Darren McFadden Will Be X-Factor For Oakland Raiders In Week 11
By Paul Jackiewicz
@Paul_Jackiewicz
Getty Images
The Oakland Raiders will travel to face off against the San Diego Chargers in Southern California this Sunday in hopes of getting their first win of the 2014 NFL season. The problem is they’re playing a Chargers team that’s coming off of three straight losses and knows they have to get a win this week.
The only way the Raiders are going to have a chance at defeating the Chargers is if running back Darren McFadden can move the ball on the ground. Unfortunately that’s a big “if,” since McFadden and the Raiders have had a hard time getting much going with their running game this season.
While McFadden is certainly playing better than Maurice Jones-Drew – who seems to be washed up — McFadden’s only averaging 3.5 yards per carry. It would be nice to see him get his average over four yards per carry, especially with a rookie quarterback in Derek Carr under center. A great running game is a rookie quarterback’s best friend because it opens things up for the passing game.
The good news for Oakland is that the Chargers’ run defense isn’t the strongest part of their defense. They’re currently ranked 17th in the league against the run, which isn’t bad, but it also isn’t great. The Raiders will at least have a chance at moving the ball.
When the Raiders and Chargers met back in Week 6, McFadden actually had his best game of the season while rushing for 80 yards on 14 carries. Unfortunately the Raiders still lost by three points.
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