Raiders vs. Broncos: Darren McFadden Turning into Star We've Been Waiting for

We've been waiting for Darren McFadden to emerge in the National Football League, the former Arkansas star who was picked fourth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

His ascension up the NFL ranks was delayed for two years, constantly battling injuries and never able to display his full capabilities.

But now, a season after McFadden rushed for over 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns, the 24-year-old's hard work after a rough beginning appears to be paying off.

Now apparently fully healthy, McFadden blistered an underrated Denver Broncos defense on Monday, rushing 20 times for 147 yards as the fourth quarter got underway.

We've always known McFadden had it in him; he was one of the most hyped running backs in years when he entered the draft.

It's just that he frankly disappeared for a couple years, through no fault of his own. He was limited, missed games and found himself on a horrible Raiders squad.

But the McFadden we have been waiting for has arrived, and what a sight it was on Monday. He made cut-backs on a dime, powered through defenders and showed remarkable poise and patience running through the holes of the offensive line.

If the Raiders contend for the division again this season, despite having a mediocre passing game, all the credit in the world should go to McFadden, a player who never gave up when the odds were against him.

McFadden embodies the spirit of the old Raiders under head coach John Madden: a blue-collar workhorse who never quits.