The Raiders need Darren McFadden more than ever

September 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) runs with the football against Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Nothing excites me more as a Raider fan, than seeing No. 20 cross the end zone line like he did last week against the Texans, even if it was in a meaningless rout.

Unfortunately injuries and inconsistency have made Darren McFadden touchdown moments more of an irregularity over the past few seasons. However, the Raiders need Darren McFadden now more than ever.

The obvious answer is the fact that recently acquired running back Maurice Jones Drew is still recovering from injury, but the truth is McFadden can be a bright spot in what could turn out to be a dark season for the Raiders.

McFadden is one of the few hold-overs from previous regimes. In many ways, the explosive former first rounder embodies many principles of the old regime, by being more fast and explosive than he is durable or tough.

Yet in other ways, McFadden is the bridge between the old Raider way and the new regime. The former pro-bowler took less money to stay and compete with the team that drafted him.

Even when the Raiders signed competition for McFadden, he embraced the addition of Jones-Drew. Instead of McFadden becoming a distraction, he put his head down and competed like the new regime wants the entire team to do.This is the type of example young Raiders on both sides of the ball can learn from.

Football wise, any Raider fan can tell you the excitement No. 20 brings to the game when he is healthy. He is a solid blocker, pass catcher, down-hill runner, and a home-run threat in the line-up.

No matter how many times McFadden touches the ball, the Raiders will need him to be a game changer. In his new role as change of pace back to starter Jones Drew, McFadden is one of the best second string tailbacks in the game. Whenever his number is called, due to injury or inconsistencies, McFadden must show the world he can still dominate.

Despite getting the start last week, it did take him a while to get into rhythm against the Texans. Once he did find his rhythm, he reminded fans of the hope McFadden has given us over the years when there was none.

Whatever his role is, the Raiders are going to need Darren McFadden to be ready. As an occasional fullback, wide receiver, wild cat quarterback, or kick returner McFadden must be a play-maker.

Especially if the Raiders suffer another lost season, nothing will be more rewarding than seeing McFadden succeed and proving he can play at a high level. His prior success combined with his engagement with Raider fans on social media make him a fan favorite.

If his body does not betray him, McFadden owes it to fans to prove he and the Raiders are still relevant. The Raiders will need McFadden to salvage an injury-filled career and hopefully the Raiders season in the process.

Sure McFadden’s hope has turned out to be fools’ gold the past few seasons, but in a 2014 season desperate for bright spots, the Raiders need McFadden to shine. With so many fallen draft picks over the years, Raider fans deserve to see at least one of our hold-over draft picks prove their worth.