Darren McFadden happy with new system in Oakland

The Oakland Raiders are going back to the kind of blocking scheme that helped Darren McFadden flourish in 2010 and 2011 and the running back is excited as he enters the final year of his contract.

McFadden struggled last season under now replaced offensive coordinator Greg Knapp after enjoying two electric seasons. Greg Olson is running the offense now and he’s pledged to get away from the zone blocking scheme that didn’t suit McFadden’s style of play.

It's a downhill offense,” McFadden said, according to Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News. “That's one of the things I like about it. I'm the type of guy I like to get going downhill, so I'm looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a great fit for our team.”

McFadden is the highest-paid player on the roster with quarterback Carson Palmer now gone. He is set to earn $5.8 million in what is the final year of his rookie contract. Does he think the Raiders will come to him about an extension?

“I can't do nothing but roll with it," McFadden said. “We haven't talked about anything. I'm a Raider right now and I'm playing football and preparing for the season. That's all I can do right now.”

McFadden has a fairly lengthy injury history and the club will probably want to see him perform durably this season before considering an investment at a position where a lot of teams shy away from big guarantees.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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