McFadden "bust quotient" Article from SportingNews

[cmhargrove]

I don't want to jinx us for Monday's game, but this is an interesting read.

McFadden, Gholston have look of NFL busts
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 24 WATCH THIS TOPIC
Posted: September 5, 2008

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.

[Los Broncos]

I would like to hear what they think about Clady.

[broncofan7]

McFadden = Tatum Bell

[PRBronco]

The thing that put me off about McFadden is his chicken legs. I've never seen a running back with such thin calves.

[bronco militia]

McFadden = Tatum Bell

lol....that's exactly what I was thinking reading this article

[KipCorrington25]

Well greasy Al better hide his luggage then.

[Los Broncos]

Well greasy Al better hide his luggage then.

Good one.

[bronco militia]

bwhahaha!

[Dr. Broncenstein]

The only thing that can stop McFadden is his innate ability to find trouble off the field. The guy totally dominated the toughest division in college football for three years with a complete and utter lack of a passing game. Mitch Mustain and Casey Dick... quite possibly the two worst quarterbacks to ever play for Arkansas... could do nothing except get off the field so that Darren would take the snap directly. I understand he plays for the hated Raiders, but Darren McFadden is an animal.

[DontBeMessin]

THAT'S HILARIOUS!!!

Well... I will say this - THAT DUDE IS AN IDIOT!!! I am (as you all know) a Raider fanatic and I have NEVER - NEVER in my life seen such explosiviness from the line in my LIFE!!! I have not watched AP so I can't say. But, watching football from the mid 70's it is hard to compare him to anyone!!

A regular 2 yard pickup for some backs is a 5 yard pickup for McFad. He's enormous on top of it all... Why don't you look at his stats FIRST and then decide - and remember - we have a HORRIBLE offensive line unlike the Vikings who have the NUMBER 1 OFFENSIVE LINE!!!

YOU CAN START FROM HERE:

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&statisticCategory=RUSHING&conference=AFC&role=TM&season=2008&seasonType=PRE

and then you can go here and then discuss his average yard per carry...

http://www.nfl.com/players/darrenmcfadden/profile?id=MCF084974

[oubronco]

Raiders SUCK !!!!

[Los Broncos]

From the one Oakland pre season game I watched, he looked good.

[bfoflcommish]

THAT'S HILARIOUS!!!

Well... I will say this - THAT DUDE IS AN IDIOT!!! I am (as you all know) a Raider fanatic and I have NEVER - NEVER in my life seen such explosiviness from the line in my LIFE!!! I have not watched AP so I can't say. But, watching football from the mid 70's it is hard to compare him to anyone!!

A regular 2 yard pickup for some backs is a 5 yard pickup for McFad. He's enormous on top of it all... Why don't you look at his stats FIRST and then decide - and remember - we have a HORRIBLE offensive line unlike the Vikings who have the NUMBER 1 OFFENSIVE LINE!!!

YOU CAN START FROM HERE:

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&statisticCategory=RUSHING&conference=AFC&role=TM&season=2008&seasonType=PRE

and then you can go here and then discuss his average yard per carry...

http://www.nfl.com/players/darrenmcfadden/profile?id=MCF084974

well, I see 1 long run each game boosting those stats (which is preseason so take it for what it's worth) and no rushing td's even counting his "long" runs.....so hmm scared? not much.

[skpac1001]

Everyone who is in that backfield (McFadden, Jones, Hillis) looked good. I agree that McFadden can do serious damage when lanes are opened up for him. We will find out what he can do when they are not.

[DontBeMessin]

Raiders SUCK !!!!

You know why I never give you crap? I'm an OU fan... :wiggle:

[Orange_Beard]

lol....that's exactly what I was thinking reading this article

Watch out, he WILL STEAL YOUR GYM BAG!

[DontBeMessin]

well, I see 1 long run each game boosting those stats (which is preseason so take it for what it's worth) and no rushing td's even counting his "long" runs.....so hmm scared? not much.

He's not our short distance guy. When we got close we brought in Bush... Imagine this - how many rushing TD does Alstott have or Duffey when Warrick Dunn was their OUTSTANDING Running back?

And be very afraid!!!

[DontBeMessin]

The only thing that can stop McFadden is his innate ability to find trouble off the field. The guy totally dominated the toughest division in college football for three years with a complete and utter lack of a passing game. Mitch Mustain and Casey Dick... quite possibly the two worst quarterbacks to ever play for Arkansas... could do nothing except get off the field so that Darren would take the snap directly. I understand he plays for the hated Raiders, but Darren McFadden is an animal.

