McFadden

[godeep811]

Even more than Russell, I've been disappointed with McFadden. I was poking around Sporting News.com and saw this assessment of McFadden. I thought I was reading a recent report, than saw the date. It was written before the start of McFadden's rookie year. Everything stated was fairly accurate, based on the last 2 years of McFadden's performance.

Unlike Chris Johnson, McFadden is not elusive and has poor lateral movement. I saw Johnson in a Monday Night game and he made some unbelievable cuts.

We are now going on "0-3" in terms of the "triplets" - JR, McFadden and DHB. I still believe McFadden can rise above the bust status if used right. I'm starting to doubt this. See article below.

Few players selected in the 2008 NFL draft displayed better measurable skills than Arkansas running back Darren McFadden and Ohio State end/linebacker Vernon Gholston. Both ran fast at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, with McFadden clocking in at 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash and Gholston crossing the tape in less than 4.7 seconds, remarkable for a 266-pound man.

I could not wait to study both on tape, anticipating that I would be evaluating two players who would make immediate and long-term impacts in the NFL. In the case of McFadden, I was led to believe he was as good as, or even better than, the Vikings' Adrian Peterson, who led the NFC in rushing and shattered the NFL single-game rushing record in '07.

I watched game after game, eight in all, and struggled to find the attributes that would project McFadden as being a big success in the NFL. The key in assessing college players is not to be blinded by production but rather to have a strong understanding of the traits and attributes that translate to the NFL game.

Think of the top running backs in the NFL, players like Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Fred Taylor. Even though each has his own distinct style, one characteristic they all share is lateral agility and explosiveness. They each have an elusiveness, a shiftiness that makes it difficult for defenders to get clean hits. They have that wiggle, that "shake and bake" that allows them to make unblocked defenders miss in the open field.

Lateral quickness and explosiveness is an essential trait to be an elite NFL runner. Great runners create space with their quick feet and elusiveness. They change direction almost effortlessly, with a fluidity and smoothness that belies their dynamic quickness.

That's far more important than straight-line speed, which has little to do with being a top-line NFL back. McFadden's game is about downhill speed and acceleration. There is no question he is vertically explosive. He can run by people. And in Arkansas' version of the spread offense, with the wide splits by the offensive linemen and the defense stretched horizontally, McFadden at times was able to explode through gaping holes and simply outrun his pursuers.

But that's all the tape showed.

He lacked lateral agility, that innate ability to change direction and create space, while at the same time avoiding contact. He did not exhibit great balance or body control. He was not a natural runner with instincts and vision, which really concerns me as he transitions to the power-based and zone-based running games that define the NFL.

McFadden also ran with a narrow base, showing little physicality for a man who weighs 211 pounds. In fact, he often stopped his feet when he anticipated taking a hit, rarely running through tackles. I was surprised at how easily he went down.
It was as if McFadden collapsed upon contact.

I have no doubt McFadden will produce some electrifying plays this season with the Raiders, but he does not possess the attributes that produce excellence, or even consistency, as a feature back in the NFL.

Gholston was chosen sixth in last April's draft, two spots after McFadden. Gholston played defensive end at Ohio State, but the Jets project him as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. His size and speed profile was deemed the right combination for him to transition well to the NFL as an elite pass rusher.

A number of things struck me as I watched six Ohio State games on tape, and I did this after I witnessed his athletic feats at the NFL Combine. First, Gholston's athleticism on the field, during games, did not match his off-field measurable skills. He did not play anywhere near as fast as he timed in the 40-yard dash.

In addition, his level of energy and effort varied from play to play, game to game. He did not come across on film as a consistent competitor, and that's always a red flag. In fact, in three of the game tapes I broke down, I would not have known Gholston was on the field if not specifically watching him.

What made Gholston a tough evaluation was that he occasionally flashed the natural explosion off the snap and the burst and acceleration necessary to be an effective NFL edge rusher.

He was selectively explosive. He showed that against LSU in last year's national championship game. He played with intensity and effort, and his athletic ability and physicality stood out.

But other than the sporadic pass rush, Gholston did not show the attributes demanded to play outside linebacker in a base 3-4 scheme. He lacked change-of-direction skills, and he did not show quick movement in the open field. And that really jumped out on film in preseason.

Sure, there is a steep learning curve in the NFL from a mental standpoint, and that can limit reaction time, but Gholston showed no stop-and-start skills and little athleticism in preseason games. He was slow and plodding.

