There were a lot of things of things not to like about the Oakland Raiders during a 4-12 season. That they managed to turn Darren McFadden into a mediocre running back is near the top of the list.
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McFadden averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry over 216 attempts, a sharp decline for a player who had averaged over five yards per carry over his previous two seasons. McFadden running laterally for no gain (or worse) was an all-too-common sight.
McFadden's fall from grace was primarily blamed on the zone-blocking scheme installed by one-and-done offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. His replacement, Greg Olson, imagines an offense that plays to the strengths of its best player.
A novel idea, right?
"What we've decided to do, as a staff, is see what Darren McFadden is comfortable doing," Olson said Wednesday, according to Bay Area News Group. "Let's try and make it more comfortable for Darren, because he's one of our premier players."
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Olson brings back a power-blocking scheme and says Oakland's offense will rely on "heavy play-action" and "gap scheme stuff" that suits McFadden's considerable skill set.
It's a logical move that should pay immediate dividends ... if McFadden is able to stay healthy. One issue at a time.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
