This seems like a horrendous idea, but it's June, the time of year when no suggestion, no matter how ludicrous, isn't dismissed out of hand. Hashmarks' Bill Williamson writes that Raiders "head coach" Lane Kiffin told reporters Thursday that fourth-overall pick Darren McFadden is among the candidates to return kicks for the upcoming season. Williamson adds:
Kiffin said during the Raiders' minicamp last week that he has to be careful not to use McFadden too much. Using him as a kick returner -- in addition to utilizing him as a receiver -- may qualify as too much.I'm sure legions of Raiders fans are against the idea, but the Patriots had Laurence Maroney returning kicks his rookie season, and the Vikings occasionally did the same with Purple Jesus last year. And both players came out of the experience injury-free.
Yes, McFadden is a burner and he'd be a fine return man. But he has bigger fish to fry. McFadden is going to be a dynamic running back and receiver. The Raiders may decide not to risk him getting hurt as a returner, even though it will surely be tempting.
For a team that needs all the scoring help it can get, having McFadden return kicks and this guy return punts would be a good start. That said, I don't see it happening.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-14-2008 @ 11:47PM
George B Vieto said...
Unless Lane Kiffin belives in getting a head coaching somewhere else he would be wise to keep Darren McFadden off the special teams unit and use his talents as a running back or wide reciver.
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