Gholston looks like a street free agent.

He is a project as an NFL outside linebacker and a question mark as a pass rusher, even with his hand on the ground at defensive end.

Greg Cosell of NFL Films analyzes coaching tape and is executive producer of State Farm NFL Matchup. He is a frequent contributor to Sporting News.

[poptart]

Sorry to say, all of the criticisms ring true.

One thing that piece didn't mention is his pass-catching ability.
He's got pretty good hands and instincts.

Old time fans, remember Gary Anderson of the Blots - mid-80's?

That's McFadden.

[CrossBones]

The key in assessing college players is not to be blinded by production but rather to have a strong understanding of the traits and attributes that translate to the NFL game.In a nut shell this is why the Raiders arn't very successful in the draft. Won't be again this year.

Yep, the "triplets" -- whiff, whiff and whiff.

[TheMadStork]

Herschel Walker, Jr.

[SoCalRaider]

It still surprises me when people look at McFadden's body of work in the juniors and try to compare him to Peterson. I never for a second could see where any of those comparisons were justified. One of the draft nannies had a great line... "down on first contact".... pretty much nails it... Not only does McFadden not really have the lower body build to be a franchise back, his lack of vision and instinct only exacerbate the problem.... plus he's never been the same since that damn turf toe injury. All in all, he's really just another Napolean Kaufman... who wasn't that bad when put in the right situation....

But unlike fatback and dhbust who were both total and complete reaches with absolutely no justification.... at least MdFadden was taken where he should have been taken.... He's not a terrible back and I'm not convinced yet that he will become a total bust.... but he's just not going to really be one of the great ones either. If this team is willing to go back to the zbs and get McFadden in space or a running start... he still can be fairly productive in my opinion.

[007]

Good post Socal.

I agree. DMC wasnt a real reach. He was a good prospect and had a ton of upside.

Of all 3 of the whiffs we've had, I still have hope that he can -At the very least- be a good complimentary home run threat.

I'm OK admitting I thought he would be better. I got blinded by some college performance, youtube clips and combine workouts just like most did. His lateral agility and lower body strength just don't cut it.

[DonkeyKilla]

my biggest beef with DMAC is the fumbling. He fumbles when we start to get some momentum and it kills us- see SD mon night game. I think he can be an effective runner but only if he learns to hold on to the rock. he plays hard and trains hard apparently... unlike some people who won't be named.

[cruedi]

my biggest beef with DMAC is the fumbling. He fumbles when we start to get some momentum and it kills us- see SD mon night game. I think he can be an effective runner but only if he learns to hold on to the rock. he plays hard and trains hard apparently... unlike some people who won't be named.

I believe a big part of the his fumbling and Bush's is because the organization hasn't committed to them. They're always looking over thier shoulder about to be taken out of the game and in Bush's case lost on the bench for weeks. They never get into the flow of the game.

We've had these guy for years, they should both factors in all our games, similar to Wheatley/Garner or Allen/Jackson. I'm not trying to compare them to these guys at this point in their careers, but as an organization we should be developing our game plans around them. We're not doing that as far as I can tell.

[NIPS]

Chalk up another great scouting report from the 70 year old ex-Raider players

[RaiderJF]

Cosell hit the nail on the head with both DMac and Gholston... Maybe Al should hire him as his draft consultant. We all know he needs some serious help in that department...

I do believe, however, that if the Raiders (or some other team) uses DMacs skills appropriately, the team could get a lot more production out of him than what we have seen thus far. In that way, DMac is a bit like Reggie Bush. Neither look to be cut out to be feature rbs, but Bush is a real threat in the ways that Sean Payton uses him. Other than the reverse pitch play that Cable has used with DMac, the Raiders rarely take advantage of DMac's speed on the outside.

[raiderfreak7]

Right now I'm down on McFadden. With his fumbles, going down to easy, and tripping over his own feet it's discouraging to say the least. What do I think is wrong with him? Do I think he can turn into a very good player? Hell yeah. If there's one thing I hope Hue Jackson can do to this offense is find out the best way to use our running backs and get production. Fuck a 'save Jamarcus' role. Have him work on the factor that's actually going to win us some games, the offensive line and the running game.

[london raider 2]

One thing i will say in Dmacs defense is Cable didnt have a clue how to use him properly ie he runs him straight up between the tackles.

