How Latavius Murray Changes Everything for the Oakland Raiders
By Vic Lopez
Nov 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson (24) celebrates with defensive end Benson Mayowa (95) and safety Larry Asante (42) after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (not pictured) at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Impact on the Defense
Human emotion can be a double-edged sword. You can let emotion tear you down, or you can use that emotion and rise above.
The Oakland Raiders Defense were playing with some emotion on Thursday night, and they let the whole world know that they came to play.
What sparked that emotion? How about two huge Touchdown runs from Raiders running back Latavius Murray.
Say what you will, but a team or defense that believes it can Win, is one hell of a motivated defense. That is what Murray provided for the Oakland Raiders defense against the Chiefs on Thursday.
By putting the offense on his back and putting points on the board, Latavius Murray single handily allowed the defense to play free for maybe the first time this season. Playing with a lead takes the immense pressure off the defense, allowing them to not have to worry about playing perfect.
A defense that knows its offense can score points, can now play in attack mode. And attack is what they did. This Raiders defense was flying to the ball and may have played their best game of the season.
To contain Jamal Charles on the ground was impressive, especially given the fact that Charles just lit up the defending Super Bowl champs last week.
On a defense that lacks great depth, Latavius Murray and a strong run game could help this defense play at its best every week.