Thank you!!:thumbsup:

[NFLBRONCO]

THAT'S HILARIOUS!!!

Well... I will say this - THAT DUDE IS AN IDIOT!!! I am (as you all know) a Raider fanatic and I have NEVER - NEVER in my life seen such explosiviness from the line in my LIFE!!! I have not watched AP so I can't say. But, watching football from the mid 70's it is hard to compare him to anyone!!

A regular 2 yard pickup for some backs is a 5 yard pickup for McFad. He's enormous on top of it all... Why don't you look at his stats FIRST and then decide - and remember - we have a HORRIBLE offensive line unlike the Vikings who have the NUMBER 1 OFFENSIVE LINE!!!

YOU CAN START FROM HERE:

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&statisticCategory=RUSHING&conference=AFC&role=TM&season=2008&seasonType=PRE

and then you can go here and then discuss his average yard per carry...

http://www.nfl.com/players/darrenmcfadden/profile?id=MCF084974

Forget about BO??????

[PRBronco]

THAT'S HILARIOUS!!!

Well... I will say this - THAT DUDE IS AN IDIOT!!! I am (as you all know) a Raider fanatic and I have NEVER - NEVER in my life seen such explosiviness from the line in my LIFE!!! I have not watched AP so I can't say. But, watching football from the mid 70's it is hard to compare him to anyone!!

A regular 2 yard pickup for some backs is a 5 yard pickup for McFad. He's enormous on top of it all... Why don't you look at his stats FIRST and then decide - and remember - we have a HORRIBLE offensive line unlike the Vikings who have the NUMBER 1 OFFENSIVE LINE!!!

YOU CAN START FROM HERE:

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&statisticCategory=RUSHING&conference=AFC&role=TM&season=2008&seasonType=PRE

and then you can go here and then discuss his average yard per carry...

http://www.nfl.com/players/darrenmcfadden/profile?id=MCF084974

Why are you yelling? :(

[Crushaholic]

McFadden = Tatum Bell

He fumbles a lot?

[oubronco]

You know why I never give you crap? I'm an OU fan... :wiggle:

well then you can't be all that bad then so why don't you just come on over to the Broncos side ^5

[broncofan2438]

I would like to hear what they think about Clady.

Only good things my friend only good things

[maher_tyler]

I don't want to jinx us for Monday's game, but this is an interesting read.

McFadden, Gholston have look of NFL busts
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 24 WATCH THIS TOPIC
Posted: September 5, 2008

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.

Did anyone else think Alridge fits this category...i don't know i just think he's gonna be a heck of a RB for us if he ever gets the chance...i don't remember watching a guy hit a hole so quick and with so much power like this since Portis!!

[Los Broncos]

Only good things my friend only good things

Didn't hear hear his name much during pre season games.

Its a good thing I guess, means he isn't holding or whatever.

Did he even have a false start called on him?

[broncofan7]

He fumbles a lot?

He has excellent straight line speed.

[Dedhed]

McFadden = Tatum Bell
I was going to say the exact same thing. Mcfadden is faster and even softer than Tatum. He'll hit the occasional home run, but will never make it as a feature back.

[gyldenlove]

He fumbles a lot?

He actually does, he has fumbled more than any other Championship division runningback over the last 3 years.

[Bronx33]

If anybody can ruin a player it would be the raider organization.

[bowtown]

Any RB can look good behind a great FB.

[Rock Chalk]

I dont know if McFadden is going to be an elite back but Im fairly certain a bust he is not.

McFadden in Denver would be monstrous. Anyone who says differently is a blind homer.

[kappys]

Its hard to say what he'll do in the NFL - just like all draft picks.

I was assured that Reggie Bush was the next coming of Bo Jackson on the football field with a little Barry Sanders thrown in the mix - I'm still waiting.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

THAT'S HILARIOUS!!!

Well... I will say this - THAT DUDE IS AN IDIOT!!! I am (as you all know) a Raider fanatic and I have NEVER - NEVER in my life seen such explosiviness from the line in my LIFE!!! I have not watched AP so I can't say. But, watching football from the mid 70's it is hard to compare him to anyone!!

A regular 2 yard pickup for some backs is a 5 yard pickup for McFad. He's enormous on top of it all... Why don't you look at his stats FIRST and then decide - and remember - we have a HORRIBLE offensive line unlike the Vikings who have the NUMBER 1 OFFENSIVE LINE!!!

YOU CAN START FROM HERE:

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&statisticCategory=RUSHING&conference=AFC&role=TM&season=2008&seasonType=PRE

and then you can go here and then discuss his average yard per carry...

http://www.nfl.com/players/darrenmcfadden/profile?id=MCF084974

Is this cat seriously trying to show us preseason stats as any sort of an argument?