If Sean Payton was his oc i guarantee you would see better production

Hopefully Hue Jackson can at least try to use him outside the tackles, as a receiver out of backfield ie like Charlie Garner was as a rb

[Freakshow]

I was as high on McFadden as anyone coming out. Runner-up to the Heisman two straight years, huge numbers, blazeing fast, good worker, etc...

But, he definitely hasn't panned out. He has become exposed in the NFL and no longer can get by with just having good straight-line speed. His shortcomings are well-documented. Poor lateral quickness, top-heavy and off balance in and out of cuts, poor YAC, questionable vision...the list goes on. The only time he looks good is when he actually gets a big hole (which is rare) or catches a swing pass with an open corner and even then he still can't seem to break into the 3rd secondary level. He actually reminds me a lot of Nap Kauffman - both fast but go down in a stiff breeze. But DMac doesn't have as many big plays at this point in his young career. Can he turn it around? Don't think so. Tough to teach vision, balance and instinct. I'd be totally up for trading him and going with Bush. Not as fast but at least he breaks more tackles, catches well, blocks, and seems to be better at creating something out of nothing.

[DonkeyKilla]

don't insult Nap with the comparison! :-) Nap did go down easy but the guy also hit the hole and made plays and didn't have a ludicrous fumbling problem. DMAC is supposed to be fast but i have not seen that speed translate to the field much. Nap had ridiculous football speed.

[Rupert]

don't insult Nap with the comparison! :-) Nap did go down easy but the guy also hit the hole and made plays and didn't have a ludicrous fumbling problem. DMAC is supposed to be fast but i have not seen that speed translate to the field much. Nap had ridiculous football speed.

Nap only went down easy after he was saved. When he was without religion, he was reckless tough. He signed a big contract with an out clause that let him keep his signing bonus if he entered the ministry. One year later he became a minister.

The man got a calling and jumped in with both feet. And similarly, he jumped out of football after earning some life-sustaining cash for a couple seasons as a shell of your former self. Hypocrisy or pragmatism? Both? :shrug:

[Crow]

It still surprises me when people look at McFadden's body of work in the juniors and try to compare him to Peterson. I never for a second could see where any of those comparisons were justified. One of the draft nannies had a great line... "down on first contact".... pretty much nails it... Not only does McFadden not really have the lower body build to be a franchise back, his lack of vision and instinct only exacerbate the problem.... plus he's never been the same since that damn turf toe injury. All in all, he's really just another Napolean Kaufman... who wasn't that bad when put in the right situation....

But unlike fatback and dhbust who were both total and complete reaches with absolutely no justification.... at least MdFadden was taken where he should have been taken.... He's not a terrible back and I'm not convinced yet that he will become a total bust.... but he's just not going to really be one of the great ones either. If this team is willing to go back to the zbs and get McFadden in space or a running start... he still can be fairly productive in my opinion.

A fumbler with no lateral agility whose legs go dead on contact...and he should have been drafted #4 overall? Really?

Strange to see you of all people trying to polish this turd of a pick.

I remember Mayock catching a lot of flack for saying he wouldn't touch McFadden anywhere in the top 20. He presented a compelling argument, and McFadden has done nothing but prove him right.

Oh, what I wouldn't give for an actual talent evaluator in the draft decision making process.

[raiderfreak7]

A fumbler with no lateral agility whose legs go dead on contact...and he should have been drafted #4 overall? Really?

Strange to see you of all people trying to polish this turd of a pick.

I remember Mayock catching a lot of flack for saying he wouldn't touch McFadden anywhere in the top 20. He presented a compelling argument, and McFadden has done nothing but prove him right.

Oh, what I wouldn't give for an actual talent evaluator in the draft decision making process.

The thing is, Mayock said he wouldn't touch McFadden in the top 20 because of his off the field behavior, not his football skills. Even said that without his off the field incidents he'd be a top 10 player to him. I specifically remember him saying, "With the Pacman Jones's and Chis Henry's out there how can you guarantee a guy with issues like McFadden top 10 money?"

[Crow]

I don't know that he said that. What I do know is that he broke down the guy's game, provided video examples of his lack of actual football talent, and definitively said that he was not, by any means, the HB he was being made out to be.

McFadden was a bad pick for this team, any way you slice it. He was a reach, and he's a perfect example of why all those would-be draftniks who said "Look at what he did against the SEC!!!11" should stand in front of their bathroom mirror and slap themselves. Reading stat sheets is not scouting. Never has been. Never will be.

