The Oakland Raiders have made several roster moves this offseason for the better, while gaining media attention along with some high expectations for the upcoming season. Improvements to defense and offense have been made, however many expected the silver and black to address the running back position and add another back to accompany Latavius Murray.
So, with the Raiders failing to do so, what can we expect from Murray this year, and do they have enough power for the run game?
First, let’s look at Murray’s stats from last season.
In 2015, Murray was given the majority of carries after an impressive performance in 2014. He had 266 carries for 1,066 yards, and six touchdowns, while averaging four yards per carry and 66.6 yards per game.
He was ranked sixth best among rushing yard leaders with his 1,066 yards. An impressive feat for a first year starter such as Murray.
Overall, the Raiders ground game was solid last year. Ranked thirteenth in the league with 1,678 yards, 12 touchdowns and an average of 4.1 yards per carry.
Now this offense will be vastly different in 2016. They don’t have to rely on the run game as they have in previous seasons due to a less than mediocre quarterback and a lack of a supportig cast. The Raiders run game is a huge compliment to the passing game, which may be more flashy, but good teams are solid in both the pass and the run.
The Raiders weren’t in need of another running back. They have Murray who is more than serviceable, as well as Marcel Reece and Jamize Olawale. The front office went ahead and addressed other needs via draft and free agency that are going to immediately help this team and fill some much needed pieces to the puzzle.
With a well balanced offense featuring key targets for Derek Carr, the silver and black will have several options for play makers on every down to march their way downfield.
They have key players in place, a solid foundation to continue to build on, and players who contribute all around.
Some were puzzled as to why the Raiders didn’t get a big name running back to switch off with Murray, but in reality it wasn’t a dire need and would have been a waste in the salary cap. The run game is going to be fine with Murray leading the way and building off his 2015 season.
This Raiders team has a lot of momentum and expectations moving forward. The chemistry among the players during OTA’s and throughout last season goes a long way. They will competitive this season, and make a serious run for the AFC West.