Right now the Oakland Raiders are simply dealing with too many offensive injuries, and McFadden is their only real threat.
Yes, every team deals with injuries—some more than others—but the Raiders can't afford to try and overcome any more adversity. Per Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times:
The Raiders have been thin at wide receiver for most of training camp, with Denarius Moore and Eddie McGee missing considerable time with hamstring injuries. Well, the news that Jacoby Ford is going to miss some time with a sprained foot doesn’t do much to help the situation.
Same goes for running back, where Mike Goodson is recovering from weakness in his shoulders as a result of a hit against the Cardinals and Jones still hasn’t made it back from his lingering hamstring injury.
That's four key players needed to help quarterback Carson Palmer spread the field against a tough schedule. In turn, McFadden becomes a stronger emphasis for opponents to zero in on throughout 2012.
Defenses Won't Respect the Pass Nearly as Much
The Raiders' passing game certainly has potential with a healthy Ford and Moore, and especially so when you consider rookie Juron Criner.
Both Ford and Moore possess the speed to stretch out any defense and prevent that extra defender from loading the box to stop McFadden. Criner is impressive at getting yards after the catch, but being a rookie, he still must prove development.
Now, though, we can anticipate defenses playing more Cover 2 against the Raiders and acknowledging all bases to shutdown McFadden. Criner will always see single coverage and more run blitzing will occur up the middle.
Palmer displayed some promise for 2012 after his return in 2011, when you discount the four picks against Green Bay. Unfortunately, his preseason has bee...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