He sure does run fast in shorts, though.

[Madturk]

The thing is, Mayock said he wouldn't touch McFadden in the top 20 because of his off the field behavior, not his football skills. Even said that without his off the field incidents he'd be a top 10 player to him. I specifically remember him saying, "With the Pacman Jones's and Chis Henry's out there how can you guarantee a guy with issues like McFadden top 10 money?"

No I specifically recall Mayock bashing him for his skinny legs and not just his off field issues. Had him rated as the fifth best back in the draft IIRC. I agree that in a different offense, a decent OC would best take advantage of his skill set, rather than trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

[godeep811]

I agree with MadTurk above.

I heard Mayock say directly back in the spring 2008 that he wouldn't touch McFadden as a top 20 pick due to what he saw on film. Mayock said nothing about off-field problems. On the day of the draft, Mayock actually mentioned McFadden's issue with "pushing the pile" and inability to break tackles. He rated the Illinois back, who is now with Pittsburgh, ahead of McFadden.

[system7]

No I specifically recall Mayock bashing him for his skinny legs and not just his off field issues. Had him rated as the fifth best back in the draft IIRC. I agree that in a different offense, a decent OC would best take advantage of his skill set, rather than trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

Mayock knows his shit! can we get him as our GM? :o

[Postmaster]

Mayock knows his shit! can we get him as our GM? :o

Raiders Exec Mike Lombardi Fired; Raiders May Select Mike Mayock Or Pat Kirwan

This just happened on Wednesday:

Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Wednesday at 12:15 pm
Personnel executive Mike Lombardi is out in Oakland, which at this point is like reporting spring will give way to summer next month.

In other words, no surprises, and also no way to know how it affects the Raiders because of their method of operation.

Lombardi joined the Raiders personnel department in 1999, eventually ascending to "senior personnel executive." He took over some of the duties of senior assistant Bruce Allen upon Allen's departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so it's clear he was a valued member of the organization by Al Davis.

Exactly how good Lombardi is as a personnel man is hard to determine because when it came to speaking on the record, he adhered to Oakland's in-house policy. There are those who believe Lombardi, along with now retired Chet Franklin, were at the core of Oakland's ability to land veteran free agents at bargain prices when the team won three consecutive division titles from 2000 through 2002.

But since he was never out front and open like the 49ers Scot McCloughan, or others in the league, the credit basically went to Davis and Jon Gruden. Davis, after all, makes the final call. Only he knows how much he leaned on Lombardi, and he's not saying.

Lombardi's slow exit began the moment Bobby Petrino turned down the job as Raiders head coach. It was Lombardi who gave Davis the hard sell, with Petrino even being offered the job.

Jerry also reports that the Raiders have considered hiring Mike Mayock and Pat Kirwan of the NFL Network and NFL.com, respectively. But the real burning question is what caused the Silver and Black to start looking around, first, then dump Lombardi?

[raiderfreak7]

No I specifically recall Mayock bashing him for his skinny legs and not just his off field issues. Had him rated as the fifth best back in the draft IIRC. I agree that in a different offense, a decent OC would best take advantage of his skill set, rather than trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

He had him the 2nd back behind Mendenhall. And Mayock called McFadden a 'great pick' right after he was picked (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTQ8B97W2Jg).

And his explanation for not wanting to draft him in the top ten?

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=33065203

But I guess I was just making shit up.

[Birdwell]

Never was high on McFadden, and didn't believe we needed him with Fargas in the fold. Still, I thought he'd be more productive than he has been.

Gotta say, though, the notion of Cable not knowing that McFadden is best outside is silly. Every time Mcfadden is in the backfield, be sure that the defense is execting him to go outside. And NFL defenses for sure can contain ANYONE who they expect to go wide. There are faster guys than McFadden who fail regularly when some bright young offensive mind thinks he'll surprise the D with his guy's speed.

LINE LINE LINE.

[007]

Well, I was high on McFadden and thought he was a good pick. I've been known to make a mistake or two though, LOL.

I always argued that his problems were 'fixable'. Weight training could fix his skinny legs, technique could improve his fumbling woes.

It just hasnt happened on the field. He seems too excited with the ball, runs without vision or control and goes down too easy on first contact.

That being said, the guy is a relatively young 23, and will get one more year from me before I drop him in the 'bust' category with Russell. Hell, Mike Huff looked like a legit NFL safety last season after the Raiders started using him like we all wanted from day one.

