Darren McFadden’s Time Has Come

Nov 11, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders helmet awaits use prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sportsr

Bottom Line

Most of Raider Nation has given up on McFadden as a player that can help the Raiders turn things around. But I am willing to bet $10 to a glazed doughnut that McFadden will stay healthy this year and be the player he was always supposed to be. He did show us for a short period of time what he can do and his injuries aren’t chronic so he can stay healthy at some point.

The biggest reason for McFadden’s health and resurgence this year will be the offensive line opening huge holes. Jones-Drew will have a role on the team but a healthy McFadden is better than any running back in the NFL not named Adrian Peterson. The one step advantage McFadden has over Jones- Drew is the difference between a seven-yard run and a 77-yard run.

If not for any other reason, McFadden will stay healthy just because Jones-Drew is now with the Raiders. If you look back at players that had injury problems, it seems like the player senses he’s being replaced and does something to say healthy. But most of the time in the case of a supremely talented player with good character, his time just comes.

And as that time comes, with the defense and passing game as it is, so comes the time of the Oakland Raiders.

I have to admit that I’m pretty nervous on that toothpick-sized limb though!

Just win baby!