Patriots Focusing On McFadden
BOSTON (CBS) - The Oakland Raiders run the ball. It's that simple. They hand the ball off to their all-world running back Darren McFadden, and he takes it from there.
So far, McFadden has rushed for a league best 393 yards on 61 carries. The Patriots say they are getting ready to stop him.
"Everybody knows he's fast, everybody knows he's elusive," said Patriots defensive end Andre Carter. "He's a play-maker and definitely one of those offensive weapons you have to be alert for. You gotta be aware of where he's positioned and you have to gang tackle, constantly gang tackle. If you don't, from the games we have watched, he can make plays."
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One guy familiar with McFadden is Jerod Mayo. The Patriots linebacker was at Tennessee when McFadden was running the rock for Arkansas. Mayo remembers those college battles (they had two) and says he's ready for another one this week.
"He's a big guy and he's fast," said Mayo. "[He] has a great stiff arm and he can catch the ball out of the backfield -- very explosive player. I have a little bit of a history with him. Good player and it will be a challenge for us."
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Mayo said he had one piece of advice for all his teammates when it comes to stopping the back.
"Just everybody to the football. We want the backside corner to the ball – we want everyone there," he said. "It's all about rallying to the football when a guy like McFadden has the ball. Like I said, he poses a great threat every time he touches the ball."
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Easier said than done, but the Pats will give it their best come Sunday.
Tune in to the Patriots-Raiders game Sunday at 4:15 pm on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV. Tune in to Patriots Gameday at 11:30am on WBZ-TV and The Sports Hub's pregame coverage, beginning at 1:00 pm. After the game tune in to the Postgame show on 98.5, and to Patriots Fifth Quarter on TV38.