Maybe Hue Jackson can come in and get some plays to him out in space...

[raiderfreak7]

Well, I was high on McFadden and thought he was a good pick. I've been known to make a mistake or two though, LOL.

I always argued that his problems were 'fixable'. Weight training could fix his skinny legs, technique could improve his fumbling woes.

It just hasnt happened on the field. He seems too excited with the ball, runs without vision or control and goes down too easy on first contact.

That being said, the guy is a relatively young 23, and will get one more year from me before I drop him in the 'bust' category with Russell. Hell, Mike Huff looked like a legit NFL safety last season after the Raiders started using him like we all wanted from day one.

Maybe Hue Jackson can come in and get some plays to him out in space...

Basically how I feel. Disappointed, but still a little hope. I was one of Huff's biggest supporters his early years (thought he was good in coverage, just no big plays) and when I started getting down on him he turns into a pretty damn good player. I'm starting to like the trio of Branch/Huff/Mitchell.

[007]

Yup. I havent given up hope like I have with Russell (Or never had with DHB).

The guy is supremely talented. Elite speed, good size, nice cut back ability. He can still be productive if we can shore up the play calling and the offensive line play.

He may never live up to first round pick status, but he could be every bit as effective as Addai, Moroney or Ronnie Brown. Versatile 1000 yard backs who can receive, block and rush.

[raiderfreak7]

Yup. I havent given up hope like I have with Russell (Or never had with DHB).

The guy is supremely talented. Elite speed, good size, nice cut back ability. He can still be productive if we can shore up the play calling and the offensive line play.

He may never live up to first round pick status, but he could be every bit as effective as Addai, Moroney or Ronnie Brown. Versatile 1000 yard backs who can receive, block and rush.

Great minds think alike, eh? How'd that Canadian Olympic hockey team do? Never saw them play today. I hope Toews tears it up.

[007]

Great minds think alike, eh? How'd that Canadian Olympic hockey team do? Never saw them play today. I hope Toews tears it up.

Started out iffy, put up 8 goals in the last 35 mins or so to rout Norway though.

Luongo looked good. Crosby had 3 points.

[Stanny]

I think DMC will be fine if he can stay healthy...he's not giving us whats expected but our oline, differnt O-schemes and no QB doesn't help him one bit..Kid ran hard last year. Time of posession and no weapons to speak of, makes it difficult to put together anything at all. Kids turning into a hell of a blocker and showed some great burst.

Im going to put him in the Thomas Jones boat for the moment...highly regarded, went to a shit franchise with no talent and put out no production as well was nagged by small injuries. Go's to the Bucs, Gruden knows how to utilize him and bam...Guy has been tits.

Get us a RG, RT and this kid will produce. Last year he showed that he'd hit the hole hard, make one cut and turn it up field. Did real well on the stretch plays. His running style (call me crazy) reminds me a bit of Edge James. Make one cut, go and lowers the shoulder. Good blocker and was great out of the backfield. I think DMC could be the same type of impact player, minus the tremendous power Edge had.

[Crow]

Who's going to play LT and C?

[raiderfreak7]

Who's going to play LT and C?

Sad, but true.

[Stanny]

Who's going to play LT and C?

Ha ha...Mario should be ok (fingers crossed) just need to work on the feet a bit (speed rushers)...The Center can "hide" if he has two solid guards. Has to play smart and make the right audibles...We can go a year with Satele. Im more concerned about RG and RT...Too many times we kept the TE in on that side or went doublt TE to protect their weak asses. And the only play we ran to the right was the stretch play with TE on a weak side motion. Too many times we ran crack backs from the slot as well...So the defensese would load up on the left side and take away our little bread butter off tackle runs we had as the one on one matchups on the right side were blown the fugg up..no cut back lanes ever. Our QBs got crushed from the right side more often then they did up the middle or on the left.

[SoCalRaider]

A fumbler with no lateral agility whose legs go dead on contact...and he should have been drafted #4 overall? Really?

Strange to see you of all people trying to polish this turd of a pick.

I remember Mayock catching a lot of flack for saying he wouldn't touch McFadden anywhere in the top 20. He presented a compelling argument, and McFadden has done nothing but prove him right.

Oh, what I wouldn't give for an actual talent evaluator in the draft decision making process.

