Big game for McFadden?

[Tabascocat]

I bet he barely sees the field. He has been inactive every week and they were not "saving" him for later.

 

[dfense]

McFadden has good speed to the outside on quick pitches. Picks his spot and turns it up field with purpose. He punishes DB's. Remember the Washington S? Can he still play?

 

[Alexander]

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

I have to see more to determine that about Smith.

As for McFadden, I have seen enough to know what he is.

 

[links18]

I have to see more to determine that about Smith.

As for McFadden, I have seen enough to know what he is.

Which is what? Jerry's Arkansas pet cat?

 

[jazzcat22]

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

But that can mean their version of zone blocking is better and fits McFadden better.

 

[Grevus]

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.

I was about to say the same thing. I do think Smith may become the featured back after a couple of games.

 

[Grevus]

The bigger question is who can pickup the blitz better. We can't run out one back for run plays and another for passing plays.

 

[Fletch]

I have to see more to determine that about Smith.

As for McFadden, I have seen enough to know what he is.

Agreed. We have a very small sample size consisting mainly of preseason snaps from Smith, but from what I saw, the guy is a raging bull that fights for yards.

 

[johneric8]

To me it's insane how I hear some of you guys saying things like wanting to see Rod Smith... Mcfadden is a beast and one of the more talented backs to come out of college in the last 10 years. He was behind some horrible lines in the past and has delivered for Dallas big time... Morris has really shown nothing, and Rod Smith is the flavor of the week whom has proven nothing.. Mcfadden is heads and shoulders above Morris and Smith, and you guys will see that soon enough..

 

[LOBO7]

McFadden 2015 - 1,089 yards and 4.6 yards per carry / not bad in anybody's book

 

[Bohuntr97]

But that can mean their version of zone blocking is better and fits McFadden better.

Exactly

 

[Reverend Conehead]

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.

I love McFadden. I think he'll rise to the occasion and demonstrate his value to the team. I would love it if the Giants' dirtbag, Mr. Mara, would be so upset over it that he poops his pants.

 

[Alexander]

Mcfadden is a beast

 

[Blackspider214]

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

This. I've already seen what we have in McFadden and Morris and it isn't much at all. The offense bogs down when either are in the game.

 

[StylisticS]

Nor does McFadden expects much from you either.

Whoa you got upset for what? Because I stated my thoughts on something? Relax a little bit.

 

[tyke1doe]

The man hasn't played a full season of football in over two years. If we're putting our running game hopes on Darren McFadden, we're in serious trouble.

 

[Alohawg1]

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

Film study vindicates him, at least somewhat.

 

[gimmesix]

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

Observation. He doesn't see backside cuts, so if the hole isn't open, he can't find an alternate path quickly. This, to me, and injury are the main reasons he never quite became the back everyone thought he would be.

 

[gimmesix]

The man hasn't played a full season of football in over two years. If we're putting our running game hopes on Darren McFadden, we're in serious trouble.

It isn't like he's been sitting on the street corner twiddling his thumbs. He's been on our roster, practicing and staying sharp in case we needed him.

 

[gimmesix]

The bigger question is who can pickup the blitz better. We can't run out one back for run plays and another for passing plays.

I think either Smith or McFadden needs to be the third-down back. Morris isn't quite on their level as a blocker and he's much lower as a receiver.