Latavius Murray had the best game of his two year career in the second half against the San Diego Chargers, posting the Oakland Raiders best rushes of the game on the team’s best drive in a offensive performance that had few positives other than Murray’s gains on the ground.
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Murray had 43 yards on four carries in the second half, busting through the offensive line and giving the Raiders their only success in the run game. Albeit against a Chargers defense that was more worn out in the second half, but still a performance that showed that Murray should be getting touches over Maurice Jones-Drew, who has been averaging just two yards per carry this season.
To no surprise, those who cover the Raiders have been calling for Murray’s extended playing time over the past 24 hours following his impressive performance as it is clear the second year back deserves a look over MJD.
Only takes 7 touches for Latavius Murray to show Maurice Jones Drew should be third string. #Raiders #RaiderNation http://t.co/Dc4LLW5NcR
— James (@OaklandAboveAll) November 17, 2014
#Raiders have to start Latavius Murray now. They have to. Might cause some grumbles in the locker room, but others aren't getting job done.
— Christopher Hansen (@ChrisHansenNFL) November 17, 2014
Okay, give the youngster the damn snaps. Murray beastin
— Just Blog Baby (@JustBlogBaby) November 16, 2014
It needs to be said that excitement over Murray’s big day needs to be approached cautiously as it was just a four carry day for a player who has showed little explosiveness in the return game and had a key drop in the second half as well. At the very least Murray’s performance needs to lead to the sitting of Jones-Drew, who clearly is providing no upside to the Raiders. Darren McFadden’s experience in blocking should keep him as the starter, but going forward it needs to be a one-two punch in the Raiders backfield with Murray gradually getting more snaps as the team needs to evaluate their young back.