It was a pretty shitty draft at the top of the draft board in my opinion. I'm not convinced that was a reach at 4. I was against taking McFadden from the beginning because I didn't think he'd amount to anything in this league.... but I don't think it was a reach at 4.... From what I was led to understand, a lot of teams would have drafted him at 4.

[Raider Bill]

Well, I was high on McFadden and thought he was a good pick. I've been known to make a mistake or two though, LOL.

I always argued that his problems were 'fixable'. Weight training could fix his skinny legs, technique could improve his fumbling woes.

It just hasnt happened on the field. He seems too excited with the ball, runs without vision or control and goes down too easy on first contact.

That being said, the guy is a relatively young 23, and will get one more year from me before I drop him in the 'bust' category with Russell. Hell, Mike Huff looked like a legit NFL safety last season after the Raiders started using him like we all wanted from day one.

Maybe Hue Jackson can come in and get some plays to him out in space...

Charlie Garner was the same way while in Philly. When he learned to slow down and let the plays develop he became a nice player

[RaiderIVlife]

I would be ECSTATIC with Charlie Garner type production at this juncture.

For all the talk about our "stable of running backs", the actual productivity is not that impressive.

[RaiderIVlife]

And yes, I do realize that our piss poor offensive line and QB play impacts our RB productivity.

[Crow]

Ha ha...Mario should be ok (fingers crossed) just need to work on the feet a bit (speed rushers)...The Center can "hide" if he has two solid guards. Has to play smart and make the right audibles...We can go a year with Satele. Im more concerned about RG and RT...Too many times we kept the TE in on that side or went doublt TE to protect their weak asses. And the only play we ran to the right was the stretch play with TE on a weak side motion. Too many times we ran crack backs from the slot as well...So the defensese would load up on the left side and take away our little bread butter off tackle runs we had as the one on one matchups on the right side were blown the fugg up..no cut back lanes ever. Our QBs got crushed from the right side more often then they did up the middle or on the left.

Not according to the stats I've seen. But, yeah. Both sides sucked hind tit.

[Crow]

It was a pretty shitty draft at the top of the draft board in my opinion. I'm not convinced that was a reach at 4. I was against taking McFadden from the beginning because I didn't think he'd amount to anything in this league.... but I don't think it was a reach at 4.... From what I was led to understand, a lot of teams would have drafted him at 4.

Sure would have been nice to have let them do it.

[Birdwell]

Ha ha...Mario should be ok (fingers crossed) just need to work on the feet a bit (speed rushers)...The Center can "hide" if he has two solid guards. Has to play smart and make the right audibles...We can go a year with Satele. Im more concerned about RG and RT...Too many times we kept the TE in on that side or went doublt TE to protect their weak asses. And the only play we ran to the right was the stretch play with TE on a weak side motion. Too many times we ran crack backs from the slot as well...So the defensese would load up on the left side and take away our little bread butter off tackle runs we had as the one on one matchups on the right side were blown the fugg up..no cut back lanes ever. Our QBs got crushed from the right side more often then they did up the middle or on the left.

I'm with you, Stanny, going back at least a season and a half.

As for the stats, context matters a lot. We ran a whole lot rolling pocket right this year than last, one would suppose because even the O-line coach/play caller knew the line would not be able to keep anyone off the QB. Carlisle gets thrown around by linebackers -- and I mean that literally. Green cheats so badly against speed rushers he is both in constant danger of false starting and opens up the short track inside to the QB. Those two....

At C, I kept hearing that Satele's problem was mastering the synch between plays called in the huddle and the line adjustments necessary to make them work at scrimmage. That he could only get back on the field due to injuries last year does not speak well of him (and I thought he'd be a good fit, oh well).

Think we're gonna go more hybrid ZBS/power this season. Although we had some success with the ZBS when Carlisle had his one good season, the folks likely to be playing at LT, LG and RG (I'm betting on Walker to win and hold that spot) are better power players than ZBS guys.

[Crow]

"Henderson" and "power" in the same sentence.

lol

[DonkeyKilla]

yeah, that's my biggest beef with Hendo is the run blocking. Let's hope he improves...

[RaiderIVlife]

Henderson & Gallery are more suited to "power" blocking? I was thinking quite the opposite. Both strike me as more athletic, ZBS types.

Agreed that our right side blows ass.

Like many around here, I would be hard pressed to fault the Raiders for drafting 2 first day OL.

[Postmaster]

I am watching NFLN's greatest receiving combos and the Redskins came in at No. 5 with Charley Taylor, Bobby Mitchell, and Jackie Smith.

