McFadden believes his best is yet to come

[Midswat]

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com


IRVING, Texas -- Darren McFadden spent his first night as a Dallas Cowboy attending the Dallas Mavericks’ win against the
Los Angeles Clippers.

It’s safe to say he might have been recognized just a little bit more than had he not signed with the Cowboys earlier in the day.

“I was a Dallas fan all my life, so being able to come here and put the star on my helmet, I’m just looking forward to it,” McFadden said. “I can’t wait to get on out the field and get going.”

As he has done every offseason, McFadden is working out at Michael Johnson Performance in McKinney, Texas.

After seven seasons with the Oakland Raiders, McFadden comes to the Cowboys without the burden of a top-five pick, a revolving roster and coaching staff. McFadden had just one 1,000-yard season with the Raiders and hasn’t averaged better than 3.4 yards per carry since 2011.

“I love what the Dallas offensive line has to offer me,” McFadden said. “They have the best offensive line in the league, I feel like. So I don’t have a question about my ability. It’s just a matter of getting out there, getting the ball in my hands and running.”

When the Cowboys lost DeMarco Murray to the Philadelphia Eagles, they were expecting to wait on the free-agent market, but the two-year deal with McFadden came together late Thursday night into Friday morning.

“I don’t even think I can explain it in words,” McFadden said. “I’m excited about it. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve had an up-and-down career in the NFL, but I’m a pro about things. I go about things the right way, so I want to come out here and perform the way that I can and just show everybody what I’m capable of all along.

"It’s a lot to prove. I still feel that way. I don’t feel that people have seen the best of me in the NFL. I can only go up from where I’ve been. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

 

[bbgun]

how is he at blitz pickup? Randle and Dunbar seem too puny to do that

 

[Midswat]

Pretty good according to Broaddus.

Broaddus on McFadden:

Games Studied: Oakland vs. San Diego, New England, Buffalo (all in 2014)
•Was an interesting study due to rookie David Carr starting at quarterback. There were plenty of snaps where he faced eight and nine men in the box.
•Thought in those situations he showed physical toughness and competes. Offensive line did him no favors as well. Snaps where as soon as Carr handed him the ball - he was hit. When he had a chance to get going, he showed initial quickness with acceleration and a burst.
•Can get the ball to the corner and around. Nice runs against the Chargers and Bills doing just that. Able to make the first man miss then apply a stiff arm to finish the run. Will lower his shoulder and take on the tackler. Showed the vision to make the cut when things opened up. Hard downhill runner on the toss sweep against the Chargers.
•Really good lateral agility and change of direction. Did not see him drop a ball that was thrown in his direction. Will check down over the ball and make the catch or work to the outside and adjust to the screen. Was able to adjust to a ball that was high from Carr. Gathered it in and worked up the field.
•Will follow his blockers. Can make the cuts, needs to keep his feet better on contact in the open field. Couple of snaps where if he could have kept his balance, he would have had a larger gain.
•Aware to help on blitz, sees defense and adjusts. Steps up and stays square to handle his man. Stays on feet to work rusher to the outside. Keeps his feet moving on contact. Did cut block one time but that was after a play fake to the outside. Will cut block some on the edge.
•Will protect the ball when he runs inside. Runs better on the edge than he does inside.
•His running style is more elusive than Murray's. Split time with several backs during the games I studied but has some three down traits.
•Was really surprised of his willingness, technique and finish as a pass blocker.

 

[Sheik]

I haven't paid attention to him since like 2010, is he still fast?

 

[NoShame]

Not gonna lie, these fluff articles have me feeling a lot better about McFadden.

But gotta keep telling myself... He's gonna be 28 this season and had his first full 16 game season last year. Gotta keep expectations low.