Oakland Raiders' Darren McFadden

The Raiders defense is set to probably crack the top 10 this year. Jason Campbell is a legitimate quarterback brought in to replace Jamarcus Russell.

The Raiders have all kinds of talent at every other offensive skill Nnamdi Asomugha position as well. So the offensive line is the one unit that could hold the Raiders back from major contention this year.

Therefore, Cable has his work more than cut out for him. His job may very well depend on it.

In previous articles I made suggestions of trades that could make a big difference. But now, it's time to focus on what we have.

I realize Darren McFadden seems to be a hot-button topic among many Raiders fans as well as other fans throughout the league who most believe he's been a bust so far with Oakland.

However, most people fail to realize how to use his talents most effectively.

McFadden has the hands, speed and, ability to hit home runs but Oakland has really failed at giving him the opportunities to make those type of plays.

If it wasn't JaMarcus Russell throwing screens that didn't allow McFadden to catch the ball in stride, it was the offensive line giving up pressure in pass coverage and stopping him in his tracks.

Now that the Raiders have brought in an offensive coordinator who believes in the running game and understands screens and dump-off passes to his running backs are important.

McFadden has every opportunity to break out.

In this article, I'm going to use Ray Rice as a perfect example Darrius Heyward  of a player with the abilities to really impact the Baltimore offense.

Looking at his rookie stats and his second year stats we see a similar type of growth we should expect to see with McFadden this year with Hue Jackson coaching him up.

Ray Rice had 78 receptions last season with the Ravens.

McFadden has 50 in two seasons.

Rice "only" had 700 yards receiving for an average of nine yards per catch with his longest 63 yards with his 4.4 40-yard dash speed. Rice was also able to run for over 1,300 yards.

If McFadden has 78 receptions and catch the ball in stride, he's going to have several opportunities for huge gains with his 4.33 40-yard dash speed.

Last season, there were plenty of screens and dump-offs in which Louis Murphy McFadden had to completely adjust his body and come to a near complete stop to catch a pass, thus limiting his opportunity for  30-plus yard gains.

If McFadden can account for more than 1,500 yards this season, he could be a major breakout candidate.

If he goes over 2,000 combined yards like Rice, then his impact on this offense is going to be tremendous.

McFadden's a running back/wide receiver not a pure running back.

If Hue Jackson makes McFadden his Ray Rice, then McFadden will finally start earning his pay and will become the 2010 Breakout player of the Year.

Let's just hope he's finally used correctly and the offensive line provides enough protection for him to get free.