When the Raiders spent the No. 4 overall pick in 2008 on Darren McFadden, they thought they were getting their version of LaDainian Tomlinson or Shaun Alexander. At the time, McFadden was viewed as a can’t-miss prospect who finished second in Heisman voting in back-to-back seasons in college.
While McFadden’s career didn’t entirely turn out as expected, he did have a few incredibly productive seasons, when healthy. The best year of his career came in 2010 when he totaled 1,664 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 13 games.
However, there were a few bad seasons for McFadden during the middle of his career. The worst was during the 2012 season when averaged just 3.27 yards per carry on 216 rushes. Only six other running backs in the decade averaged fewer than 3.3 yards per carry on 200 or more rushes during the decade.
According to ESPN, McFadden’s 2012 season was the worst season by a running back this decade per DVOA. He scored just three touchdowns on 270 offensive touches as the Raiders finished the season with a record of 4-12. Here are is the list of the worst seasons for a running back this decade according to Aaron Schatz:
5. Tashard Choice, 2011 Bills/Cowboys/Redskins (-156 DYAR)
4. Bernard Pierce, 2013 Ravens (-158 DYAR)
3. LeGarrette Blount, 2018 Lions (-163 DYAR)
2. Ray Rice, 2013 Ravens (-190 DYAR)
1. Darren McFadden, 2012 Raiders (-235 DYAR)
McFadden would continue to struggle the next two seasons before eventually leaving Oakland for Dallas. He would subsequently have a big season with the Cowboys in 2015, totaling over 1,400 yards as a part-time starter with Dallas. But unfortunately, his last few seasons in Oakland have somewhat tarnished his legacy with the Raiders.
