...
Well "RaiderFans"....Tomorrow is the "BigDay" so I expect several of us will be On-Line in the morning for the "FireWorks"...I know I will be...Am I correct...The picks start at 12:00 noon OakTown Time...
Maybe it will be delayed as the NFL Commissioner makes a speech about how he has...
Jerked all of "NE"s picks off the board "08"-n-"09"...
Suspended "BellyCheat" for 2 full seasons....
Cut 10mil for 2 seasons from the "CAP" their allowed....
Suspended "QB" "Bragy" for 8 games and fined him $500K for his involvement and his cover-up as he was being told the "D" over his "Head-Set"....
Oh! Ya!...I forgot....It's the "Patsy"s and they just have the ability to look past the rules and see what's hidden inside the oppositions Training Camps....
Ha! Ha!..."Cheaters Rule" in today's NFL....
Raider Rick,
OMG that was by far the most biased thing I've ever read. Well, I can't really say I "read" it because I didn't make it through 3 paragraphs before I busted up laughing and had to get another beer.
But yeah, that was a good laugh and I hope he's serious.
Psycho
Hall talks about how he's just here for the money...
"This organization is built on so much tradition and so much honor. It’s just an honor to put it on, a honor to put on the silver and black and just come out here and compete every day."
Because everyone knows that Davis doesn't know a damn thing about football...
"The guy’s just a sponge. He knows everything. He was shouting out high school stats and guys who graduated from my high school in 1980 when I wasn’t even born yet. It was just amazing."
Here is Jason Jones:
http://www.sacbee.com/static/
weblogs/raiders/
Go Raiders!
Psycho
I listened to Kiffins comments at raiders.com the whole "Vid" is posted....
I see this as an opportunity to make teams think we are NOT going all out for McFadden and totally interested in trading down or the "DL"....Total "Smoke Screen" to stop the Jets and others from trading up with the "Bird"s at #3 so we have an opportunity to take him at #4....
View it for yourself and ask...
"Why did the Raiders release this just before the draft"
Totally "Out-of-Caricature"....And Kiffin keeps stressing that...
"Although we never did it in the past we want to trade down this year"...."Really"...."Look at my face don't you trust me"...."I wouldn't blow Smoke up your ass or play the Mediots for fools now would I"
I love it....Playin the "Puppet Show" right up to the last tick on the clock....
PantyRaider....Loven Kiffin!!!
My Case against McFadden:
1) While our running game isn't dominating by any stretch of the imagination, Fargas, Rhodes and Bush we should get it done behind Cable's OL scheme.
2) We are having greater difficulty stopping the run, as opposed to running the ball. AFC West teams consistently run all over us. I can't justify upgrading a strength and leaving a gaping hole in the DL for LT to roam free.
3) AS far as identity, we are banking 60 Million++ on establishing an identity behind our number one pick from last year.
4) McFadden is a luxury pick, that we can't afford right now.
5) Bush is the unknown factor. If he returns to form we will be in good shape. If not, than we draft or get a RB next year.
I choose Dorsey,Long, Ellis or a trade for more picks...
I really think a strong push up front can really produce turnovers with our secondary and take our D to the next level.
The clock is ticking can't wait...
RaiderRaza....
Why don't you think we have improved against the run already with our "DL" being healthy and 2 of our starters staying put at one position instead of moving around...and the addition of a "DT"-n-"DE" from "FA"s....
Sands was out of shape coming into camp as Kiffin said because of his Off-Field Family Issues with deaths in the family that took it's toll on him....Now he will be more motivated and focused like he was in "06"....Kelly is healthy and staying inside....We added a veteran "DT" inside for dept....
Richardson is no-longer a Rookie and should be improved at "DE"...He played well last year as a late pick rookie....We also added a veteran "DE" for that position....
The secondary should be greatly improved with the addition of the Veteran "CB"-n-"S" and the depth we now have in the Back-Field....This alone will help our "DL" sense the "QB" will have to hold the ball a few ticks longer while waiting for an open target...And they will free-up the "LB"s or run-support and aid directly in run-support....
I think we need to take a fresh look at our "D" and the additions instead of just worrying about how we failed last year...As Kiffin said we can still add more veteran help from players who we may trade for Sunday....
PantyRaider..."O" Time 1st Round!!!
kiffin is shrewd to throw the idea out there that the raiders may trade down.
if, when the raiders turn comes, mcfadden is still on the board, the raiders can wait to see if someone overwhelms them with a trade offer.
if not, the raiders can pick mcfadden. a win, win for the raiders.
PantyRaider:
If Kelly and Sands play according to the size of their contracts than we are in great shape. But i'm not sold on either one as a dominating run stuffer.
Hence, I still think we need a stud DT.
What do you think of Bush the "unknown factor"? I'd rather give our backs and Bush a chance before addressing that position.
RT: I enjoyed your take and I understand and appreciate your point of view.
When 60 minutes are up and the scoreboard hits 00:00, the team that tallies the most points wins. I totally agree that the vast majority of playoff caliber teams have a good/above average combination of O & D. Both sides of the ball (and Special Teams) need to carry their weight. My opinion about the draft is based on a few factors namely:
(1) Our run D was #32 in YPC.
(2) Our run offense was #6
(3) We have depth at RB
(4) We need to contain the RBs in our division to be competitive
(5) We have added playmakers to our passing game (Walker & Carter)
(6) We have an identity/face to the franchise in Russell. Russell is a dynamic QB who plays the position that impacts the offense the most ... he is the straw that stirs the drink.
(7) Bush, IMO, had the ability to be the type of playmaker, game changer that McFadden is projected to be.
The choice should be the player that will make the biggest short and long term impact, the player that fills the biggest need, the player that we can expect to count on to make a difference with no real concerns about injuries or character issues, the player who has unique ties to our glorious past ... SOH is our man if available.
I respect your opinion and would be 100% behind McFadden if we draft him. I just think we can't neglect our achilles heel (run D) with a player of his caliber staring us in the face.
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