From Worst to First: Turning Around the Oakland Raiders in Madden

[tru11]

marcel reece is 1 of the best weapons in madden.
he can line up at RB/FB/TE and create mismatches all day in the passing game.

also latavius murray is already the RB you need to build around.
95 carry !!!!!

on defense you also have sio moore, hayden, mcgill and branch who you can also build around.

[kcsam]

Go Raiders

[btvs]

Raiders are actually a good team to start a CFM with. If look past all the old free agents they signed there is a ton of young talent on the team.

[RogueHominid]

A switch to an attack 34 might be a good idea with OAK, too,

Mack thrives in that scheme (8 sacks in 5 games for me thus far), and Moore is a very competent player as an occasional rusher (70+ power move), as a zone defender, and in coverage in the nickel and dime scheme.

Long-term, playing Hayden, Carrie, and McGill could lead to two or even all three of those guys contributing as starters at CB. All have great press ability and adequate to above adequate speed.

For offense, finding a playbook with lots of opportunities for Reece is also important. SF has some good FB screens, flats plays, and downfield wheel and streak routes for the FB that are ideal for Reece's skill set.

[WelshWizard]

Quote: Originally Posted by Trojan Man

A switch to an attack 34 might be a good idea with OAK, too, Mack thrives in that scheme (8 sacks in 5 games for me thus far), and Moore is a very competent player as an occasional rusher (70+ power move), as a zone defender, and in coverage in the nickel and dime scheme. Long-term, playing Hayden, Carrie, and McGill could lead to two or even all three of those guys contributing as starters at CB. All have great press ability and adequate to above adequate speed. For offense, finding a playbook with lots of opportunities for Reece is also important. SF has some good FB screens, flats plays, and downfield wheel and streak routes for the FB that are ideal for Reece's skill set.

Great post.

3-4 would suit as Mack is a big pass rush threat and as you say Moore could help out the odd time.

Downside to making the switch is some of the DL is undersized but there are some 3-4 types lower down the depth chart such as NT Ellis and DE C.J Wilson. Woodley, Tuck and Smith are all close to Regression in Madden so the time to switch is perfect.

Adding more to the LBs group and change the DL to suit the 3-4 would be your main aims if your going down the 3-4 route.

Will have to check out the SF FB plays

[WingedLion14]

I'd also take a look at the WCO if I were you. I use it with the Giants and am constantly throwing to Hynoski. And depending on what you're looking for with the rest of your playbook, it might be a good fit.

[RogueHominid]

Quote: Originally Posted by WelshWizard

Great post. 3-4 would suit as Mack is a big pass rush threat and as you say Moore could help out the odd time. Downside to making the switch is some of the DL is undersized but there are some 3-4 types lower down the depth chart such as NT Ellis and DE C.J Wilson. Woodley, Tuck and Smith are all close to Regression in Madden so the time to switch is perfect. Adding more to the LBs group and change the DL to suit the 3-4 would be your main aims if your going down the 3-4 route. Will have to check out the SF FB plays

Quote: Originally Posted by WelshWizard

Great post. 3-4 would suit as Mack is a big pass rush threat and as you say Moore could help out the odd time. Downside to making the switch is some of the DL is undersized but there are some 3-4 types lower down the depth chart such as NT Ellis and DE C.J Wilson. Woodley, Tuck and Smith are all close to Regression in Madden so the time to switch is perfect. Adding more to the LBs group and change the DL to suit the 3-4 would be your main aims if your going down the 3-4 route. Will have to check out the SF FB plays

I moved Smith to RDE, where he performs well, and kept CJ Wilson at DE, as he's more of a natural size/speed/strength fit for 34 DE than 43 DE. I moved Woodley and Mayowa to backup OLB spots and put Sims at NT, where his skill set and size make enough sense.

Thus, the only player I'm playing totally out of position for year one is Tuck, and he's got 85 STR or so, so he's not terrible in that role, esp. given that he's only there for one year.

The ILB position will have to be addressed, but Roach is holding his own there for me.

Re: the FB, SF has good stuff in their I-form sets working off of motion. There's motion to wheel and motion to flats.

I'd also highly suggest putting Reece at 3rd down back. He has 90 speed and excellent catching and route running ability that rivals even that of receiving specialist halfbacks. Plus he has tremendous size. Finding a way to get him the ball often is crucial for taking advantage of OAK's roster.

[RyanXGrindle]

In my second year with that Raiders. Had a pretty good first year. The first thing I did was move Mack to left DE. Not a huge reach, hes big enough, and is a pass rusher anyway. Brought Bruce Campbell back to play RT. Other then that kept the team pretty much intact on offense. Anyone who is starting MJD, or DMC is messing up, Latavious Murry is a beast, and progresses crazy quick. Got Malcolm Smith to play OLB, and Mo Claiborne to help with corner depth.