Raider Nation Questions and Concerns: Does the Zone Blocking Scheme Fit Darren McFadden?

Elias Trejo – Sep 14, 2012

Every week I'll be taking and responding to the Raider Nation's questions and concerns. After a loss to the San Diego Chargers on opening night, there were many concerns coming from the Raider Nation. Many feel the game against the Miami Dolphins is a must win game. Let's take a look at some of the questions from the fans. 

Salvador Guerra (@chavaguerra): I am worried about Knapp's play calling and zone blocking scheme and i'm not sure if this suits McFadden.

That is a resonable concern after the first game's performance by the Raiders offense and running game. I think first and foremost we need to give credit to the Chargers defense. They did a good job of adjusting and stopping the run early in the second half. I think as the season progresses you'll see improvement by the offense and the running game. Carson Palmer and Greg Knapp took what the defense gave them on Monday Night. They took DHB away and made the other receivers try and beat them. The blocking scheme will be fine and this offense will continue to improve. It has to, as the next three games are giong to be tough ones for the Raiders. 

GibbyThePoo (@GibbyThePoo)  Any chance the powers that be in Oakland will realize that McFadden will not thrive in the ZBS and Ax Knapp?

Again, I think it is way too early to be worried about the offense after one week. This game would have been winnable had their not been issues with the special teams. The one unit I would be more worried about however is the special teams. Beside the bad snaps on the punting after Jon Condo went down, they haven't really looked great in the kicking and coverage game. The offense will be good as they are led by a veteran coach, a veteran quarterback and have a strong running back. The production from the receivers and tight ends needs to improve. Getting Marcel Reece more involved will be crucial as well. I don't think Knapp will lose his job anytime soon. Maybe later on down the road if the struggles continue he may be stripped of play calling duties and those could be given to Al Saunders, but even that is unlikely. 

Manuel Alexander (@Manuel_Tena): What are the chances #Raiders bring in another veteran WR, and which one would it be?

Reggie McKenzie said that he isn't interested in bringing in another veteran wide receiver at the moment in an interview with local beat writers. Derek Hagan was his veteran acquisition last week and he feels comfortable with five receivers. It's a bit of an interesting comment by McKenzie as I believe they should add at least one of the three big name guys on the market. Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson and Plaxico Burress are still available. I think two of those three guys will be signed before week six of the regular season.McKenzie feels good about the Raiders young receivers and he should. Darrius Heyward-Bey is only 25, Denarius Moore is 23, Rod Streater is 24 and Juron Criner is 22. If these guys can continue to play strong they'll have a solid unit for years to come without too many veterans taking their reps. If another injury does occur it would leave McKenzie with no other choice but to look for another WR, but for now he's good. 

Mike Rangel (@corona_mike): Is this season Palmer's last stand if he doesn't perform?

That is an interesting question. I think for Palmer to not come back to Oakland the Raiders would have to lose 10 games this season and he would either have to suffer a bad injury or throw 30 interceptions. This regime is all about continuity and having a solid core. Palmer is a good quarterback and probably one of the best one's we've had since Rich Gannon. One of the encouraging things about the Chargers game is that Palmer didn't force any pass and throw interceptions. He took what the defense gave him and that is what we need him to do. The return of Denarius Moore will help the offense and Palmer spread the field. I think he'll be back in Oakland for a few more years. 

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