Time for McFadden show to be unveiled
David White, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Whatever McFadden does, it will be about time. The Raiders didn't pick him No. 4 overall in the draft to run inside the tackles all day.
"I know they're going to come in and have some more plays for me," McFadden said Wednesday after practicing without health limitations for the first time in a month. "I like going out there and getting the ball in my hands, make some plays."
McFadden should get that chance Sunday, when the Jets visit the Coliseum. His turf toe is recovered as well as can be, which means the Raiders will no longer limit what McFadden does on the field.
It could be the spark needed for an offense that has struggled since McFadden got hurt rushing for 164 yards against the Chiefs in Week 2.
With McFadden hobbled, interim coach Tom Cable estimated there was half a playbook sitting on the shelf. With McFadden back, the exotic flavor should finally take shape.
"That was kind of the plan," Cable said. "That's what we worked on in camp. It has tied our hands a little bit but it's nice to be getting him healthy so we can continue to get back on track that way."
So far, the Raiders have dabbled with the "Wildcat" formation - where McFadden lines up as quarterback in shotgun formation, with a running back to his side and quarterback JaMarcus Russell split wide.
McFadden ran the play at Arkansas to spectacular effect. With the Raiders, it has been more of an option run where he kept the ball or handed it off in a misdirection attempt.
More NFL teams have tinkered with "Wildcat" plays this season, particularly the Dolphins. And yes, McFadden did get a little jealous to watch Ronnie Brown run his play.
"I know where it was started," said McFadden, who threw seven touchdown passes in college. "It's something you look at; you wish you were healthy, so you can go out there and do the same thing."
McFadden will also spend more time lining up like a wide receiver, whether in the slot or on the far sideline. He's done it several times with the Raiders but without a throw going his way.
He has the hands to make the catch, the agility to make a move and the speed to get away from defenders. Or, so he did in college.
"The more he can do, the better it'd be for our team," said Russell, who hasn't caught a pass since middle school. "Anything we can do to help put the ball in his hands. ... I think he's a scary sight for other guys."
Russell certainly can use the help. The wide receivers have been little help to the offense in a 1-4 start. Yards after the catch are scarce.
If there's to be pass-game balance to the run-heavy offense, it might take a running back like McFadden to do it. Now that he's well again, it's time to see if defenses can stop him.
"It'll make it a whole lot tougher," McFadden said. "You're not just going to be singled out coming out of the backfield. Now you're out on the edge and things, so now they really have to look around."
David White, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Whatever McFadden does, it will be about time. The Raiders didn't pick him No. 4 overall in the draft to run inside the tackles all day.
"I know they're going to come in and have some more plays for me," McFadden said Wednesday after practicing without health limitations for the first time in a month. "I like going out there and getting the ball in my hands, make some plays."
McFadden should get that chance Sunday, when the Jets visit the Coliseum. His turf toe is recovered as well as can be, which means the Raiders will no longer limit what McFadden does on the field.
It could be the spark needed for an offense that has struggled since McFadden got hurt rushing for 164 yards against the Chiefs in Week 2.
With McFadden hobbled, interim coach Tom Cable estimated there was half a playbook sitting on the shelf. With McFadden back, the exotic flavor should finally take shape.
"That was kind of the plan," Cable said. "That's what we worked on in camp. It has tied our hands a little bit but it's nice to be getting him healthy so we can continue to get back on track that way."
So far, the Raiders have dabbled with the "Wildcat" formation - where McFadden lines up as quarterback in shotgun formation, with a running back to his side and quarterback JaMarcus Russell split wide.
McFadden ran the play at Arkansas to spectacular effect. With the Raiders, it has been more of an option run where he kept the ball or handed it off in a misdirection attempt.
More NFL teams have tinkered with "Wildcat" plays this season, particularly the Dolphins. And yes, McFadden did get a little jealous to watch Ronnie Brown run his play.
"I know where it was started," said McFadden, who threw seven touchdown passes in college. "It's something you look at; you wish you were healthy, so you can go out there and do the same thing."
McFadden will also spend more time lining up like a wide receiver, whether in the slot or on the far sideline. He's done it several times with the Raiders but without a throw going his way.
He has the hands to make the catch, the agility to make a move and the speed to get away from defenders. Or, so he did in college.
"The more he can do, the better it'd be for our team," said Russell, who hasn't caught a pass since middle school. "Anything we can do to help put the ball in his hands. ... I think he's a scary sight for other guys."
Russell certainly can use the help. The wide receivers have been little help to the offense in a 1-4 start. Yards after the catch are scarce.
If there's to be pass-game balance to the run-heavy offense, it might take a running back like McFadden to do it. Now that he's well again, it's time to see if defenses can stop him.
"It'll make it a whole lot tougher," McFadden said. "You're not just going to be singled out coming out of the backfield. Now you're out on the edge and things, so now they really have to look around."
