Last season, Darren McFadden rushed for 1,157 yards and had a 5.2 yards-per-carry average. He also added 47 receptions for 507 yards. By any standards, it was a fine season by the third-year back.
Many wondered if the Raiders had drafted a first-round dud after McFadden's first two years in the NFL. As much as his seasons were marred by injuries, small and otherwise, McFadden had yet to display the explosive ability everyone was anticipating.
In 2008, McFadden's rookie year, he carried the ball 113 times for 499 yards, a 4.4 yards-per-carry average. He missed three games that year to injury and was dinged up for others.
McFadden's lone bright spot that year was a Week 2 game at Arrowhead Stadium when he rushed for 164 yards on 21 carries.
It was also the only time he would rush for more than 50 or 100 yards the entire year. Also included was his only rush for over 20 yards that year, when he broke loose for 50 yards.
The 2009 season was a disappointment to many McFadden supporters. He rushed 104 times for a measly 357 yards resulting in a 3.4 yards-per-carry average. McFadden missed four games that year to injury and, once again, struggled with dings and dents.
Again, all of McFadden's highlights came in one game. His Week 15 performance at Mile High was his best. He carried 12 times for 74 yards and had his only 20-plus yard carry when he broke a 28-yard run.
It was one of the two times he would rush for more than 50 yards and he never eclipsed the 100-yard mark in a single game all season.
Some might have labeled his 2010 season a make or break year for McFadden. The organization and fanbase watched as McFadden put all the criticism behind him.
He would carry the ball 223 time...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