Mitchell and Taylor both came into the league as RB's and made successful transitions to WR. Taylor looked a lot like DMAC physically (6'3 210lbs). When he retired he was the leader in receptions.

I say if DMAC lays another egg at RB this year, the full time switch should be made to WR. He has WR hands, WR speed, and WR calves. He has looked great out of the slot especially against the Skins this year and Chiefs @ home last year and if he spent more time practicing he could potentially be dangerous as a full time WR.

Although known as a successful running back, Taylor was switched to wide receiver in 1966 and led the NFL in receiving in both 1966 and 1967. He would play that position for the rest of his career and had a record-tying seven seasons with 50 or more receptions. On December 21, 1975, Taylor became the NFL's all-time receptions leader with his 634th career catch in the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Taylor retired after the 1977 season as the NFL's all time leading receiver with 649 receptions for 9,110 yards and 79 touchdowns. With 1,488 yards rushing and some kick return yardage, he totaled 10,803 combined net yards. With 11 rushing touchdowns and 79 on receptions, Taylor scored 540 points in his career. He earned first- or second-team All-NFL honors six times and was selected to play in eight Pro Bowls.

[Random Dude]

I am watching NFLN's greatest receiving combos and the Redskins came in at No. 5 with Charley Taylor, Bobby Mitchell, and Jackie Smith.

Mitchell and Taylor both came into the league as RB's and made successful transitions to WR. Taylor looked a lot like DMAC physically (6'3 210lbs). When he retired he was the leader in receptions.

I say if DMAC lays another egg at RB this year, the full time switch should be made to WR. He has WR hands, WR speed, and WR calves. He has looked great out of the slot especially against the Skins this year and Chiefs @ home last year and if he spent more time practicing he could potentially be dangerous as a full time WR.

On the surface, that is good idea. However, I give this very little chance of happening. I just don't see the organization and DMAC swallowing pride and making that move.

[Postmaster]

On the surface, that is good idea. However, I give this very little chance of happening. I just don't see the organization and DMAC swallowing pride and making that move.

It is up to Huey to get the most out of his talents. If his running style doesn't translate to the NFL, I don't think DMAC would have a problem making the switch if it gets him on the field and he is somewhat productive. The move has already been made in spurts and if it keeps working, the next logical step would be to make it permanent.

I know....logical....Raiders.....:confused:

[Postmaster]

"Henderson" and "power" in the same sentence.

lol

mariohendersonStarted watching tv dis mourin n realize how many cartoons are on today. What was yall favorite cartoon that u watch as a kid on saturdays??

I never have questioned Mario's toughness. :shakehead:

[Crow]

That guy's such a beast...

[BigTron]

Not that its going to happen, but DMC would be a great candidate for WR.

[TheMadStork]

How about DMAC returning kicks? I know he has that pesky fumbling problem, but he's a fast guy who just needs a little bit of room to operate. Sounds like a kick returner to me. It just seems seriously weird that our owner/GM makes a point of drafting the fastest guys he can find and last year we had a FB returning kicks. Raider logic, I guess.

[Crow]

The better half of his fumbles in college came because Houston Nutt fancied him a return man. No good can come of using him in that capacity at this level.

[Birdwell]

The better half of his fumbles in college came because Houston Nutt fancied him a return man. No good can come of using him in that capacity at this level.

True, that.

One thing I will give McFadden, though, he's the second hardest hitting player under 230 on our roster. If I got a turnover against our O, my head would be on a swivel to find #20. He's mean. Seriously.

[Postmaster]

True, that.

One thing I will give McFadden, though, he's the second hardest hitting player under 230 on our roster. If I got a turnover against our O, my head would be on a swivel to find #20. He's mean. Seriously.

Dunta Robinson, Eugene Wilson, Steven Gregory, and Haloti Ngata would agree with you 110%.

[Postmaster]

That guy's such a beast...

mariohendersonDo the married NBA players wear der wedding ring during da games? Becuz i kno dey would be hard to stay on during da game.

...and highly intelligent. Mature beyond his years.

[Crow]

Clearly a testament to the quality of the Florida St. student-athlete.

[TheMadStork]

True, that.

One thing I will give McFadden, though, he's the second hardest hitting player under 230 on our roster. If I got a turnover against our O, my head would be on a swivel to find #20. He's mean. Seriously.

I'm going to make a wild guess that DHB isn't #1. Branch?