Darren McFadden is well aware 2013 is a make-or-break season for him. He is coming off his worst season with the Oakland Raiders and entering into the final year of his contract. Those two things normally do not mix well. The pending free agent must improve in 2013 if he is going to make a solid case for getting a second contract with the team. McFadden says he is focused going into the year and head coach Dennis Allen is noticing.
The 25-year old looked lost in 2012. After averaging 5.2 and 5.4 yards per carry in both 2010 and 2011, he dropped to just 3.3 in 2012. 2010 was McFadden's best year, recording 1,157 yards for seven touchdowns. He has not come close to those numbers since, increasing his turnover ratio along with it.
A lot contributed to McFadden's struggles in 2012. The blocking scheme with the zone left the running back looking lost and uncomfortable. The team now has a brand new offense coordinator and offensive line coach, planning a scheme that will allow McFadden flourish once again.
"I feel like everybody's up to speed. I feel like I'm up to speed with everybody. I know the blocks that they're going to make and where the holes should be," McFadden said.
The now veteran running back is approaching the season with a different mindset. He is looking to be more of a leader on the field. After a frustrating last season, he is looking to truly step up and be a bigger presence on the team.
"I feel like there was times last year, guys would like to talk a lot. It might have been at the wrong time when I was cracking jokes. I'm just being more of a vocal leader and leading for the younger guys," McFadden said.
Allen is aware that this will be a crucial season for McFadden. He is welcoming the new leadership role the running back is talking on with the team. He is praising his work ethic and how he is already showing improvement during practices.
"I don't know if I'd say I've seen anything different out of Darren. Darren's always been a guy that's come in and worked. One thing that we have addressed with him a little bit is, and it's something we've talked a lot about, is a leadership role on the team and helping that locker room. I've seen him do a nice job in that regard," Allen said.
Overall, the head coach is extremely pleased with the progress made by the team during OTAs. The Raiders have not finished with a winning record in 10 years and he believes this is the unit that can truly turn things around. He hears when the NFL experts are saying but he really likes the team and where they are headed.