Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) is taken down by Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) and Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns beat the Raiders 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
McFadden’s Improvement
No, McFadden doesn’t have the runs over 20 yards he’s known for when healthy but his game has immensely improved. Since he’s healthy, he still has all the burst and explosion he’s always had but he has added power to his game recently. He finishes his runs much better now as he pushes the pile forward and added a spin move to make tacklers miss.
But the biggest thing I saw was against the Cleveland Browns when he simply stepped out of and broke a tackle. Driving for a couple of extra yards is nothing new but to step out of a tackle and keep running is something I never saw him do before. When you add that to the lightning speed he already has, add some vision to that and he’s ready to go.
Some have complained about his vision and have pictures of the holes he has missed but there haven’t been than many. It’s hard to say anything good about a player on a losing to so it’s understandable but Jim Brown and Barry Sanders have missed hole in their time too. Either way, the addition of power and tackle breaking has made him that much more dangerous so it should be used.