Tough Loss Points to Bright Future For Oakland Raiders

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Kavell Conner (53) tackles Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The San Diego Chargers defeated the Oakland Raiders 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Reemergence of McFadden

Running back Darren McFadden is actually starting to reemerge as the rediscovered deep ball has opened the running game up. In his 14 carries for 80 yards, McFadden is showing the ability to finish runs and a spin move to go with that speed. There were a few times that he was just a thread away from taking one the distance but it didn’t quite happen.

My knock on him from Sunday is the deep ball that he dropped as that is just another element the normally sure-handed McFadden brings. Now that opposing teams need to be ready for the deep ball, look for McFadden to get more touches which means more breakaways. I believe Maurice Jones-Drew has helped McFadden stay healthy so far by both spelling him and giving him advice on how to take care of his body.

So I’m looking for McFadden to make it to the finish line this year to make some explosive plays and touchdowns. Then he’ll be brought back next year after proving that he can stay healthy to make a run at the playoffs in the coming years. It’s seems like he’s been around forever but he’s only 27 so he has time to put together some big years.