Going off that list, Tomlinson could be considered the worst RB in the entire league.

[Broncosmang]

I'm going to flip and flop a little on this topic. I love the idea that McFadden could be a bust. call me crazy, but after watching him in college, I felt his lack of lean and power lent himself more to WR than rb. And I love Greg Cosell. He is always coming on the local ESPN affiliate and arguing how great Cutler is going to be (I have an ongoing argument with one of the local normally levelheaded personalities about VY vs Cutty) anyways. Cosell is on spot about Cutler and seems to bring him up every time he's on out here which is cool as I live in the greater Philadelphia area. Ok all that to say. I'm reserving judgment on McFadden until I see 8 or so games out of him. Is he another Michael Bennet type? or is he the real deal? As much as I hate to say it, if you listen to the guys he played against in college like Glenn Dorsey or to his defensive teammates in Oakland he should be pretty freakin good.

[watermock]

The author is right about Mac not running thru tackles. I assumed it was because of sore ribs (as advertised), but he ran tenatively all year.

Honeestly, he's more like tatum bell than Eric Dickerson. Both had slender legs, but Dickerson would run thru contact.

[bap454]

Not to change the subject... but what is the raiders nation message forum. I know the chiefs is "Chiefs Planet",... just wanted to see what kind of garbage they are talking. Thanks

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Not to change the subject... but what is the raiders nation message forum. I know the chiefs is "Chiefs Planet",... just wanted to see what kind of garbage they are talking. Thanks

http://www.writeaprisoner.com/

[Ugly Duck]

what is the raiders nation message forum? I

http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oakland-raiders-forum-message-board/

[bap454]

http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oakland-raiders-forum-message-board/

Thanks ugly.... sweet avatar by the way. Hilarious!

[Ugly Duck]

Can't tell much from preseason games as we all know. McFadden was used in a very vanilla fashion against other NFL teams (in practice, he had a much more elaborate playbook). He took an average of only 8 handoffs per game & leads all NFL backs in runs over 20 yards in preseason games. Doesn't look "busty" so far... but only a real game will tell.

[Ugly Duck]

Thanks ugly.... sweet avatar by the way. Hilarious!

Its the only pic of a BoltFan that I could find, but at least its proof that they actually do exist.....

[TheChamp24]

My opinion?
He's going to be better than Bush, but worse than Peterson.

[Ugly Duck]

The author is right about Mac not running thru tackles. Dickerson would run thru contact.

Here's a video of two of McFadden's runs against the Seahawk defense. Watch how easy he goes down:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80a62e8b

[BroncoMan4ever]

McFadden = Tatum Bell

whose luggage did McFadden steal?

on a serious side, i have been saying since before the draft that McFadden would be a bust. even if he had fallen to us i would have drafted any of the 3 RB's picked after him in the 1st before him. his entire game was based on playing in a spread offense that didn't allow defenses to get in his face, and without that he will suffer.
Plus he doesn't have HILLIS anymore.

[watermock]

I watched him all year, like I said, he had sore ribs, but he doesnt have a "bubble" butt, looks more like a WR, frankly, I see alot of similarities to AP too, 'cept the OL of Vikes is better.

I'd run around our left side of D with a hobbled Boss.Robertson is a huge upgrade.

[TheChamp24]

Here's a video of two of McFadden's runs against the Seahawk defense. Watch how easy he goes down:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80a62e8b

Are you seriously pimping McFadden when he was running against backups on Seattle's defense?

[Broncosmang]

Are you seriously pimping McFadden when he was running against backups on Seattle's defense?


Say what you like bro. he didn't look to be going down easily

[DarkHorse30]

The author is right about Mac not running thru tackles. I assumed it was because of sore ribs (as advertised), but he ran tenatively all year.

Honeestly, he's more like tatum bell than Eric Dickerson. Both had slender legs, but Dickerson would run thru contact.

McFadden seems to run VERY high, even higher than Dickerson.

[Broncosmang]

McFadden seems to run VERY high, even higher than Dickerson.

Like I've said previously. I think his body type, lean, running style and fantastic hands would lend themselves more to WR than to running back.

[CasinoRoyal]

Mc fadden can only run fast on a straight line........That wont work in the NFL.....

You gotta be able to make a man or two miss to break the big run....

Mc fadden has NEVER had wiggle....Adrian peterson does....

End of that comparison.....

Oh and MC fadden is SOFT.

[DarkHorse30]

Like I've said previously. I think his body type, lean, running style and fantastic hands would lend themselves more to WR than to running back.

