Big game for McFadden?

[gimmesix]

I think Darren McFadden has kind of been written off despite rushing for 1,089 yards and 4.6 yards per carry the year before we got Elliott.

The main concern with McFadden before we got him (and even after to an extent) has been injuries and the fact that he's not really a zone scheme runner. He doesn't have great vision so he often doesn't see where he needs to cut. When he doesn't see the hole quickly, he gears down and loses all power because he's a speed-to-power runner.

However, when McFadden sees the hole, he can get through it and into the open field faster than anyone else we have, including Elliott.

This offensive line seems to have found itself and has been doing a much better job of creating openings, so I feel McFadden has a big run coming. I don't think he'll get more than 10 carries, but I think he'll break one that will pump up his numbers.

On top of that, he's a very good receiver out of the backfield, which could lead to a big play in the passing game.

I think Morris and Smith are better "grind" backs for this offense (even though both have shown they can make long runs), but McFadden is the true big-play threat.

 

[Melonfeud]

I think Darren McFadden has kind of been written off despite rushing for 1,089 yards and 4.6 yards per carry the year before we got Elliott.

The main concern with McFadden before we got him (and even after to an extent) has been injuries and the fact that he's not really a zone scheme runner. He doesn't have great vision so he often doesn't see where he needs to cut. When he doesn't see the hole quickly, he gears down and loses all power because he's a speed-to-power runner.

However, when McFadden sees the hole, he can get through it and into the open field faster than anyone else we have, including Elliott.

This offensive line seems to have found itself and has been doing a much better job of creating openings, so I feel McFadden has a big run coming. I don't think he'll get more than 10 carries, but I think he'll break one that will pump up his numbers.

On top of that, he's a very good receiver out of the backfield, which could lead to a big play in the passing game.

I think Morris and Smith are better "grind" backs for this offense (even though both have shown they can make long runs), but McFadden is the true big-play threat.

Copy that,GIMME!
On #20 breaking one wide open,,, that 70 yarder #46 slapped the Rams with has overinflated his casing-liner exponentially and is rather misleading in the nitty-gritty-grind a power back rests his laurels on.

 

[Alexander]

If I am betting on a back to have a big game other than Morris it is Smith. He has much better vision for wide zone blocking than McFadden. Plus he is much more powerful at contact.

Now if we switch up and go with more gap scheme plays and use trap and power plays more, perhaps he might be more useful.

 

[John813]

Believe it when I see it.

Think he is the insurance policy for the insurance policy

 

[gimmesix]

If I am betting on a back to have a big game other than Morris it is Smith. He has much better vision for wide zone blocking than McFadden. Plus he is much more powerful at contact.

Now if we switch up and go with more gap scheme plays and use trap and power plays more, perhaps he might be more useful.

I agree that we need to switch it up some on the blocking scheme when he's in the game. We were able to do that a couple of years ago, but I don't know how much we've practiced it since.

 

[csirl]

I think McFadden will be starting within a couple of weeks. His class will show.

 

[Alexander]

I think McFadden will be starting within a couple of weeks. His class will show.

Class? What does that mean?

 

[csirl]

Class? What does that mean?

He's a classic RB with natural talent.

 

[Alexander]

He's a classic RB with natural talent.

He is a one trick speed back with poor vision.

If that means "classic RB", I guess you are right.

 

[jday]

I think McFadden will be starting within a couple of weeks. His class will show.

To understand why this is not likely, go study the different between Power Blocking Schemes and Zone Blocking Schemes. The Cowboys have the talent on the OL to run either / or, but prefer ZBS, which, aside from Zeke, Morris and Smith are more comfortable running in than is McFadden. In fact, the ZBS being introduced to the Raiders is a big reason why he fell off there. He is a Power Scheme back and therefore struggles finding the crease when the Cowboys attempt zone runs with him in the backfield.

As has already been stated, if there's a surprise back in the next 6 weeks, it will be Smith. He showed flashes in preseason, but did so against lesser competition. This will likely be our first extended look as to rather or not he can duplicate the success he has had in limited opportunities.

 

[Jenky]

He's a classic RB with natural talent.

This is his 10th season and there's nothing I've seen throughout his NFL career that indicates this.

 

[pugilist]

nothing against McFadden, but I'd rather see what we have in Rod Smith

 

[links18]

To understand why this is not likely, go study the different between Power Blocking Schemes and Zone Blocking Schemes. The Cowboys have the talent on the OL to run either / or, but prefer ZBS, which, aside from Zeke, Morris and Smith are more comfortable running in than is McFadden. In fact, the ZBS being introduced to the Raiders is a big reason why he fell off there. He is a Power Scheme back and therefore struggles finding the crease when the Cowboys attempt zone runs with him in the backfield.

.

If this is true, why the hell is McFadden on the team?

 

[jday]

If this is true, why the hell is McFadden on the team?

Experience and Sticker Price. And remember, the Cowboys don't run exclusive ZBS schemes...they dabble in Power Schemes from time to time, as well, dependent on who they face because they have an OL that can do both schemes seamlessly, which is rare. But overall, they prefer to run zone blocking, which is Alfred and Smith's forte.

 

[jazzcat22]

Where are people getting DMC has poor vision. An urban legend CZ thing?

 

[jazzcat22]

To understand why this is not likely, go study the different between Power Blocking Schemes and Zone Blocking Schemes. The Cowboys have the talent on the OL to run either / or, but prefer ZBS, which, aside from Zeke, Morris and Smith are more comfortable running in than is McFadden. In fact, the ZBS being introduced to the Raiders is a big reason why he fell off there. He is a Power Scheme back and therefore struggles finding the crease when the Cowboys attempt zone runs with him in the backfield.

As has already been stated, if there's a surprise back in the next 6 weeks, it will be Smith. He showed flashes in preseason, but did so against lesser competition. This will likely be our first extended look as to rather or not he can duplicate the success he has had in limited opportunities.

Before last season began, the coaches and OL themselves already said they loved blocking for McFadden, and since they could block in either scheme, it did not matter who the RB was back there, as long as they did their job.

 

[StylisticS]

I’m not expecting much from McFadden personally.

 

[jazzcat22]

I’m not expecting much from McFadden personally.

Nor does McFadden expects much from you either.

 

[Bohuntr97]

Before last season began, the coaches and OL themselves already said they loved blocking for McFadden, and since they could block in either scheme, it did not matter who the RB was back there, as long as they did their job.

In reading TFred's recent comments, the Cowboys version of zone blocking is very different from that of the Raiders

 

[Fletch]

If I am betting on a back to have a big game other than Morris it is Smith. He has much better vision for wide zone blocking than McFadden. Plus he is much more powerful at contact.

Now if we switch up and go with more gap scheme plays and use trap and power plays more, perhaps he might be more useful.

I’m on board with Rod Smith. I think this kid has something.