Oakland Raiders 2014 Season Countdown: Offense

Dec 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) hands off the ball to running back Darren McFadden (20) during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACK

This group has the most to prove going into Training Camp. The Raiders head into 2014 with plenty of talent and questions at the Running Back position. Darren McFadden is back for another year of teasing. If he plays all 16 games this year it will be a miracle and also the first time in his 7 year career . They signed free agent Maurice Jones Drew this offseason. But he is coming off his worst year as a pro, a year in which he seriously contemplated retirement, feeling like he was slow and old. Was he right about himself or will he rebound playing in his hometown, for his favorite team? This offseason the Raiders also signed CFL Champion and Grey Cup MVP, Kory Sheets. Defensive players have recently had a successful transition from the CFL to the NFL, it remains to be seen if that holds true for a 29-year-old running back, coming off the most touches of his career. 2013 draft pick Latavius Murray showed some flashes last year before he got hurt. Can he stay healthy and does he have the skills, are questions we hope to be answered in 2014.

Jeremy Stewart and rookie George Atkinson III round out the current roster at Running Back. The Raiders don’t need some huge star to run the ball. They need someone who can be healthy and consistent. Someone on this roster needs to step up and take the reins. Who knows who it will be, but it needs to happen. I frankly don’t care who it is, but I think they cast a far enough net, assembled a good enough group, that someone will rise to the top. The Raiders have not had a 1,000 yard rusher, since McFadden did it in 2010 (playing in only 13 games).

FULL BACK

As noted in a previous Just Blog Baby post by Shane Schilenpoort, we have the best Fullback in the NFL, now we just need to utilize him. People always calling him a matchup nightmare, but then he doesn’t get any touches in a game is growing old. Perhaps the veteran QB will be more savy in letting his plays develop and getting him the ball. Either way, he needs more touches, because good things happen when he does.