I saw on a site that McFadden reminded some of Westbrook. I'm guessing that Kiffen won't run him straight up the gut very much......mostly draws and screens; with Fargas getting most of the carries, especially in week 1.

[CasinoRoyal]

I saw on a site that McFadden reminded some of Westbrook. I'm guessing that Kiffen won't run him straight up the gut very much......mostly draws and screens; with Fargas getting most of the carries, especially in week 1.

Oh helllllllllllllll nawwwwwwwww dude is nothing like Westbrook Hilarious!

B West does everything well.......With great change of direction....

Mc fadden runs in a straight line fast.......THATS IT.Hilarious!

Watch all of his highlights and watch how all his big plays are down a straight line......Watch how easy hes tackles once guys touch him.......

[Kaylore]

McFadden goes down pretty easily with contact. He doesn't juke guys like Westbrook and he doesn't bowl people over. I have no doubt he's fast, but I think McFadden owes some of his rookie pay to Adrian Peterson because I think the Raiders FO thinks he's going to be like him and he isn't.

[koonz99]

ya, i know last year when i was hearing all this hoopla about darren mcfadden, the next great back, watching videos on youtube, the main thing that stood out were the lack of sweet moves you'd expect out of this next great back. I mean the speed was there but it wasn't like he was juking guys out, ala b westbrook. Honestly, anthony aldridge has better elusiveness than mcfadden from what i've seen so far. Guess we'll just have to find out tomorrow night.

[Ugly Duck]

Watch how easy hes tackles once guys touch him.......

Click this NFL.com link & watch how easy he goes down....

Time 1:30 "McFadden.... breaks a tackle - drags three Seahawks down to the 29 yard line for 24 yards!"

Time 2:00 "McFadden runs into the line... sees a lot of blue shirts... SPINS off of them! Finally tripped up after 24 yards....The man was wrapped up, but they couldn't bring him down!"

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80a62e8b

[kappys]

McFadden seems to run VERY high, even higher than Dickerson.

I think that's very important. You automatically have to question his durability if he runs like that - its almost guaranteed that he'll take some big hits. Dickerson did it but I'm reminded of Chris Brown who was effective running high but constantly gets injured.

[Br0nc0Buster]

McFadden will be a good player but I dont understand why they passed on Dorsey to take him. They had the 6th best rushing offense and had 1st round talent in Michael Bush. Plus they had Fargas and Jordan. That is a solid core right there.

I think the McFadden pick was kind of a luxury pick unless he really does turn out to be the next Bo Jackson. I dont think that will be the case though since his shiftiness is nowhere near elite.

The Raiders just draft speed though, and how has that worked out for them?........not good

[TheChamp24]

Click this NFL.com link & watch how easy he goes down....

Time 1:30 "McFadden.... breaks a tackle - drags three Seahawks down to the 29 yard line for 24 yards!"

Time 2:00 "McFadden runs into the line... sees a lot of blue shirts... SPINS off of them! Finally tripped up after 24 yards....The man was wrapped up, but they couldn't bring him down!"

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80a62e8b

Again, BACKUPS. Backups were trying to take down a starting RB, guys who probably got cut.

And the 2nd run, he wasn't touched when he ran into the wall. Nobody "wrapped" him up, he just spun out and sped back the other way.

[watermock]

Click this NFL.com link & watch how easy he goes down....

Time 1:30 "McFadden.... breaks a tackle - drags three Seahawks down to the 29 yard line for 24 yards!"

Time 2:00 "McFadden runs into the line... sees a lot of blue shirts... SPINS off of them! Finally tripped up after 24 yards....The man was wrapped up, but they couldn't bring him down!"

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80a62e8b

Poor tackling. Now when JMFW bounced off 4 guys, it was mind over matter.

[lookin' glass]

'Nobody "wrapped" him up' is the part I'm concerned with as far as Denver's defense goes. He may not look good against anyone else but Denver given their recents years lack of tackling.

[Rock Chalk]

McFadden goes down pretty easily with contact. He doesn't juke guys like Westbrook and he doesn't bowl people over. I have no doubt he's fast, but I think McFadden owes some of his rookie pay to Adrian Peterson because I think the Raiders FO thinks he's going to be like him and he isn't.

Peterson he is not. Very few backs are going to be that good.

I do think he will be a good back and I am VERY doubtful of any bust label at this point.

McFadden definately > Bush.

Bush = USC fag.

[*WARHORSE*]

McFadden no shake n bake?

Who cares. Has this guy ever seen Dickerson run? McFadden runs the same way.

