Lesson learned -- Darren McFadden and a zone-blocking scheme do not mix. The Oakland Raiders running back averaged just 58.9 yards per game in 2012, his lowest mark since 2009. His 3.3 yards per carry was a career low.
"I came in last year with my hopes super high," McFadden said Thursday, via the Contra Costa Times. "They were just crushed. So I wanted to put that behind me and move forward."
Fired offensive coordinator Greg Knapp switched things up in his return to Oakland. McFadden went from hitting the hole downhill to stretching things out laterally. That did not fit his power-running style.
New offensive coordinator Greg Olson has dumped the scheme, and McFadden is thrilled.
"It's a downhill offense," McFadden said. "That's one of the things I like about it. I'm the type of guy I like to get going downhill, so I'm looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a great fit for our team.
"It's a great feeling that they have that confidence in me, so I just want to go out there and prove to them on the field that I can do it, and show them I'm the type of player they think I'm capable of being."
This is a contract year for McFadden, who's due $5.8 million. He needs to stay healthy and return to the player who rushed for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010. There's no excuses this year.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