One problem McFadden causes is he is faster than he looks. He doesnt look like hes running fast, and LBers constantly misjudge their angles to him because of that. In the split second it takes for them to recognize this in order to change angles, they lose their window of opportunity.......its too late. Once in the open........bye bye. Only the few elite speedsters in the league will catch him.

Im hoping his style of running is going to help him take a pounding. However......one only has to look at the tape of him running in the preseason to know he has ability that translates to this league. How much? That remains to be seen.

But the talent is there.

[Ugly Duck]

McFadden will be a good player but I dont understand why they passed on Dorsey to take him. They had the 6th best rushing offense and had 1st round talent in Michael Bush. Plus they had Fargas and Jordan.

Not really as solid as it looked cuz of durability problems. Jordan kept getting sidelined due to recurring lower back problems. Fargas consistantly gets injured due to his fearlessness and running style. Michael Bush will attempt to play with a titanium rod holding his leg together (will be the 1st in the NFL, I believe). If McFadden also has durability problems.... we'll be right back to rotating starting RBs again.

[azbroncfan]

I thought McFadden looked good in preseason even if he does play for the crappy faid. I won't make a judgement because of one article some guy wrote and quite frankly it is the only write up on McFadden I have seen that didn't say he looked good.

[CasinoRoyal]

McFadden no shake n bake?

Who cares. Has this guy ever seen Dickerson run? McFadden runs the same way.

One problem McFadden causes is he is faster than he looks. He doesnt look like hes running fast, and LBers constantly misjudge their angles to him because of that. In the split second it takes for them to recognize this in order to change angles, they lose their window of opportunity.......its too late. Once in the open........bye bye. Only the few elite speedsters in the league will catch him.

Im hoping his style of running is going to help him take a pounding. However......one only has to look at the tape of him running in the preseason to know he has ability that translates to this league. How much? That remains to be seen.

But the talent is there.

Hilarious! Hilarious! youll find out how differant college defenses are ta NFL defenses. EVERYBODIES FAST DUHHH.

Ask Reggie Bush how faster the nfl is, and bush is way better of a prospect than mc fadden.....

mc fadden will be average, Hes not even the 1st or 2nd best back on his team.

mc fadden falls way too easy and runs upright with the skinniest ****in frame ever......

that straight line speed **** wont work in the nfl because in teh nfl to break the BIG run you gonna have to consistantly make the first man miss.......period.

Mc fadden has no wiggle and no power to run all over NFL defenses.

im sure DJ Williams is gonna let a guy who only runs straight well run right around em......or any other NFL core of lbs.......

[ZONA]

McFaden reminds me alot of a great back named Eric Dickerson. Both run extremely upright, have long strides and can really get going once the get going. But, Eric Dickerson ran behind one of the best line in the NFL in his day. There were enormous holes he used to run through. I can remember the countless time when he poked through the line of scrimage untouched and it was a race downfield with the secondary. To be fair, defenders were not as big and as fast as they are today. What's that saying "you can't bring a thourobred to a rodeo", yeah, I think that's it. I see things going like this for McFadden in year one behind this line. He will have lots of big runs (mostly when the defense guesses wrong) and alot of no gainers. It's hard for tall upright runners to shed tacklers and almost impossible if they are trying to move latterly. With long legs, there is lot's to aim at :)

[Rock Chalk]

Didn't Herschel Walker run the same way prior to the monster Dallas offensive lines?

[Broncosmang]

Hilarious! Hilarious! youll find out how differant college defenses are ta NFL defenses. EVERYBODIES FAST DUHHH.

Ask Reggie Bush how faster the nfl is, and bush is way better of a prospect than mc fadden.....

mc fadden will be average, Hes not even the 1st or 2nd best back on his team.

mc fadden falls way too easy and runs upright with the skinniest ****in frame ever......

that straight line speed **** wont work in the nfl because in teh nfl to break the BIG run you gonna have to consistantly make the first man miss.......period.

Mc fadden has no wiggle and no power to run all over NFL defenses.

im sure DJ Williams is gonna let a guy who only runs straight well run right around em......or any other NFL core of lbs.......

I'm getting tired of your condescending attitude. Of course everyone is fast, but everyone aint 4.3 fast. Go back and watch the film from the Seattle game. Second stringers or no McFadden showed explosion to the hole. Wiggle and he was hard to bring down.

[CasinoRoyal]

I'm getting tired of your condescending attitude. Of course everyone is fast, but everyone aint 4.3 fast. Go back and watch the film from the Seattle game. Second stringers or no McFadden showed explosion to the hole. Wiggle and he was hard to bring down.

thats all track seed buddy.....

means nothing if you cant make the first man miss.:rofl:

youll see soon raider fan.